Beijing will leave no room for any form of “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, one of Beijing’s most senior leaders said on Saturday, marking the 80th anniversary of the island’s return from Japanese rule.

“[We] must continue to deepen cross-strait exchanges and integration, and foster a shared sense of Chinese national identity.”

Beijing’s ratification of the day was seen as another move to assert its sovereignty over the self-ruled island.

“[Ratifying Taiwan Restoration Day] demonstrates the Chinese Communist Party’s steadfast commitment to its historical mission and its unwavering determination to achieve the complete reunification of the motherland,” state news agency Xinhua quoted Wang as saying.