Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated his commitment to the “reunification” of Taiwan with the mainland, asserting that the process is an inevitable historical trend. The remarks were delivered during a speech commemorating the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary leader who founded the Republic of China.
Reactions to the President’s Speech
During his address, Xi described the complete reunification of the motherland as a mission that must and will be realized. He emphasized that the Communist Party would not tolerate any form of separatist activity aimed at Taiwan’s independence. While the Chinese leader did not explicitly mention the use of military force in this specific speech, he noted that Beijing would consider the realities and interests of the Taiwanese people while upholding national unity.
The Taiwanese government quickly dismissed the president’s comments. Liang Wen-chieh, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, stated that the rhetoric regarding unification remained consistent with Beijing’s past positions. He emphasized that neither the government nor the citizens of Taiwan would accept being governed by the Chinese Communist Party.
Historical Context and Current Tensions
The division between the two sides dates back to the Chinese Civil War, which saw the Communists gain control of the mainland in 1949, while the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan. Both entities have historically claimed to be the legitimate successors to Sun Yat-sen’s political legacy. While most of the international community adheres to the “One China” policy, Taiwan operates as a self-governed democracy with its own unofficial diplomatic and economic networks.
Tensions in the region have escalated as China has increased its military presence near the island. On the same day as the speech, Taiwan reported that Chinese warships, fighter jets, and drones were conducting a “joint combat readiness patrol” in the vicinity of the island.
The speech precedes an upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen, where President Xi is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The United States has historically provided arms and support to Taiwan, serving as a key backer of the island’s resistance to pressure from Beijing.
