In a recent address on New Year’s Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stark warning, stating that China is determined to reunite with Taiwan, a self-governing island, through annexation. Xi emphasized the strong familial ties between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and asserted that the historical trend towards reunification is inevitable.
The announcement came after the People’s Liberation Army of China revealed the successful completion of military exercises near Taiwan, aimed at asserting China’s sovereignty over the island. The military maneuvers, named “Justice Mission 2025,” tested the integrated joint operation capabilities of the troops, according to Senior Capt. Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command.
Despite the tension escalation in East Asia due to these actions, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te condemned the drills and emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to acting responsibly by avoiding conflict escalation or provocation.
The longstanding Taiwan issue remains a sensitive topic for China, with Beijing viewing the island as part of its territory and vowing to reclaim it by force if necessary. Since the island’s split from mainland China in 1949, Beijing has intensified military activities near Taiwan, sending warplanes and navy vessels regularly.
The recent military exercises were widely perceived as provocative, with China acknowledging that they were meant to send a message to external forces interfering in its relations with Taiwan. Additionally, Xi Jinping highlighted China’s advancements in various sectors, including military technology and space exploration, during his New Year’s Eve address.
Xi praised Chinese achievements in innovation and economic growth, expressing gratitude to the citizens for their contributions. China is preparing to discuss its new five-year plan at the upcoming legislative session in March, focusing on high-quality development through innovation.