Chinese President Xi Jinping said reunification with Taiwan is “unstoppable” in his 2026 New Year message, comments that followed the completion of large-scale Chinese military drills around the island.
Xi did not name Taiwan directly, but his remarks echoed Beijing’s long-standing claim that Taiwan is part of China, despite the mainland never having ruled it.
Xi frames message around national milestones
Xi described 2025 as a major year for China, marking the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
He said China’s economy, technology, defence, and overall national strength had reached “new heights,” adding that these gains were “rallying a mighty force for the great rejuvenation of our nation.”
What China’s military drills showed
China conducted two days of exercises known as “Justice Mission 2025,” involving missiles, fighter jets, bombers, navy ships, and coastguard vessels.
The People’s Liberation Army said the drills tested blockade tactics, sea-air coordination, and joint strike operations, with live fire conducted in waters north and south of Taiwan.
Taiwan condemns drills as reckless
Taiwan’s defence ministry called the drills “highly provocative and reckless,” saying Chinese live rounds landed closer than in previous exercises.
Officials reported rockets entering Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile zone. President Lai Ching-te said the drills were “not an isolated incident” and warned they posed “significant risks” to regional stability, shipping, and trade.
Taipei said Chinese ships later began to withdraw, but Taiwan’s coastguard remained on alert. Authorities also reported major flight delays and cancellations after danger zones disrupted air routes.
Beijing reiterates stance on Taiwan
China accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of promoting separatism and relying on foreign support, particularly weapons from the United States.
Beijing repeated its position that it would take the island by force if necessary and continued sending aircraft and ships near Taiwan on a near-daily basis.
International reaction to the drills
Several countries criticised the exercises. Japan said the drills raised tensions in the Taiwan Strait, while Australia described them as “destabilising.” The Philippines said the situation threatened regional peace and stability.
China rejected the criticism. Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said other countries were ignoring what he called separatist actions in Taiwan while attacking China. He described Beijing’s actions as “necessary and just” and labelled the criticism “utterly hypocritical.”
