China Calls for Taiwan ‘Reunification’ Amid Military Drills Ahead of National Day

As China prepared to celebrate its National Day, Chinese leader Xi Jinping renewed calls for Taiwan’s “reunification,” stressing it as essential for national rejuvenation. Xi’s comments on the eve of National Day followed a series of military actions that heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Speaking on Monday, Xi emphasized that reunification with Taiwan is “inevitable” and in line with the popular will. “It is an irreversible trend, a matter of justice, and it is in accordance with the popular will. No one can stop the march of history,” Xi stated.

Military Tensions Escalate

Just a day before Xi’s remarks, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported multiple missile firings by China, which placed Taiwan’s military on high alert. These actions followed last week’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test by China, its first such test since the 1980s, signaling Beijing’s growing military assertiveness.

Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island, has never been ruled by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) since its founding on October 1, 1949. Despite this, Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring it under control, even if by force.

National Day and Historical Significance

China’s National Day, celebrated on October 1, marks the 75th anniversary of the Communist Party’s victory over the Kuomintang (KMT) in the Chinese Civil War. After the Nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949, the island evolved from KMT one-party rule into a vibrant democracy.

Public opinion polls in Taiwan show that unification with China is widely unpopular, whether immediately or in the future. Despite Beijing’s push for reunification, most Taiwanese support maintaining the island’s current status.

“Taiwan is sacred territory for China. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have blood ties, and these family ties will always be stronger than others,” Xi said, reiterating China’s position on reunification.

U.S. Military Support for Taiwan

Meanwhile, the United States has ramped up its support for Taiwan. On Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden approved a $567 million military aid package for the island, marking the largest U.S. military assistance to Taiwan to date. The package will support Taiwan’s military education and training, as well as the rapid delivery of military equipment.

The aid comes as Washington continues to express concern over China’s growing military pressure on Taiwan, further fueling tensions between the two superpowers.