The Blubber

Xi Jinping Reaffirms Commitment to Taiwan "Reunification" in New Year's Address

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China's resolve to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan during his New Year's speech on Tuesday, issuing a stark warning to pro-independence advocates both on the island and abroad. Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, has been at the center of escalating tensions between Beijing and Taipei.

Beijing's Increasing Military Pressure

Over the past year, China's military has intensified its activities near Taiwan, with daily deployments of warships and aircraft into the region. Taiwanese officials view this as an effort to "normalize" China's military presence in its waters and airspace.

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, but Taiwan’s government firmly rejects Beijing's claims. Taiwanese leaders maintain that the island’s future should be determined solely by its people, urging China to respect their democratic choice.

Xi's Strong Statements on Taiwan

"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," Xi declared in a speech broadcast on China's state-run CCTV.

In his previous New Year's address, Xi emphasized that Taiwan's "reunification" was inevitable and urged both sides to share in the vision of a rejuvenated Chinese nation.

Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait

Tensions have remained high throughout the year, particularly after Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a "separatist," assumed Taiwan's presidency in May. Earlier this month, China massed naval forces around Taiwan and in adjacent seas following Lai’s stopovers in Hawaii and Guam during a Pacific tour, actions criticized by Beijing.

China, which has never ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification, conducted two rounds of war games near Taiwan in 2024. Beijing described these exercises as warnings against "separatist acts" and pledged to take additional measures if necessary.

U.S.-Taiwan Relations and China's Response

The Taiwan Relations Act continues to facilitate U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, further straining ties between Beijing and Washington. China has repeatedly warned the U.S. against military cooperation with Taiwan, imposing sanctions on American defense firms and their executives involved in such deals.

As the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains volatile, China’s actions signal its intent to maintain pressure on Taiwan and its international supporters.