China's Xi Jinping renews calls for 'reunification' with Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his calls for reunification with Taiwan, but avoided mentioning the use of force. The historical trend of reunification is inevitable, Xi stated in a speech commemorating the 160th birthday of Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China. The Taiwanese government dismissed his remarks, asserting that they would not accept submission to China's Communist Party.

The Republic of China on Taiwan, along with the People's Republic of China on the mainland, both claim to be the legitimate heirs of Sun Yat-sen's political legacy under the One China policy. The international community largely recognizes only mainland China as a state. However, many countries maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan, which is a self-governing and democratic nation.

Xi emphasized that reunification is an unwavering historical mission for the Communist Party and vowed never to leave room for Taiwan independence separatist activities. He also noted that Beijing would consider the interests and feelings of Taiwanese compatriots. Although he did not mention military force in his speech, Xi has previously indicated that Beijing would not rule out using military force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded to Xi's speech, reiterating that neither the government nor the people of Taiwan would accept rule by Beijing. The speech came ahead of an APEC summit in Shenzhen, where Xi is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump. The US has historically supported Taiwan's resistance against Chinese demands, providing the island with crucial arms support.

China has intensified military activities around Taiwan and in the Taiwan Strait, seen as attempts to intimidate Taipei and possibly practice for a potential military operation. Taiwan reported that Chinese fighter jets and drones had initiated a joint combat readiness patrol alongside Chinese warships around the island.