Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Photo: open sources
In his New Year’s address on 31 December, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that no one can stop the process of China’s “reunification” with Taiwan. In his speech, he issued a clear warning to the forces advocating the island’s independence, stressing the inviolability of China’s historic path to reunification, Reuters reports.
“People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family ties, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification,” Xi Jinping said, saying that Taiwan’s “reunification” with China is inevitable.
Taiwan, which has a democratic government, rejects China’s claims to its territorial integrity. The island’s government maintains that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future, and calls on Beijing to respect the choice of its people. Tensions in the region have remained high throughout the year, particularly after Lai Ching-jeou, considered a “separatist” in China, became Taiwan’s new president.
Over the past year, China has increased its military pressure on Taiwan, sending warships and aircraft into the island’s surrounding waters and airspace on a daily basis. Taiwan perceives these actions as part of Beijing’s efforts to “normalise” its military presence in the region.
In response to Taiwan’s actions, China has repeatedly conducted military manoeuvres around the island, including two major military operations in 2023, which were officially described as warnings against “separatist acts”. Beijing has also repeatedly warned the United States of the consequences of military support for Taiwan, including arms sales under the Taiwan Relations Act, and has imposed sanctions on arms suppliers and their directors.
Xi Jinping also stressed the importance of the common goal of both peoples – “to glorify the revival of the Chinese nation” – and expressed confidence that this process is not only inevitable but also necessary for the future of China.
