In a New Year’s address broadcast across China on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping delivered a defiant message: “No one can stop” the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China. The declaration comes at a time of escalating military drills and geopolitical friction in the Taiwan Strait.
“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 asserted in his televised speech, solidifying Beijing’s stance on the self-ruled island.
Intensified Pressure on Taiwan
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over the island. In recent years, China has amplified its military activities around Taiwan, particularly since the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in May.
Taiwanese officials reported that the latest round of Chinese military drills, held earlier this month, were the largest in years. While Beijing has not formally commented on the scale or intent of these exercises, they underscore China’s growing pressure on the democratic island.
Taiwan at the Center of US-China Tensions
Xi’s speech comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions with the United States, Taiwan’s largest arms supplier and strategic ally. While Washington does not formally recognize Taiwan diplomatically, it remains committed to supporting the island’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act.
The already fraught US-China relationship faces further strain as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20. Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices—a claim the Chinese government denies. The incoming administration’s stance on Taiwan could further inflame tensions, as the island remains a critical flashpoint in US-China relations.
A Historical Crossroads
Xi’s rhetoric signals Beijing’s unwavering commitment to its long-standing goal of reunification. However, the rising military presence around Taiwan and the island’s growing ties with the US have raised alarms about a potential conflict.
With Taiwan’s strategic importance as a democratic stronghold in the Asia-Pacific and a cornerstone of global semiconductor production, its future will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of US-China relations in the coming years.