By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec 29: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday made a resolute declaration, emphasizing China’s steadfast determination to prevent the separation of Taiwan from the mainland. His remarks come at a crucial juncture, just a little over two weeks prior to Taiwan’s scheduled election for a new leader.
President Xi Jinping addressing the top officials from the Communist Party at an event celebrating the 130th birth anniversary of former China leader Mao Zedong, pledged a complete reunification of mainland China and Taiwan. The Chinese leader told the top senior officials from the Communist Party that China must deepen integration between the two sides and prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China in any way.
“The motherland must be reunified and inevitably will be reunified. China will resolutely prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China in any way. The complete reunification of the motherland is an irresistible trend,” the official mouthpiece of China, Xinhua cited him telling the senior officials of the Communist Party.
With Taiwan’s upcoming election for a new leader, Xi’s remarks hold particular significance, especially amid China’s consistent efforts to strengthen its territorial claims over Taiwan, employing both military posturing and diplomatic pressure.
As of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for January 13, 2024, Taiwan is witnessing an electoral landscape with three candidates contending for the nation’s top position. Notably, all three candidates predominantly support Taiwan’s independence, signalling a collective inclination towards advocating for and safeguarding the island’s autonomy separate from mainland China.
The incumbent Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, is leading in the polls ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in Taiwan. The frontrunner for Taiwan’s next presidency, Lai Ching-te has been a vocal advocate for Taiwan’s autonomy and independence. His stance on these issues has drawn strong opposition from the Chinese government, which has repeatedly labeled him as a “dangerous separatist”. Beijing has firmly rejected any calls from Lai Ching-te for discussions or negotiations, viewing his propositions as undermining China’s territorial integrity.
Lai Ching-te recently, during a statement addressing China’s stance on the issue, highlighted that the struggle for Taiwan’s independence is not confined to a particular political party or individual candidate but is a fundamental issue concerning the island’s sovereignty. The candidate criticised China’s ambitions, portraying its intent to annex Taiwan as part of a national policy aimed at global domination rather than being solely connected to any specific political party or its policies. The DPP candidate cautioned against succumbing to China’s narrative on the matter, asserting that blindly adhering to China’s viewpoints would be detrimental to Taiwan’s pursuit of independence.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently reiterated China’s determination to achieve reunification with Taiwan, viewing the island as an integral part of its territory. However, Taipei firmly rejects these claims, asserting its sovereignty as an independent entity separate from mainland China.
