China’s Reunification Aspiration
On the eve of Communist China’s 75th anniversary, President Xi Jinping reiterated his commitment to achieving “reunification” with Taiwan. At a state banquet celebrating the founding of the People’s Republic, Xi emphasized his resolve to “complete the reunification of the motherland” and declared it an “irreversible trend.”
Taiwan’s Self-Governance
Despite China’s claims, Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy and many of its citizens identify as distinctly Taiwanese. The island has been under separate governance since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, when the defeated nationalists fled to Taiwan.
Xi’s Aggressive Stance
Under Xi, China has intensified its rhetoric and military aggression towards Taiwan. He has asserted that Taiwan is “China’s sacred territory” and vowed to oppose any “separatist activities.” These actions have fueled tensions across the Taiwan Strait, raising concerns about potential military confrontation.
Beijing’s Intimidation Tactics
Taiwanese officials have reported increased military activities in recent months, including drills designed to test China’s ability to seize control of the island. Additionally, Beijing has labeled Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te a “dangerous separatist” and has intensified military exercises around Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Defenses and International Support
In response to Beijing’s actions, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has maintained a high level of vigilance and strengthened its alert. It has also detected missile firing deep in inland China, prompting concerns about further escalation. Meanwhile, the United States has approved additional military support for Taiwan, including defense articles and training.
Strained US-China Relations
The issue of Taiwan has become a major point of contention between China and the US. The US maintains close relations with Taipei and is legally bound to provide it with defensive weapons. The recent missile test by China and Biden’s military aid package have further heightened tensions between the two countries.
Conclusion
As Communist China commemorates its 75th anniversary, tensions between Beijing and Taipei remain high. Xi’s determination to achieve reunification, Taiwan’s resistance, and the international response to these developments will continue to shape the future of Cross-Strait relations.
