We must 'stay true to the mission', Xi says

President vows to safeguard sovereignty, stresses opposition to 'Taiwan independence' and promises that China will neither make nor fear trouble

President Xi Jinping vowed with a rare serious tone to safeguard sovereignty and territorial security on Friday, ahead of the decision in the arbitration case over China's maritime claims, as the ruling Communist Party of China celebrated its 95th birthday.

"No foreign country ... should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests," said Xi, who is also head of the CPC. He added that China will neither make trouble nor be afraid of trouble.