Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed that no force can impede China’s “reunification” with Taiwan, emphasising the bonds of kinship between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. In his New Year’s message delivered on Tuesday, Xi pledged to advance efforts under China’s “united front” policy and called for international cooperation to build a harmonious global future.
A vision for reunification
Speaking on New Year’s Eve via the China Media Group and the Internet, Xi declared:
“We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop China’s reunification, a trend of the times.”
The Chinese President has consistently positioned Taiwan as an inseparable part of China’s territory, framing reunification as a historic and inevitable goal.
Strengthening international cooperation
Xi’s speech also underscored China’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and mutual understanding amid a rapidly changing international landscape.
“As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision. We must jointly create a better future for the world,” Xi stated, calling for enhanced cultural exchange and collaboration to build a shared future for humanity.
Taiwan’s response to “United front” tactics
While Beijing continues to advocate for reunification, Taiwan remains resistant to China’s overtures. On December 28, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced it was investigating claims of political influence exerted by China on young Taiwanese.
The investigation followed a YouTube video released by Taiwanese rapper Chen Po-yuan and YouTuber “Pa Chiung,” exposing China’s alleged strategies to sway Taiwanese youth. The video highlighted visits to the Taiwan Youth Entrepreneurship Park in Quanzhou and the Strait Herald news platform in Xiamen, where efforts to integrate young Taiwanese into Chinese initiatives were reportedly showcased.
According to the Taipei Times, Lin Jingdong, Assistant Director of the Strait Herald and a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) member, outlined methods to influence young Taiwanese. These include fostering connections through Taiwan-focused organisations and working with small-scale influencers to promote pro-China sentiments.
Reactions to Xi’s remarks
Xi’s insistence on reunification has drawn mixed reactions globally. While China maintains its stance that reunification is a domestic matter, many countries, including the United States, have reiterated their support for Taiwan’s autonomy under the “One China” policy.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has consistently rejected Beijing’s claims, asserting that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people. Tsai’s administration has accused Beijing of increasing its political and military pressure, including frequent incursions into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone.
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Rising tensions
The intensification of China’s “united front” efforts reflects its strategy to win over Taiwanese hearts and minds, even as tensions between the two sides remain high. Beijing’s use of cultural, economic, and political tools to influence Taiwanese youth underscores its determination to counter resistance to reunification.
Simultaneously, Taiwan continues to bolster its defence capabilities and strengthen alliances with nations like the United States and Japan to safeguard its sovereignty.
A message to the world
Xi’s New Year’s address not only reinforced his ambitions for Taiwan but also reflected China’s broader aspirations on the global stage. By calling for unity and mutual understanding, Xi positioned China as a proponent of peace and collaboration, even as critics argue that its actions in Taiwan and other regions suggest otherwise.
The path forward
As Beijing ramps up its reunification rhetoric, the world watches closely to see how this complex and contentious issue will unfold. Taiwan, for its part, remains steadfast in its pursuit of self-determination, navigating a delicate balance between asserting its autonomy and managing its fraught relationship with China.
Xi’s remarks serve as a reminder of China’s long-term objectives, signalling that reunification remains a top priority for his administration. However, achieving this goal will depend on the evolving political, social, and international dynamics surrounding the Taiwan Strait.
For the world peace- one can look to encourage and convince the party to marry if one (Taiwan) does not want to marry let it be for world peace. Westferry Times strongly support self determination and freedom, respect of law, community harmony and living in peace rather force joining.
