China's Xi Asserts Inevitable Reunification with Taiwan amidst Pivotal Elections
Chinese President Xi Jinping asserts that the reunification of Taiwan with China is an unavoidable reality, restating Beijing's longstanding position on the self-governed island democracy This declaration comes amid an impending crucial election in Taiwan next month
In a speech on Tuesday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping asserted that the "reunification" of Taiwan with China is "inevitable," reaffirming Beijing's longstanding position on the self-ruled island democracy in advance of a crucial election scheduled for next month.
"The complete reunification with the motherland is a necessary and just outcome that the people desire. The motherland will and must be reunited," Xi declared during a speech commemorating the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong, founder of the People's Republic of China.
The remarks are in line with previous statements made by Xi, one of China's most influential leaders since Mao, who has prioritized bringing Taiwan under Chinese control as part of his plan to elevate China's global power and influence.
Their timing is especially important as they coincide with an upcoming crucial presidential election in Taiwan. The differing stances of political parties on China often make these elections a barometer of public sentiment towards Beijing, and Taiwan accuses China's ruling Communist Party of increasing influence operations on the island.
This year's election comes after a period of increased tensions, with Beijing escalating military, political, and economic pressure on the island during President Tsai Ing-wen's leadership. Tsai is known for nurturing Taiwan's unofficial relationship with the United States.
Vice President Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate to succeed Tsai, is currently leading in the polls and is openly despised by Chinese officials.
Lai is currently leading in the race, ahead of the other candidates, Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang party and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan Peoples Party, who are perceived as being more inclined towards establishing stronger ties with Beijing.
Despite never having governed Taiwan, Chinas Communist Party asserts its ownership of the territory. Chinese authorities state that they aspire for a peaceful "reunification", but have not excluded the possibility of using force to gain control of the island.
Xi emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful cross-strait ties and preventing any attempts to separate Taiwan from China in his speech on Tuesday, sending a clear warning to both Taipei and Washington. Taiwan has become a major point of contention in US-China relations, with Xi asserting during a summit in San Francisco that China's reunification with Taiwan is inevitable, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
People use mobile phones in Taipei City, Taiwan, 27 July 2020. —
People use mobile phones in Taipei City, Taiwan, 27 July 2020.
Ceng Shou Yi/NURPHO/AP
Taiwan is dealing with a surge of false information from China before a significant election. Here's how the country is combatting the issue.
During a visit to Taiwan in August 2022, then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was hosted by Tsai. China responded by surrounding the island for several days through extensive military drills and severing high-level military communication with the US armed forces.
The channel was reopened just last week after over a year of delicate diplomacy, including the Xi-Biden summit. The US has an informal relationship with Taiwan and adheres to a "One China" policy.
The US policy acknowledges China's claim that Taiwan is a part of China, but has not officially recognized Beijing's claim to the island of 23 million. The US is also obligated by law to provide the democratic island with the means to defend itself. The contested relationship between Taipei and Beijing dates back to 1949, when General Chiang Kai-shek fled with his nationalist forces to Taiwan after Mao's Red Army gained the upper hand in the Chinese Civil War.
Xi emphasized the importance of remembering Mao and the Communist Party's founding mission, urging China's citizens to remain confident in their history and take initiative in advancing Chinese modernization. This report includes contribution from CNN's Wayne Chang.
