Xi Jinping speaks about Taiwan’s “reunification” with China: “The tide of history cannot be stopped”

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Thursday for the complete “reunification” of Taiwan with China, stating that this objective will be achieved peacefully. The statements were made in Beijing during a speech dedicated to the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth.

Xi Jinping described reunification as an “unyielding historic mission” of the Chinese Communist Party and declared that “the tide of history cannot be stopped.” The leader in Beijing reaffirmed support for the “one country, two systems” formula and invited Taiwan to dialogue, in accordance with the one-China principle.

Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claim and does not support the autonomy model proposed by China. Although Xi Jinping did not mention the use of force, Beijing has never officially ruled out this option, while the Chinese military conducts daily exercises and operations around the island.

The speech takes place ahead of the APEC summit in Shenzhen, where the Chinese leader is expected to meet again with U.S. President Donald Trump, and shortly before Taiwan’s local elections. Taipei had previously warned its citizens to avoid events organized by China to commemorate Sun Yat-sen.