‘Goal Is Total Dominance:’ Republican Lawmakers React to Xi’s Speech, Taiwan Remarks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (C) is applauded by senior members of the government and delegates as he walks to the podium to make a speech during the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress in Beijing, China, on Oct. 16, 2022. Xi is expected to secure a third term in power. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

U.S. lawmakers have levied criticism against China’s communist leader Xi Jinping following a speech on Oct. 16 in which he swore Taiwan would be united with the mainland by any means necessary.

Xi delivered the two-hour speech as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began its 20^th Party Congress, which takes place every five years. Xi downplayed the widespread suffering and economic fallout of his so-called zero-COVID policies and vowed to force Taiwan into unification with China.