Shanghai: In his New Year address, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that the reunification of Taiwan with China is inevitable. Amid growing concerns over the country’s economic slowdown and the return of Donald Trump as U.S. President, Xi’s statement has stirred international attention.
Xi declared, “No one can ever stop the reunification of Taiwan with China.” He reinforced the belief that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one family, highlighting the cultural and historical ties between them.
Taiwan’s Democratic Stand vs. China’s Communist Regime
While Beijing adheres to its communist ideology, Taiwan operates as a thriving democracy. Recent years have seen China applying significant military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, with repeated incursions by Chinese aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan’s borders. Beijing has also attempted to isolate Taipei diplomatically on the global stage.
Military Force as a Possibility
According to media reports, China has signaled its willingness to use military force to assert control over Taiwan if necessary. This assertion comes as the United States strengthens its commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act.
The Trump Challenge
Donald Trump, set to begin his second term as U.S. President on January 20, has previously imposed punitive tariffs and trade restrictions against Beijing. During his campaign, Trump threatened even harsher measures, including a 60% tariff on Chinese imports, accusing China of exploiting U.S. markets.
Economic Recovery and Global Role
Addressing domestic concerns, Xi assured the Chinese public that the economy is on the path to recovery after facing severe challenges post-COVID-19. He projected that China’s GDP would surpass 130 trillion yuan (approximately $18.08 trillion) in 2024. Xi also praised the nation for producing over 700 million tons of grain, signaling agricultural strength.
On the global stage, Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to improving global governance and fostering solidarity within the Global South. “In a world of change and turmoil, China remains a responsible global power,” he said.
Challenges Ahead
Despite Xi’s optimism, challenges persist. China is struggling to boost its electric vehicle exports due to steep tariffs imposed by the U.S. and the European Union. Furthermore, Trump’s return to power threatens to exacerbate tensions, with his aggressive trade policies and allegations about COVID-19’s origins in a Wuhan lab contributing to strained U.S.-China relations.
As Xi enters his third term, Taiwan remains a central issue in his administration’s diplomatic and military strategy, with the world watching closely.