Xi Jinping has declared in a New Year’s Eve address that China intends to reunify with Taiwan, hinting at the possibility of annexation. Speaking on state TV, Jinping emphasized the strong familial connections between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and asserted that the historical momentum towards national unity is inevitable.
This statement followed China’s People’s Liberation Army’s announcement of the successful completion of two days of military drills near Taiwan. These exercises aimed to showcase China’s military capabilities and assert its authority over the island, escalating tensions in East Asia.
The PLA referred to the operation as “Justice Mission 2025,” emphasizing the importance of combat readiness and the defense of state sovereignty. Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, criticized the military exercises but expressed a commitment to responsible actions to avoid further conflict.
Taiwan has long been a sensitive issue for China, which considers it a part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim it by force if necessary. Since the split in 1949, Beijing has maintained a stance of territorial integrity and has intensified military activities around Taiwan in recent years.
The recent maneuvers have been viewed as provocative by many, with China acknowledging that they were meant to send a message to external entities interfering in its affairs. Jinping also highlighted China’s achievements in military technology and space exploration during his New Year’s Eve address, emphasizing innovation and economic growth in key sectors.
As China prepares to discuss its new five-year plan in March, Jinping praised the contributions of the Chinese people to the country’s development and emphasized the importance of innovation for high-quality progress.