Xi says no one can stop China’s ‘reunification’ with Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping asserted in his New Year’s address on Tuesday that no force can prevent China’s “reunification” with Taiwan, issuing a stern warning to those he considers pro-independence advocates both on the island and abroad.

Over the past year, Beijing has intensified its military activities near Taiwan, frequently deploying warships and aircraft into the surrounding waters and airspace, which Taiwanese officials interpret as a gradual attempt to establish a permanent military presence.

China views Taiwan, which operates under a democratic government, as part of its territory. However, Taiwan’s administration firmly disputes these claims, stating that only its citizens have the authority to determine their future and that Beijing must honor the choices made by the Taiwanese people.

Xi emphasized in his televised speech on China’s state broadcaster CCTV, “The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification.”

In his New Year’s address from the previous year, Xi declared that China’s “reunification” with Taiwan is unavoidable, urging people on both sides to unite in a shared purpose and partake in the revival of the Chinese nation.

Tensions have remained elevated throughout the year in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, particularly following the election of Lai Ching-te, who is labeled a “separatist” by Beijing, as Taiwan’s new president in May.

Earlier this month, China conducted a significant deployment of naval forces in the vicinity of Taiwan and throughout the East and South China Seas, following Lai’s stopover in Hawaii and Guam during a Pacific trip that drew criticism from Beijing.

China, which has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan, has carried out two sets of military exercises around the island this year, framing them as warnings against “separatist actions” and pledging to take additional measures if necessary.

The ongoing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, permitted under the Taiwan Relations Act, have further complicated Beijing’s relationship with Washington.

China has consistently cautioned the U.S. against establishing any military connections with Taiwan and has imposed sanctions on military suppliers and their executives.