Xi Jinping says Taiwan’s ‘complete reunification’ with China will happen | Xi Jinping News
Xi Jinping Declares “Tide of History Cannot Be Stopped” Amid Taiwan’s Rejection of Autonomy Proposal
Published November 12, 2026
BEIJING—In a speech delivered at the Great Hall of the People, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the inevitability of China’s reunification with Taiwan, characterizing it as an “unwavering historical mission” for the ruling Communist Party. His remarks came on the 160th anniversary of the birth of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Republic of China.
“The tide of history cannot be stopped,” Xi stated, asserting that the “complete reunification of the motherland must be realized, and it will certainly be realized.”
China views Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, as part of its territory and has repeatedly proposed a “one country, two systems” model that grants the island a degree of autonomy. However, this proposal has been firmly rejected by major political parties in Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded to Xi’s comments by stating that neither the government nor the Taiwanese public could accept the “one country, two systems” framework, which they believe would lead to submission under Communist Party rule. “The wording on Taiwan unification is not much different from past statements,” council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh told reporters.
In his speech, Xi reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful reunification and engagement with Taiwan while maintaining the “one China principle,” which asserts that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of a single nation. He called for collective action among all Chinese, including those in Taiwan, to oppose what he labeled as “separatist” movements for independence.
Although Xi did not explicitly mention the potential use of force, China has not ruled it out in its approach to Taiwan. Reports indicate that the Chinese military has been increasingly active around the island, with Taiwan’s defense ministry noting the detection of 29 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighter jets and drones, conducting joint combat readiness patrols in conjunction with warships.
Xi’s speech comes ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, where he is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The address also precedes significant local elections in Taiwan, scheduled for later this month.
During a state visit to Washington in September, Xi urged Trump to exercise “prudence” regarding Taiwan and to oppose movements for the island’s independence. In May, the U.S. postponed a $14 billion arms purchase by Taiwan, a move Trump described as a “very good negotiating chip” in U.S.-China relations, raising concerns about Taiwan’s security amid ongoing tensions.
