President Xi Vows “Taiwan Will Surely Be REUNIFIED in 2026”
In his annual New Year’s address delivered on December 31, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a firm and familiar message on Taiwan: the reunification of the motherland is an “unstoppable” historical trend. While the exact phrasing “Taiwan will surely be reunified in 2026” does not appear verbatim in official transcripts, Xi’s emphatic declaration — “The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable” — has fueled intense speculation about Beijing’s intentions for the year ahead.
The speech came just one day after the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) concluded large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025.” These exercises, involving hundreds of aircraft, naval vessels, and simulated blockade operations, were described by Chinese officials as a “stern warning” to “Taiwan independence” forces and external interference. The timing amplified the perceived urgency of Xi’s words, with some analysts interpreting 2026 as a potential window of heightened risk.
Xi framed reunification in deeply historical and emotional terms, emphasizing that “Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship.” He also highlighted the establishment in 2025 of an annual “Taiwan Recovery Day” (October 25), commemorating the end of Japanese colonial rule over the island after World War II. This new observance seeks to recast the Taiwan issue as a matter of post-war justice and national restoration, rather than a lingering civil war dispute.
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te swiftly countered in his own New Year’s message, vowing to defend national sovereignty and urging unity against external threats. Taipei characterized the recent PLA drills as provocative and escalatory, while reaffirming its commitment to peace through strength and international partnerships.
Geopolitical Context
The rhetoric arrives amid complex global dynamics. Beijing perceives opportunities in 2026, including perceived U.S. distractions under the current administration and broader international divisions. Some commentators have described the year as one of “temptation” for China, though official statements continue to prioritize peaceful development alongside resolute opposition to separatism.
However, Xi’s address balanced the Taiwan issue with broader national priorities, such as the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), focused on technological self-reliance, high-quality growth, and the “new quality productive forces” in AI, semiconductors, and green energy. Many experts view this as evidence that Beijing prefers long-term strategic pressure over immediate military adventurism, with reunification tied to China’s overall rise rather than a rigid 2026 deadline.
Looking Ahead
Xi’s words reinforce a consistent theme of his leadership: Taiwan’s reunification is inevitable and central to the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Yet the path forward remains uncertain — whether through intensified gray-zone coercion, economic integration, or other means. As 2026 unfolds, the Taiwan Strait will remain one of the world’s most closely watched flashpoints, with the potential to shape global security for years to come.
The coming months will test whether Beijing’s “unstoppable” trend translates into escalated action or sustained strategic patience.