BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated Beijing’s determination to achieve reunification with Taiwan, describing the goal as an irreversible historical trend and a longstanding national mission of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Speaking at a ceremony in Beijing on Thursday marking the 160th birth anniversary of Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, Xi said the movement towards national reunification represented the broader course of history and could not be stopped.
“The tide of history cannot be stopped,” Xi declared, expressing confidence that China would eventually achieve complete reunification.
Xi reaffirmed Beijing’s preference for a peaceful resolution based on the principle of “one country, two systems”. He also expressed China’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Taiwan, provided discussions take place within the framework of its one-China policy.
The Chinese president urged people across the mainland and Taiwan to oppose what Beijing describes as separatist activities and support peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait.
China Renews Call for Peaceful Taiwan Reunification
Beijing considers Taiwan an inseparable part of Chinese territory and regards reunification as a central national objective. However, the island has maintained its own democratically elected government, military and political institutions since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949.
China has repeatedly proposed the “one country, two systems” framework as a possible arrangement for Taiwan’s future political status. Under the proposal, Taiwan would retain a degree of autonomy while coming under Chinese sovereignty.
The proposal has been firmly rejected by Taiwan’s major political parties and remains deeply unpopular among much of the island’s population.
Although Xi did not explicitly refer to military action in his latest remarks, Beijing has consistently maintained that it will not rule out the use of force if it considers such action necessary to prevent Taiwan’s formal independence.
Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels continue to operate around Taiwan, contributing to persistent security tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan Issue Adds to China-US Tensions
Xi’s comments come amid continuing geopolitical tensions over Taiwan, which remains one of the most sensitive issues in relations between Beijing and Washington.
The United States maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and provides the island with defensive military support, while officially recognising the People’s Republic of China as the government of China.
Beijing strongly opposes US military assistance and political engagement with Taipei, arguing that such actions undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Xi’s remarks also come ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, where he is expected to meet US President Donald Trump. Taiwan is likely to remain an important issue in the broader China-US diplomatic relationship.
Sun Yat-sen Anniversary Highlights China’s Historical Narrative
The Beijing ceremony commemorated the 160th birth anniversary of Sun Yat-sen, a prominent revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in the 1911 Revolution that ended China’s imperial monarchy and led to the establishment of the Republic of China.
Both Beijing and Taipei recognise Sun as a significant figure in Chinese history, although their political interpretations of his legacy differ.
Xi praised Sun as a national hero and pioneer of China’s democratic revolution, highlighting his contributions to national unity and his opposition to the division of the country.
In Taiwan, Sun is also widely recognised as a founding figure of the Republic of China. His portrait remains displayed in the presidential office, reflecting his enduring historical significance on the island.
Relations Between Beijing and Taipei Remain Strained
Relations across the Taiwan Strait have remained tense under Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, whose Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports maintaining Taiwan’s separate political identity.
Beijing has repeatedly accused Lai of promoting separatism and refused to establish formal dialogue with his administration.
Lai, meanwhile, maintains that Taiwan’s future must be determined by its people and that the island’s existing democratic and political system should be respected.
The fundamental disagreement over Taiwan’s political status continues to complicate cross-strait relations and carries significant implications for regional security, international trade and the wider balance of power in the Asia-Pacific.
Xi’s latest remarks reinforce Beijing’s longstanding position that reunification remains a strategic national objective, while highlighting the considerable political differences that continue to stand in the way of a peaceful resolution.
