China’s President Xi Jinping has made it abundantly clear that China’s “reunification” with Taiwan is inevitable. In his recent New Year’s address, President Xi struck a stronger tone compared to previous years, leaving no doubt about his intentions. With less than two weeks to go before Taiwan elects a new leader, tensions between Beijing and Taipei have reached new heights. China, which considers Taiwan its “sacred territory,” has been increasing military pressure in an attempt to assert its sovereignty claims. Although Xi’s speech did not directly mention military threats, it left no doubt about the Chinese government’s determination for reunification.
During his address, President Xi emphasized that the reunification of China and Taiwan is a historical inevitability. This language presents a clear message that Beijing will not let anything stand in the way of its territorial ambitions. The official English translation from Xinhua news agency depicts Xi’s resolve in slightly less unequivocal terms, stating that “China will surely be reunified.” However, regardless of the nuances in translation, the underlying message remains the same: China expects compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to work towards the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Taiwan have added an extra layer of complexity to the already fraught relations between China and Taiwan. The current Vice President, Lai Ching-te, who is also the presidential candidate for Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Party (DPP), has received particular attention from China. Considered a dangerous separatist by Beijing, Lai’s comments during a televised presidential debate further ignited tensions. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of being a “stubborn ‘worker for Taiwan independence’ and destroyer of peace across the Taiwan Strait.” The Chinese spokesperson, Chen Binhua, criticized Lai’s confrontational thinking and blamed the DPP-led government for promoting separatism.
Despite Beijing’s insistence on reunification, Taiwanese leaders, including President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te, have repeatedly expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue with China. However, China has consistently rebuffed these offers. Both the DPP and Lai’s main opponent, Hou Yu-ih from Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), hold the view that only the people of Taiwan can determine their own future. The KMT, historically favoring close ties with China, vehemently denies being pro-Beijing but has also criticized Lai as an independence supporter.
To fully understand the Taiwan-China dynamic, it is crucial to consider the historical context. The Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists, who founded the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan continues to officially operate under the name the Republic of China. Statements made by Vice President Lai, including his assertion that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China “are not subordinate to each other,” only serve to further incense Beijing.
China’s desire for reunification with Taiwan remains unwavering. President Xi Jinping’s recent address made it clear that Beijing sees this as a historical inevitability. With tensions running high ahead of Taiwan’s elections, the Chinese government has intensified its military pressure to assert its sovereignty claims. Despite offers of dialogue from Taiwan’s leadership, China has maintained its uncompromising stance. The future of Taiwan hinges on the delicate balance between China’s desires for reunification and Taiwan’s determination to determine its own destiny.
Leave a Reply