Xi Jinping says China will not permit loss of 'any piece' of land in warning to India, Japan and Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a tough line on national sovereignty, amid multiple territorial disputes with his country's neighbours, saying China will never permit the loss of 'any piece' of its land to outsiders.

In a stern warning to its border nations, President Xi added that China would never 'swallow the bitter fruit of damage'.

During the speech, President Xi made it clear that the government is in complete control of its vast army, quoting Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China.

Reiterating the late Chairman's words, he said: 'Our principle is that the party commands the guns, and the guns must never be allowed to command the party.'

'We absolutely will not permit any person, any organization, any political party - at any time, in any form - to separate any piece of Chinese territory from China,' Xi said to applause.

China is currently engaged in a weeks-long border standoff with Indian forces near the countries' disputed border high in the Himalayas & in a contest with Japan & five other governments over competing claims to territory in the strategically vital South China Sea.

UCJ, UNILORIN.