Taiwan’s presidential office said Sunday it would not compromise on freedom and democracy after China Xi Jinping opened the party congress with a speech that addressed the island nation.

What happened: On 20 National Congress of the Chinese Communist PartyXi said his country will never renounce the right to use force to resolve the Taiwan issue, but seek a peaceful solution.

“Resolving the Taiwan issue is up to the Chinese people, and the decision is up to the Chinese people,” he said to Reuters.

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“We insist on pursuing the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and best efforts, but we will never promise to refrain from the use of force, reserving the option of taking any measures necessary,” he added.

Xi reportedly highlighted his government’s “achievement” in Hong Kong, saying, “The historic wheels of national reunification and national rejuvenation are rolling forward, and the full reunification of the motherland must be achieved!” followed by a long applause from his party members.

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Now President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wenback to the office reaffirmed their demand for mutual peace in the Taiwan Strait. It said: “Taiwan’s position is firm: no withdrawal of national sovereignty, no compromise on democracy and freedom, and meeting on the battlefield is absolutely not an option for the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.”

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