On the eve of the New Year, President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping delivered a speech addressing the nation and the world. In his remarks, President Xi reflected upon the country’s achievements in 2024 and emphasized the future ambitions of the PRC in the coming year. While talking about Taiwan, President Xi stated that “We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same family” and “no one can ever stop China’s reunification.”
Since Taiwan’s separation from mainland China in 1949, despite being officially part of the PRC, it has remained independent in carrying out its domestic and international affairs in many aspects. Furthermore, the increased diplomatic engagements between Taiwan and the United States (US) have intensified the PRC’s fear regarding a formal declaration of independence by the Island.
The United States (US) does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state. However, it supports its representation in the international community. Under the first Trump presidency, the US sent high-level diplomats and cabinet members to Taipei, and it also sold more than $18 billion worth of military equipment to Taiwan. Furthermore, President Biden adopted a similar cooperative policy towards the Island under which the US engaged in military training and projected its power in the Taiwan Strait.
Moreover, in 2022, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also visited the Island, which was remarked as a major diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Taiwan. The growing ties between the US and the Island sparked condemnation in Beijing, compelling it to carry out military drills and exercises around Taiwan to deter any hostile actions by the US or Taiwan.
The reunification of Taiwan with mainland China has been a core objective of President Xi ever since he assumed power in 2012. He has actively adhered to adjustment options such as the “1992 Consensus” and “One Country, Two Systems.” However, in recent years, the re-unification of Taiwan (by peaceful mechanism or use of force) has become significantly important due to increased US-Taiwan relations and the repetitive victory of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taipei that has subsequently increased the chances of a formal declaration of independence. However, China opposes military intervention but it is a viable option if the country’s sovereignty is threatened.
Before the 2024, Taiwan elections, Zhang Xiaogang spokesperson of the Chinese defense ministry stated, “The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) maintains high vigilance at all times and will take all necessary measures to firmly crush ‘Taiwan independence’ attempts of all forms.” Such a statement shows Beijing’s willingness to use military means if it deems it necessary.
China also plans to annex the Island by 2027 under its expansionist ambitions. PRC has not hesitated to showcase its military might in the South China Sea (SCS). It has carried out military drills and exercises to deter those who intend to threaten its interests. Despite condemnation and criticism, China has violated Taiwan’s airspace several times and challenged its territorial sovereignty. Therefore, it can resort to the use of force in the future, especially when the stakes for China are so high regarding Taiwan’s independence.
Beijing has also induced diplomatic pressure on Taiwan in order to weaken its diplomatic position internationally. In 1979, the US terminated its diplomatic relations with Taiwan so that it could form relations with the PRC. Similarly, in recent years Honduras and Nauru have also severed their ties with Taipei due to Chinese influence. In January 2024, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry accused the PRC of deteriorating relations with Nauru due to its “diplomatic shift in the Pacific” by providing aid and financial assistance to countries to lure them away from the Island.
President Xi’s recent stance on Taiwan in his r speech confirm the PRC’s longstanding policy toward the Island, based on “diplomatic isolation” of Taipei and the ultimate goal of reunification. Furthermore, his stance serves as a warning to Taiwan’s prominent supporters, particularly the US, to refrain from meddling in Chinese internal matters, a disrespect for which could escalate tensions in the region.
