China's Xi says reunification' with Taiwan unstoppable'

"Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to achieve the reunification of China and Taiwan, calling Beijing's long-held goal unstoppable. In a New Year's address delivered a day after China's military wrapped up war games around Taiwan, Xi on Wednesday invoked the bond of blood and kinship between Chinese people on each side of the Taiwan Strait."

"The drills were the largest ever held around Taiwan in terms of geographical area. The war games, codenamed Justice Mission 2025, came just days after the United States approved its largest-ever arms package to Taiwan, valued at $11.1bn. China views self-governing Taiwan as part of its territory and has long pledged to bring the island under its control, using force if necessary. Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party maintains that the island is a de facto independent country, though it has not formally declared independence."

"In his New Year's Day address on Thursday, Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te pledged to firmly uphold national sovereignty and boost the island's defences. In the face of China's escalating expansionist ambitions, the international community is closely watching whether the people of Taiwan have the determination to defend themselves, Lai said. While Taiwan elects its leaders and has its own military, passport and currency, the island is officially recognised by just 11 countries and Vatican City."

China held its largest-ever live-fire drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade and issuing a stern warning against separatist and external interference. Chinese leadership framed reunification with Taiwan as unstoppable and established an annual Taiwan Recovery Day commemorating the end of Japanese rule. The exercises followed U.S. approval of an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan. China insists Taiwan is part of its territory and reserves the option of force. Taiwan maintains de facto independence and has limited formal recognition. Taiwan's president pledged to uphold sovereignty and bolster defenses while international observers monitor public resolve to defend the island.

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