In his New Year's Eve address, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his stance on Taiwan, declaring that "no one can stop the reunification" of Taiwan with mainland China. This declaration comes amidst heightened tensions, as Beijing has intensified military pressure on the island through numerous air force and naval drills in recent years. Taiwan, a democratic nation, stands in contrast to China’s communist government, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as an integral part of China despite its self-governance and separate political system.

Xi’s comments underscore China’s ongoing efforts to assert its claim over Taiwan. Following Taiwan’s recent democratic election in May 2024, Beijing has staged three significant rounds of military exercises, demonstrating its resolve to enforce reunification. These drills have been the largest in years, with Taiwan accusing China of airspace violations. Beijing’s stance remains firm, warning that the use of force remains a viable option to bring Taiwan under its control.

Historically, Taiwan and China have shared a complex relationship. Taiwan was once part of the Republic of China before the communist revolution led by Mao Zedong in 1949, which forced the Republic of China’s government to flee to Taiwan. Over time, the island has developed as a democracy, while China, under Mao’s leadership, transitioned into a communist regime. Despite Taiwan’s democratic status, Beijing continues to isolate the island diplomatically through pressure on other nations. Taiwan's relationship with the US has also been a critical point of contention, as Washington remains a staunch ally of Taipei, providing military support and viewing Taiwan as a counterbalance to Chinese expansion in the region.