In his New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's unwavering belief in the inevitable reunification with Taiwan. The president's remarks come just weeks before Taiwan's crucial presidential and parliamentary elections, which could potentially reshape the relationship between the two sides.

President Xi emphasized that the reunification of the motherland is a historical inevitability, asserting that "China will surely be reunified," according to the official translation. He also called for unity among all Chinese citizens, both on the mainland and in Taiwan, urging them to share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

China views Taiwan, which separated from the mainland following a civil war in 1949, as its "sacred territory" and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. In recent months, Beijing has escalated its rhetoric around Taiwan and intensified military pressure, regularly conducting drills near the island. Furthermore, China voiced its displeasure over the United States' approval of $300 million in military aid to Taiwan earlier this month, accusing Washington of interfering in its internal affairs.

The upcoming elections in Taiwan, scheduled for January 13, feature a closely contested race between Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Party and Hou Yu-ih from the opposition Kuomintang party. While Lai, who currently leads in the polls, and Hou have both sought to emphasize peaceful relations with China during their campaigns, their differing stances on Taiwan's independence remain a significant point of contention.

The outcome of the elections holds immense implications for the future of cross-strait relations. Should Lai emerge victorious, it may signal a continuation of Taiwan's inclination towards greater independence, which could further strain relations with Beijing. On the other hand, a win for Hou and the Kuomintang could pave the way for a renewed focus on closer ties between Taiwan and China.

As tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise, the international community closely watches to see how the delicate balance between the two will be maintained. Despite both candidates in the upcoming elections advocating for peaceful coexistence, the future of cross-strait relations remains uncertain, with China's persistent calls for reunification and Taiwan's determination to uphold its sovereignty hanging in the balance.