Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at a gathering to commemorate the 40th anniversary of issuing Message to Compatriots in Taiwan, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 2, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

　　BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- A gathering started Wednesday morning at the Great Hall of the People to commemorate the 40th anniversary of issuing Message to Compatriots in Taiwan.