President Xi Jinping
By Chris Williams
In his highly anticipated New Year address for 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s firm stance on the “historic trend” of “reunification” with Taiwan, stating that no external force could prevent it. During the speech, Xi emphasised that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to “one and the same family,” underscoring the ideological, cultural, and historical ties that he believes unite the two regions.
This declaration, delivered against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions and heightened military activities near Taiwan, has garnered significant international attention. Xi’s comments not only reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing position on Taiwan but also signalled China’s resolve to achieve its objective amidst growing challenges from foreign powers, particularly the United States.
A Renewed Push for “Reunification”
President Xi Jinping’s address emphasised the inevitability of Taiwan’s integration into the People’s Republic of China, portraying it as a natural and historic process. His speech reflected China’s strategic commitment to advancing the “One China” principle, which asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
“We are determined to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xi said. “No one can stop this historic trend of reunification.” The president’s rhetoric was bolstered by recent diplomatic and military moves, including increased patrols by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan and the establishment of new trade and security pacts with nations aligned with Beijing.
Taiwan’s Response to Xi’s Address
Taiwan’s government, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, responded swiftly, reiterating the island’s commitment to preserving its autonomy. In a statement, Tsai’s administration rejected Xi’s remarks, calling them “an affront to the democratic will of the Taiwanese people.”
The island, which functions as a self-governing democracy, has consistently resisted Beijing’s calls for “reunification,” maintaining that its future should be decided by its residents. Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, also condemned Xi’s speech, accusing China of destabilising the region through aggressive posturing and military provocations.
Heightened Military Activities Around Taiwan
Xi’s address comes at a time of heightened military tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Over the past year, the PLA has conducted numerous military exercises near Taiwan, with warships and fighter jets crossing the median line of the Strait—a move that Taiwan considers a serious threat to its security. In December 2024 alone, Taiwanese authorities recorded over 180 incursions by Chinese aircraft into its air defence identification zone (ADIZ).
These developments have prompted increased military cooperation between Taiwan and its allies, particularly the United States, which has continued to supply advanced weaponry to the island under the Taiwan Relations Act. In response, Beijing has repeatedly warned against foreign interference, accusing Washington of exacerbating tensions and undermining regional stability.
The International Reaction
The international community has been closely monitoring the unfolding situation, with Xi’s speech drawing mixed reactions. While some countries have echoed concerns over Beijing’s aggressive stance, others have called for a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue.
The United States, in particular, reaffirmed its support for Taiwan. In a statement, the U.S. Department of State condemned China’s actions and reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. “We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo,” the statement read. Meanwhile, European nations, including Germany and France, have urged both sides to engage in dialogue to prevent an escalation of tensions.
Economic Implications of the Taiwan Conflict
Taiwan’s strategic significance extends beyond its political and military importance. As a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, the island is critical to the world’s technology supply chain. Any disruption to its stability could have far-reaching economic consequences, particularly for industries reliant on advanced microchips.
In his New Year address, Xi also highlighted China’s economic resilience, projecting GDP growth of 5% for 2024 despite external pressures. Analysts, however, have warned that heightened tensions with Taiwan could pose significant risks to regional and global economic stability, potentially disrupting trade routes and investor confidence.
Xi’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Xi Jinping’s New Year speech was not solely focused on Taiwan. The president also outlined his vision for China’s future, emphasising domestic stability, economic growth, and technological innovation. He praised China’s progress in combating poverty and advancing green energy initiatives, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainability.
Nevertheless, his comments on Taiwan overshadowed other aspects of his address, reflecting the centrality of the Taiwan issue to his administration’s agenda. Xi’s repeated references to “reunification” suggest that Beijing is unlikely to soften its stance, raising concerns about potential military action if diplomatic efforts fail.
The Role of Public Sentiment in Taiwan
Within Taiwan, public sentiment remains strongly opposed to unification with China. Polls conducted in late 2024 indicated that a majority of Taiwanese citizens prefer maintaining the current status quo or moving toward formal independence. This public opposition, combined with Taiwan’s robust democratic institutions, poses a significant challenge to Beijing’s unification aspirations.
Taiwan’s youth, in particular, have been vocal in their opposition to China’s influence, with many participating in pro-independence rallies and advocating for stronger ties with democratic nations. This generational divide further complicates Beijing’s efforts to win hearts and minds on the island.
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