India, Oct. 5 -- In his National Day address marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, President Xi Jinping reiterated a familiar but forceful message: Taiwan cannot be independent. His words-delivered at a reception in Beijing's Great Hall of the People-were unequivocal: China will "resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities and external interference" and "firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Xi's statement is grounded in the Chinese Communist Party's longstanding claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, Beijing has maintained that Taiwan's status is not up for negotiation. Xi's speech, delivere...