President Xi Jinping’s Firm Stance on Taiwan’s ‘Inevitable’ Reunification with China
Photo: Reuters
In a recent symposium commemorating the legacy of Mao Zedong, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a forceful declaration regarding the future of Taiwan, asserting that the island, which Beijing considers a renegade province, will “surely” be reunified with the mainland. His unwavering stance comes amidst escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where China has intensified its military activities, signaling a robust and possibly aggressive approach towards what it sees as a non-negotiable territorial claim. The symposium, which was held to reflect on the historical contributions of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, served as a platform for Xi to reiterate his government’s longstanding position on Taiwan. The Chinese President vowed to “resolutely prevent anyone from splitting” the two sides in any way. This statement echoes the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) commitment to the “One China” principle, which denies the self-ruled island of Taiwan any semblance of international sovereignty. China’s recent military maneuvers around Taiwan have raised alarm and concern across the globe. Multiple rounds of major war games, including the launching of ballistic missiles, large-scale naval exercises, and routine incursions by warships and fighter jets into the Taiwan Strait, have showcased China’s growing military might and its readiness to assert its claims over Taiwan by force if necessary. These activities have been perceived as a form of psychological warfare, intended to intimidate Taiwan and deter any notions of formal independence. President Xi’s remarks come at a time when cross-strait relations are at their lowest point in decades. Despite the economic interdependence and the “1992 Consensus,” which tacitly acknowledges both sides’ agreement to the One China principle while allowing for different interpretations, political and military friction continues to mount. The Taiwanese government, led by President Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has taken a more assertive stance on maintaining the island’s de facto independence and democratic way of life, further irking Beijing.
The international community, particularly the United States, has been closely watching the developments in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” towards Taiwan, supplying it with defensive weapons while not formally recognizing its sovereignty. Washington has expressed concern over China’s heightened aggression and has called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences. In his speech, Xi Jinping emphasized the historical and cultural ties that bind Taiwan to the mainland, invoking a sense of shared destiny and the inevitability of reunification. He stressed that reunification is essential for the realization of China’s national rejuvenation, a central theme of his presidency. Moreover, Xi’s rhetoric underscores the CCP’s narrative that Taiwan’s separation from the mainland is a temporary condition and a relic of the Chinese civil war, which ended in 1949 with the Communist victory and the retreat of the Nationalist government to Taiwan. Xi’s confidence in the “sure” reunification with Taiwan reflects a broader strategy that involves diplomatic isolation, economic leverage, cultural integration, and military coercion. While China has been successful in reducing Taiwan’s international space, luring away several of its few remaining diplomatic allies, and promoting cross-strait economic links, its aggressive posturing runs the risk of backfiring by increasing the resolve of the Taiwanese people to resist reunification under Beijing’s terms. Xi Jinping’s assertion of Taiwan’s “inevitable” reunification with China during the symposium commemorating Mao Zedong is a reaffirmation of the Chinese Communist Party’s long-held position. This stance is deeply rooted in the historical narrative of the CCP and the national identity that the party has cultivated over decades. Xi’s words are not merely rhetorical flourishes but reflect a concerted policy that aligns with China’s increasing global assertiveness and its strategic objectives. The military posturing through major war games and frequent incursions into the Taiwan Strait serves as a stark reminder to Taiwan and the international community of the lengths to which China is willing to go to assert its sovereignty claims. However, Beijing’s approach carries significant risks, potentially destabilizing the region and provoking an international crisis. The strategy also fails to account for the strong sentiment of self-determination among the people of Taiwan, who have grown increasingly wary of Beijing’s intentions and more attached to their democratic institutions. The path to reunification, according to Beijing’s vision, is fraught with challenges. It requires a delicate balance between demonstrating strength and offering a palatable political solution that could be acceptable to the people of Taiwan. The current trajectory suggests an impasse, with both sides firmly entrenched in their respective positions, and the potential for miscalculation leading to conflict remains a grave concern for regional and global stability. The international community, particularly key players such as the United States, the European Union, and regional powers, will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this issue. While they have largely advocated for a peaceful resolution and the status quo, their responses to China’s maneuvers will also influence Beijing’s calculus. As Xi Jinping looks to solidify his legacy and lead China towards what he terms the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” the Taiwan question remains one of the most sensitive and potentially explosive issues on his agenda. The world watches with bated breath, hoping that dialogue and diplomacy will prevail over the drumbeats of war. The future of Taiwan, whether it moves towards reunification or continues on its current separate path, will be a testament to the complexities of sovereignty, national identity, and the international order in the 21st century.
By Paul Bumman
