China’s president spoke during the 50th anniversary of China’s return to the United Nations. According to state news agency Xinhua, Xi Jinping said China would always be the “builder of world peace” and a “protector of international order.”

       Xi Jinping said: “China resolutely opposes all forms of hegemony and power politics, unilateralism and protectionism.”

       The leader of China called for greater global cooperation on terrorism and climate change, despite confirming he will not attend the Cop26 summit in Glasgow.

       In 1971, the UN voted to recognise the People’s Republic of China as the only representative of China, expelling Taiwan.

       However, Taiwan’s foreign ministry has urged for the UN to allow its “meaningful participation”, adding the island had never been part of the People’s Republic.

       They commented further, stating the government had no right to represent the island’s people.

       The ministry called on the United Nations not to exclude Taiwan, they said: “not to repeatedly succumb to the political pressure of the Chinese government.”

       However, in recent months China's relationship with Taiwan has worsened.

       Beijing’s dispute with Taiwan stems from claims the country is a part of China’s sovereign territory - a claim which the democratically ruled island vehemently denies.

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       Taiwan is mainly accepted as an independent state due to having its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.

       However, its current political status still remains unclear. Taiwan opposes Chinese reunification and rule from Beijing.

       President Xi Jinping has expressed his aims to annex the island by suggesting there is “no room for any form of Taiwan independence,” and has not ruled out using force to achieve his goals.

       Dr Nick Bisley, from La Trobe University in Australia said: “Xi Jinping has made a very public and very clear signal that says Taiwan is not a problem that will be passed down to the next generation.”

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       During the summer months, Chinese fighter jets and combat ships conducted almost daily joint assault drills near Taiwan which it claimed was vital to protect its authority.