Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Wednesday that the reunification of China and Taiwan is "unstoppable," reiterating Beijing's long-standing objective. The statement, delivered in a New Year's address, followed the conclusion of Chinese military exercises near Taiwan.

Xi emphasized the cultural and historical connections between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. "The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable," Xi said. He also highlighted the establishment in 2025 of an annual Taiwan Recovery Day, commemorating the end of Japanese rule over the island after World War II.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, maintains that it is an independent, self-governed entity. Tensions between China and Taiwan have been on the rise in recent years, particularly following increased military activity by China in the Taiwan Strait. The United States, while maintaining a "One China" policy, has also increased its support for Taiwan, including arms sales and diplomatic engagement.

The concept of "reunification" is deeply rooted in Chinese national identity and historical narratives. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views it as a core mission to restore what it considers to be China's territorial integrity. This perspective is reinforced through state-controlled media and education, shaping public opinion within China.

The Taiwanese government, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, has consistently rejected Beijing's claims of sovereignty over the island. Tsai's administration argues that the future of Taiwan should be determined by the Taiwanese people themselves. Public opinion polls in Taiwan consistently show strong support for maintaining the island's de facto independence.

The recent military exercises conducted by China around Taiwan are seen by many as a demonstration of Beijing's resolve and a warning against any moves towards formal independence by Taiwan. These exercises involved naval vessels, fighter jets, and other military assets, simulating potential attack scenarios.

The situation remains tense, with the potential for miscalculation or escalation. The international community continues to call for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the dispute. The United States and other countries have urged China to refrain from using force or coercion against Taiwan. The next steps will likely involve continued diplomatic efforts to manage the tensions and prevent further escalation.