China has stayed committed to the great cause of peaceful reunification of the motherland over the past 40 years, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a keynote speech delivered at a gathering marking the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up in Beijing on Tuesday. 

"China has implemented the basic principle of 'one country, two systems' and resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and Macao," Xi said. 

"We have upheld the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, strengthened cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation and promoted the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations," Xi noted. "We have resolutely opposed and deterred separatist elements advocating 'Taiwan independence'." 

Xi also said the Chinese people have developed a stronger sense of identification with the Chinese nation and culture and a firmer resolve to pursue the China Dream together.