Portrait of Xi Jinping
Politician · country
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Xi Jinping on Taiwan

Insistent on reunification (strong)

TL;DR

Xi Jinping views the reunification of China and Taiwan as an inevitable and unstoppable historical trend, backed by force if needed.

Key Points

  • Vowed that the reunification of the motherland with Taiwan is "unstoppable" in his New Year's Eve speech on December 31, 2025.

  • Ordered large-scale military drills, codenamed "Justice Mission 2025," around Taiwan simulating a blockade, days after a major U.S. arms approval.

  • His strategy prioritizes the modernization of the Navy and Air Force over the Army, crucial components for an island invasion scenario.

Summary

Xi Jinping consistently maintains that the reunification of China and Taiwan is an unstoppable trend of the times and an essential part of his vision for national rejuvenation. He has explicitly vowed to achieve this goal, using strong rhetoric that asserts China's claim over the self-governing island and issuing stern warnings against separatist activities or external interference. This core position was recently reaffirmed in his New Year's Eve address, coming shortly after the People's Liberation Army conducted large-scale military drills simulating a blockade of the island.

This position is underscored by significant military posturing, including extensive live-fire exercises around Taiwan, which demonstrate Beijing's willingness to use coercive means to achieve unification, though force remains the last resort. Despite recent internal military purges potentially causing short-term uncertainty, the underlying strategic commitment to absorbing Taiwan remains central to the leadership's policy framework, with rhetoric sometimes signaling a shift from 'peaceful' unification as the only path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xi Jinping's core position is the unwavering pursuit of "reunification" with Taiwan, which he views as an inevitable historical destiny for China. He consistently backs this stance with strong political declarations and demonstrates capability through increased military pressure around the island. This is framed as resolving a historical issue and completing the nation's rejuvenation.

The fundamental goal of unification under Beijing's rule has not changed, but the emphasis and approach can evolve based on context. In policy documents, the explicit linkage between "peaceful" development and "reunification" has been loosened, suggesting that while he prefers a non-military resolution, coercion or force are not precluded options. This indicates a hardening of resolve regarding the final outcome.

In his recent New Year's Eve address, Xi Jinping stated that the reunification of the motherland is "unstoppable," issuing a clear message one day after concluding major military exercises encircling Taiwan. He linked this goal to the concept of 'Taiwan Retrocession Day,' emphasizing China's historical claim over the island.