Chinese President Xi Jinping declared in his year-end address that the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China is a top priority for his government. This statement comes as tensions between China and Taiwan remain at a high point. Taiwanese voters are set to participate in the island’s elections on January 13, which could have ramifications for the future of the region.
Xi firmly affirmed China’s long-standing stance that Taiwan is an integral part of China and must be reunified, even if it requires the use of force. The Chinese leader called for a common purpose and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. In recent days, Xi has addressed the Taiwan issue multiple times, promising to reunify the island.
Residents in Taiwan have expressed a preference for the independence-leaning candidate Lai Ching-te, who supports further distancing from mainland China. This has only added to the growing tension between the two regions. China, on the other hand, fiercely opposes any indication of Taiwan’s independence.
The divide between Taiwan and mainland China dates back to 1949 when the island split from the mainland after losing the civil war against the Chinese Communist Party. Since then, Taiwan has maintained its own government and has become a prosperous democracy. However, China has never renounced the use of force to resolve the Taiwan issue and continues to consider it a part of its territory.
The situation remains complex and delicate, with both sides holding firmly to their positions. As the Taiwanese elections approach, the world will be watching closely to see how the region’s future unfolds. The reunification of Taiwan with mainland China or a further move towards independence could have far-reaching consequences for not only East Asia but also the global political landscape.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”