In a New Year’s speech, Xi Jinping proclaimed that the Chinese and Taiwanese people are tied by “blood and kinship,” insisting that China’s efforts to reunify with Taiwan are “unstoppable.”
During his New Year’s Eve address, Xi highlighted what he described as the achievements of his administration, arguing that despite economic struggles, China’s strength surpasses assessments from analysts. He insisted that China will always be on the “right side of history” in global matters. Xi also stressed the Chinese government’s firm grip on Hong Kong, where its capitalist autonomy was intensely curtailed after the national security law passed in 2020.
“We Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the bond of blood and kinship. The reunification of the motherland is the trend of the times and cannot be stopped!” Xi declared.
He further commended the policy that labels the indigenous peoples of Tibet and East Turkestan with colonial names, presenting a picture of unity among diverse ethnicities across the regions.
However, Xi has been at the forefront of actions viewed as genocidal against the Turkic peoples in East Turkestan, particularly the Uyghurs. This includes mass forced sterilizations and imprisonments. In Tibet, the suppression of Tibetan identity is evident, with bans on Tibetan Buddhism and language in educational settings, while labor camps operate on a smaller scale.
In a segment of the 2025 Party Record, Xi praised the government’s efforts to combat corruption, asserting that “only a strong Chinese Communist Party can make our country strong.” He emphasized a commitment to strict governance and ongoing self-reform within the party.
Although mentioning international issues, he opted for a vague “global governance initiative,” which seems to aim for increased influence over platforms like the United Nations.
“Today’s world is experiencing both change and upheaval, and some regions are still embroiled in wars,” Xi commented. “China has always stood on the right side of history and is ready to cooperate with other countries to promote peace and development.”
His remarks about Taiwan and global stability came after a series of aggressive military drills called “Justice Mission 2025,” which effectively encircled Taiwan in December.
A spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army boasted about the military exercises, perceiving them as legitimate actions to safeguard China’s sovereignty.
China maintains that Taiwan is merely a “province” under its control, despite Taiwan being a self-governing entity with no ties to Beijing. The Chinese Communist Party consistently threatens to “reunify” Taiwan by force, a stance that has led to arms sales from the U.S. to Taiwan, despite non-recognition of its independence. Neighboring countries, like Japan, have also indicated support for Taiwan against potential aggression.
After Xi’s address, Chinese officials renewed threats against Taiwan. Song Tao, head of the Communist Party’s Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that the party plans to expand cooperation with Taiwan while opposing any movements toward independence.
Song emphasized maintaining dialogue based on a shared understanding while calling for unity against separatism.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Defense echoed these sentiments, criticizing international responses as irresponsible and asserting the necessity of demonstrating resolve in light of perceived provocations.
In the face of threats from China, Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te urged stronger defenses and a hefty budget for military preparedness. He emphasized the urgency for Taiwan to protect its sovereignty against China’s escalating military ambitions.
