Xi Jinping has promised that China will “ride the mighty east wind of the new era” and “charge forward with a full tank”, in a patriotic speech that parted decisively with the previous era of caution in Beijing’s foreign relations.

In televised remarks to close the National People’s Congress, the rubber-stamp legislature held every year, the Chinese president lauded the country’s historic “rejuvenation” but warned against moves to undermine its unity.

“Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and realising the complete reunification of the country are the common aspirations of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation,” he said, alluding to Beijing’s longstanding goal of taking back the breakaway territory of Taiwan. “All acts and tricks to split China are doomed to failure and will be condemned by the people and punished by history.”