In his annual New Year's address on Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, signaling a stronger stance compared to his previous remarks. With less than two weeks remaining before Taiwan's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, Xi's statement underscores the strained relations between Beijing and Taipei.

Amid escalating military pressure from China to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, President Xi reaffirmed China's long-standing view that Taiwan is its "sacred territory." Notably, Xi did not explicitly mention any military threats in his speech, which was broadcast on state television.

Using the official English translation provided by the Xinhua news agency, Xi stated, "China will surely be reunified." He further emphasized the importance of unity between the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, expressing a desire for a shared purpose and the reinvigoration of the Chinese nation. However, the English translation replaced Xi's reference to "compatriots" with "all Chinese."

By contrast, in last year's address, Xi highlighted the shared familial connection between the people on either side of the strait and the need for collaboration to foster lasting prosperity for the "Chinese nation."

China has taken strong exception to Vice President Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling Democratic Party (DPP), who is currently leading in opinion polls. Chinese authorities have labeled Lai as a dangerous separatist, sparking further tensions between the two sides.

Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua reacted to Lai's comments during a televised presidential debate, accusing him of being a stubborn advocate for Taiwan independence and a disruptor of peace across the Taiwan Strait. Chen criticized Lai's confrontational thinking and claimed that the DPP-led government's promotion of separatism since 2016 has obstructed exchanges and harmed the interests of Taiwan's people. According to Chen, Lai, as the DPP chairman, holds responsibility for these actions.

Although President Tsai Ing-wen and Lai have repeatedly expressed their willingness for dialogue with China, their proposals have been met with rejection. The DPP contends that the future of Taiwan should be determined solely by its citizens, a sentiment shared by Hou Yu-ih, the main opponent of Lai from Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT). While the KMT historically favors strong ties with China, it vehemently denies claims of being pro-Beijing. Hou has also accused Lai of supporting independence.

Following the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the defeated Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan and established itself as the governing body. However, the People's Republic of China, led by Mao Zedong's communists, regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory. The Republic of China remains Taiwan's official name.

President Xi Jinping's unequivocal statement regarding the "inevitability" of China-Taiwan reunification indicates a firm resolve on the part of the Chinese government. The upcoming elections in Taiwan, combined with the increasingly tense relations between Beijing and Taipei, underscore the significance of this issue that will continue to shape the region's future.