On 12 November, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China would certainly achieve reunification with Taiwan, describing this as the Communist Party’s historic mission. Beijing insists on a peaceful resolution and is offering the island the «one country, two systems» model, which is not supported by any of Taiwan’s major political parties. The statement came a week before the scheduled APEC summit in China, where Xi Jinping is expected to meet US President Donald Trump.
- Xi Jinping described the reunification of Taiwan with China as an inevitable historical process.
- Beijing is proposing a peaceful settlement based on the «one country, two systems» principle.
- Taiwan rejects China’s territorial claims and the proposed model of autonomy.
- China is not ruling out the possibility of using military force against the island.
Xi Jinping described the reunification of Taiwan as a historic mission
The Chinese leader addressed an event marking the 160th anniversary of his birth at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Sun Yat-sen — a revolutionary who played a key role in the overthrow of the Qing imperial dynasty in 1911.
During his speech Xi Jinping stressed that the completion of the country’s reunification remains the unwavering goal of the Communist Party of China.
«The course of history cannot be stopped. The complete reunification of the motherland must be achieved, and it will certainly happen,» said the Chinese leader.
According to him, Beijing is prepared to hold talks with Taiwan on the basis of the «One China» principle. He also called for action to be taken against forces advocating the island’s independence.
Taiwan rejects the model proposed by Beijing
The Chinese authorities continue to offer Taiwan reunification under the «one country, two systems» principle, which provides for a certain degree of autonomy within the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China.
However, none of Taiwan’s main political parties supports this model. The island’s president Lai Qingde has repeatedly emphasised that Taiwan’s future can be determined solely by its people.
Despite statements about a peaceful resolution, China has not ruled out the use of force. The Chinese military regularly conducts operations near the island, stepping up pressure on Taipei.
The statement was made on the eve of the meeting with Trump
Xi Jinping’s latest speech took place ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, scheduled for 18–19 November in Shenzhen, China.
Donald Trump He had previously stated that he expected to meet with the Chinese leader on the sidelines of the summit. Possible topics for discussion include international security, arms control and relations between the two countries.
Question. Taiwan remains one of the main sources of tension between Washington and Beijing. The US supports the island’s defence capabilities, whilst the Chinese authorities oppose American arms supplies.
