Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers his speech during a welcoming dinner, ahead of celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Macao’s handover from Portugal to China, in Macau, China, December 19, 2024. Anthony Kwan/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Xi Jinping Reaffirms Commitment to Taiwan “Reunification” in New Year’s Speech
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a resolute message on Tuesday, emphasizing that no force could prevent China’s “reunification” with Taiwan. Speaking in a televised New Year’s address, Xi underscored Beijing’s claim over the self-governed island, which China considers part of its territory, while warning pro-independence forces both within and outside Taiwan.
Xi’s Call for Unity
Xi described the people of Taiwan and mainland China as “one family” bound by historical and cultural ties. “No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification,” he said in remarks broadcast by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
This echoes Xi’s New Year’s speech from 2022, in which he stated that Taiwan’s reunification with China is inevitable and called for shared efforts to achieve the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait
Xi’s speech follows a year of escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, marked by frequent incursions of Chinese warships and aircraft into Taiwan’s surrounding waters and airspace. Taiwanese officials view these actions as part of a strategy to “normalize” China’s military presence near the island.
In response, Taiwan has steadfastly rejected Beijing’s claims, asserting that its future can only be decided by its 23 million citizens. “Beijing ought to respect the choice of the Taiwanese people,” the island’s government has stated.
Provocations and Military Maneuvers
- Military Exercises: China conducted two rounds of war games around Taiwan in 2023, framing them as warnings against what it calls “separatist acts.” Beijing also staged a large naval presence in the East and South China Seas following a visit by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to Hawaii and Guam, which drew sharp criticism from Beijing.
- Threats of Force: Beijing has not renounced the use of force to assert control over Taiwan, and its military maneuvers are widely viewed as signals of its readiness to escalate further if provoked.
U.S.-China Relations and Taiwan
The U.S., governed by the Taiwan Relations Act, continues to sell arms to Taiwan, straining its already tenuous ties with Beijing. China has frequently condemned such actions, imposing sanctions on American military contractors and their executives involved in the arms sales.
Beijing has also warned Washington against fostering closer military ties with Taiwan, which it views as interference in China’s internal affairs.
Outlook
Xi’s speech underscores Beijing’s unwavering commitment to Taiwan’s reunification and its readiness to escalate measures to counter perceived separatist threats. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to assert its sovereignty, bolstered by U.S. support, setting the stage for prolonged tension in the Taiwan Strait.
The international community will watch closely as the delicate balance between diplomatic efforts and military posturing continues to shape the future of cross-strait relations.
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