The Chinese president, Xi Jinpinghe stated on Tuesday in a speech to the nation on the occasion of the New Year what “no one can stop” reunification with Taiwanissuing a clear warning to what Beijing considers pro-independence forces inside and outside the island of 23 million inhabitants.
“The Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. “No one can break our blood ties, and no one can stop the historical trend towards the reunification of the homeland,” he declared in a speech broadcast on state media.
China has intensified pressure on the island in recent years and made three major military exercises since the president came to power Lai Ching-te in May.
The latest, which took place earlier this month, were the largest in years, Taiwanese officials said. But Beijing did not officially confirm the maneuvers.
Xi’s remarks come just weeks before Donald Trump takes office as president of the United States.
Taiwan is a point of contention between Beijing and Washington. The United States does not officially recognize Taiwanbut it is its strategic ally and its largest weapons supplier.
Relations between both powers risk further souring after Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
The president-elect promised to implement more tariffs to punish what it considers unfair trade practices by China. Beijing rejects these accusations.
In his end-of-year speech, Xi Jinping nevertheless said that China will be able to “overcome economic challenges”external uncertainties and the pressures of the transition towards new growth engines.”
In his message, the Chinese president highlighted that “the economy showed improvements and recovery” and described the economic and social achievements of 2024 as a solid foundation to face the challenges of the future.
Xi stressed that the Chinese Gross Domestic Product is projected to exceed 130 trillion yuan (17.8 billion dollars, 17.1 billion euros), while grain production exceeded 700 million tons, consolidating food self-sufficiency.
Besides, highlighted the importance of implementing policies that strengthen “high quality” development and promote technological self-sufficiency, committing to meet the objectives of the 14th Five-Year Plan.
The world’s second largest economy has had difficulties to reactivate this year due to the prolonged housing market slump, growing local government debt and low consumer confidence.
Among the technological advances of 2024, Xi highlighted the record production of more than 10 million new energy vehiclessuch as electrical, and achievements in areas such as artificial intelligenceintegrated circuits and quantum communication.
He also highlighted the progress and stability of Hong Kong y Macaothe latter on the 25th anniversary of the Portuguese return of the former colony to China, reaffirming the model ‘one country, two systems’ as key for your long-term prosperity.
The Chinese leader referred to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of Chinahighlighting the “dramatic transformations” that the country has experienced and ensuring that “Chinese-style modernization will open up even broader prospects.”
At the international level, he reaffirmed that China will continue to “promote global governance reform” and advancing initiatives such as New Silk Roadsin addition to actively participating in international forums such as the G20 y BRICS to contribute to “the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.”
He also mentioned milestones such as the lunar mission Chang’e 6which managed to collect samples from the far side of the Moon for the first timemarking an important advance in space exploration and the scientific capabilities of the Asian giant.
Furthermore, he made reference to the successes of Chinese athletes at the Paris Olympicsnoting that “they represent the dynamic and confident spirit of Chinese youth.”
The president closed his message with a call to unity and perseverancestating that “with effort and determination, we can overcome any challenge,” and wished a prosperous New Year in which every home in China is full of “joy, peace and hope.”
(With information from AFP, Reuters and EFE)
