In a strong message delivered during his New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's determination to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan, asserting that no force could hinder this historical goal. Xi's speech, broadcast on China's state media, emphasized the familial bonds between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the inevitability of unification.

"The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification," Xi stated.

Tensions between China and Taiwan have remained high throughout the past year, with Beijing increasing military activities near the island. Chinese warships and aircraft have frequently entered Taiwan's airspace and waters in what Taipei views as an effort to normalize Beijing's military presence.

China regards Taiwan, a democratically governed island of 23 million people, as part of its territory. However, Taiwan's government firmly rejects this claim, insisting that the island’s future should be determined solely by its people.

The situation escalated in 2024 following the election of Lai Ching-te as Taiwan's president in May. Beijing, labeling Lai a "separatist," ramped up its military maneuvers, including a significant naval presence around Taiwan and war games meant as warnings against pro-independence activities.

Earlier in December, China staged a large deployment of naval forces around Taiwan and the East and South China Seas after President Lai stopped in Hawaii and Guam during a Pacific trip that Beijing criticized.

China has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and has pledged further actions if deemed necessary.

Meanwhile, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, facilitated under the Taiwan Relations Act, continue to strain U.S.-China relations. Beijing has consistently warned Washington against military ties with Taipei and has imposed sanctions on U.S. defense contractors involved in supplying Taiwan.

Xi's remarks follow similar statements made in his previous New Year's address, where he declared that reunification was inevitable and called for a shared purpose to achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. However, with military tensions persisting, the Taiwan Strait remains a sensitive flashpoint in the region.