Xi Jinping Reaffirms Taiwan Reunification Goals in New Year Address

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizes reunification with Taiwan as a historical inevitability while addressing economic challenges and geopolitical tensions.

Xi Jinping declared that 'no one can stop' China's reunification with Taiwan, reiterating China's claim over the self-governed island and emphasizing familial ties across the Taiwan Strait.
China has escalated military activities near Taiwan, including naval and aerial operations, and conducted three major military drills in 2024 following Taiwan's presidential election of Lai Ching-te.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to strengthen the island's defenses, citing Taiwan's role as a global 'line of defense for democracy' and calling for increased defense spending.
Xi acknowledged China's economic challenges, including a property market slump and external uncertainties, while projecting confidence in achieving high-quality development and implementing proactive policies in 2025.
The New Year address comes just weeks before Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president, a development expected to intensify U.S.-China tensions over trade, technology, and Taiwan.