Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his commitment to achieving Taiwan’s “reunification” during a state banquet on the eve of Communist China’s 75th anniversary. As Beijing showcased its military power in the run-up to the national holiday, Xi emphasized his resolve to bring Taiwan under Chinese control.
Speaking to thousands of attendees at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi described the pursuit of reunification as an “irreversible trend” and a “righteous cause.” He framed it as the shared aspiration of the Chinese people, saying, “No one can stop the march of history,” according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Although China’s ruling Communist Party has never governed Taiwan, it claims the self-governing island as its territory and has vowed to reunify by force if necessary. Tensions across the Taiwan Strait have heightened as many Taiwanese people increasingly view themselves as distinctly separate from mainland China, with no desire to come under Communist rule.
Taiwan and China have been governed separately since 1949, when the Chinese civil war ended with the communists taking power in Beijing. The defeated nationalists fled to Taiwan, establishing a separate government in Taipei.
Xi, regarded as China’s most assertive leader in decades, has intensified efforts to assert Beijing’s claim over Taiwan. “Taiwan is China’s sacred territory,” he declared at the banquet, highlighting the shared cultural and familial ties between the mainland and the island. He also called for greater economic and cultural exchanges across the strait, stressing the importance of promoting unity and “spiritual harmony” between the two populations.
Xi’s speech came amid rising tensions. Taiwanese officials have expressed concern over China’s increased military activities around the island, which include recent drills simulating efforts to seize control. Beijing has labeled Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te as a “dangerous separatist,” and China has accused Lai’s government of pushing for independence, further exacerbating the situation.
On Sunday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it was on alert after detecting “multiple waves” of missile firings deep within inland China. These missiles were launched by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force from regions including Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. Taiwan’s air defense forces have maintained high vigilance and bolstered their alert systems in response.
The military exercises follow China’s first public intercontinental ballistic missile test in 44 years, signaling Beijing’s intent to send a strong message to the United States and its regional allies. The US has long supported Taiwan, maintaining close but informal ties and supplying the island with weapons to defend itself.
In a sign of continuing US support, President Joe Biden recently approved a $567 million military aid package for Taiwan, the largest such package ever granted to the island. The funding will provide defense articles and military training as part of ongoing efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
As China celebrates its National Day, Xi’s reaffirmation of his goal to reunify with Taiwan highlights the deepening tensions in the region, with the potential for further conflict looming large.
