Chinese leader Xi Jinping used his New Year’s Eve speech in Beijing to once again declare that China will reunify with Taiwan, insisting that the outcome cannot be prevented. As he put it, “The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable.” He also repeated the message that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share ties “thicker than water,” even as he warned that China would annex Taiwan and could use force if necessary. This statement came the day after China completed two intense days of military drills around Taiwan, making the threat feel even more real.
Xi’s claim of an unstoppable reunification comes as China increases military pressure and political messaging that Taiwan must accept Beijing’s rule. China has always claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and has long vowed to annex it. The most recent drills, called “Justice Mission 2025,” simulated a blockade around Taiwan’s main ports and involved China’s navy, air force, rocket force and coastguard. At least 89 warplanes were involved. The drills came closer to Taiwan than many earlier exercises, showing how far Beijing is willing to go to force its point.
Taiwan Responds With Defiance And Alarm
Taiwan has not taken Xi’s words or China’s drills lightly. Taipei remains on high alert. Taiwan’s defense ministry called China’s actions “aggressive and militaristic provocations” that threaten security and stability in the region. Officials warned that live-fire rounds landed closer to Taiwan than before, with rockets falling within Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile zone. Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te said the exercises are “not an isolated incident” and pose “significant risks” to regional stability, shipping and trade. Even after some ships began withdrawing, Taiwan kept forces deployed, insisting vigilance must remain high.
The United States has made it clear it is deeply concerned about China’s advancing military capabilities and willingness to threaten Taiwan. Analysts believe the latest drills were also linked to the U.S. approving a record $11 billion weapons sale to Taiwan. Other nations have condemned Beijing’s actions. Japan said China’s drills increased tensions. Australia called them destabilizing. The Philippines warned they threaten regional peace. China dismissed all criticism as “irresponsible” and accused other nations of ignoring what Beijing claims are separatist actions by Taiwan.
Xi’s Broader Message: Power, History, And A New World Order
Xi’s speech went beyond Taiwan, but Taiwan was clearly central to his vision. He celebrated “Taiwan Retrocession Day,” tied Taiwan to China’s view of World War II history, and pushed the idea that Taiwan rightfully belongs under Communist rule. He also highlighted China’s growing economic strength, technological advances, and the rise of Chinese military and cultural power. Xi portrayed 2025 as a landmark year and insisted that China’s overall power has reached “new heights.”
Xi’s message was clear. He is not softening his stance. He is not stepping away. Instead, he is doubling down, surrounding the island with warships, sending planes, testing blockades, and repeating that Taiwan’s future under Beijing is inevitable. Taiwan rejects that future. The United States warns the threat is real. Allies are nervous. And yet China keeps pushing forward.
From every sign, Xi’s threats are not empty rhetoric. They are backed by drills, force, national pride, and a belief that history is on Beijing’s side. Whether the world is ready or not, Xi is telling everyone exactly what he plans to do. And he keeps reminding the world that, in his view, reunification is “unstoppable.”
ACZ Editor: China’s bark has some bite that could be brought to bear, but China’s neighbors are preparing. Rumor is they will attack by 2027.