China’s President Xi Jinping has declared that “no one can stop” the unification with Taiwan, emphasizing the historical inevitability of reunification in his New Year’s address.
“Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our blood ties, and no one can stop the historical trend of the reunification of the motherland,” Xi stated during a speech broadcast on state media Tuesday.
Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has maintained it will not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification.
In recent months, China has ramped up pressure on Taiwan, conducting three rounds of large-scale military drills since President Lai Ching-te took office in May. Taiwanese officials reported that the most recent exercises, conducted earlier this month, were the largest in years. Beijing has not officially commented on the operations.
Xi’s remarks come just weeks before Donald Trump is set to assume office as President of the United States. Taiwan remains a critical flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Although Washington does not formally recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, it is Taiwan’s largest arms supplier and a key strategic partner.
The U.S.-China relationship could face further strain following Trump’s inauguration on January 20, as the president-elect has pledged to impose additional tariffs on China, citing what he describes as unfair trade practices. Beijing has consistently denied these allegations.
