BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping declared on December 31, 2024, that no force could halt China’s “reunification” with Taiwan, issuing a stern warning to pro-independence forces both within and outside the island of 23 million people.
Throughout 2024, Beijing increased military pressure near Taiwan, with frequent deployments of warships and planes into the surrounding waters and airspace. Taiwanese officials view these actions as an effort to “normalize” China’s military presence.
China considers Taiwan its territory, but Taiwan’s government rejects this claim, asserting that only its people can determine their future. Xi’s speech, broadcast on state television, emphasized family bonds across the Taiwan Strait and the historical trend toward reunification.
Tensions remained high in 2024, particularly after President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing deems a “separatist,” took office in May. In December, China massed naval forces around Taiwan following Lai’s stops in Hawaii and Guam, actions criticized by Beijing.
China, which has not renounced the use of force to control Taiwan, conducted two rounds of war games around the island in 2024, issuing warnings against “separatist acts” and vowing further actions if necessary. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have continued to strain Beijing’s relations with Washington, with China regularly protesting military ties and imposing sanctions on suppliers.
This New Year’s speech reinforces Xi’s message from 2023, asserting that reunification is inevitable and urging a shared purpose and national rejuvenation.