Xi Jinping pledges peaceful Taiwan reunification in Beijing speech

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that bringing Taiwan under Beijing's control is an inevitable outcome of history, reiterating calls for a peaceful resolution while omitting any direct reference to military force.

Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi framed the resolution of the Taiwan dispute as an essential, unchanging objective of the Chinese Communist Party. He insisted that the tide of history cannot be halted, asserting that what Beijing considers full reunification is certain to be achieved.

The remarks were delivered during an address commemorating the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary figure who played a central role in ending imperial dynastic rule in 1911 and establishing the Republic of China. Xi characterized Sun as an ardent patriot who championed national cohesion and rejected separatist efforts. He urged people across both sides of the Taiwan Strait to counter independence movements and work toward stronger cross-strait ties under Beijing's "one country, two systems" framework and the "one-China principle."

Taiwan's authorities maintain that only the island's population has the authority to determine its political status. Major political groups in Taiwan consistently reject Beijing's proposed governance framework, and the government in Taipei had earlier cautioned its citizens against participating in Beijing-hosted commemorations for Sun, arguing that Chinese authorities misrepresent his legacy.

While Xi struck a peaceful tone, the Chinese military conducts persistent maneuvers near Taiwan and continues to project power into surrounding waters. Beijing has never officially renounced the possibility of deploying military action against the island.

The address was delivered shortly before two significant political milestones: the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, where Xi is anticipated to hold talks with US President Donald Trump, and approaching local elections in Taiwan.

Relations between the two administrations remain strained. Beijing views Taiwan President Lai Ching-te as a separatist and refuses to engage in direct dialogue with his administration, while Lai's leadership emphasizes the distinct identity and history of the Republic of China.