A senior Chinese official has unveiled increasingly assertive rhetoric toward Taiwan, signaling a potential escalation in Beijing’s efforts to pressure the self-ruled democracy, Bloomberg reports.
This comes as China announced military exercises near the island, further heightening regional tensions.
Wang Huning, who oversees Taiwan affairs for the Chinese government, urged his nation to “shape the inevitable reunification of the motherland” at a meeting in Beijing, according to a report from the official Xinhua News Agency. This marks the first time Beijing has used this specific phrasing, suggesting a more proactive approach to unification with Taiwan, which the Communist Party views as a renegade province.
While President Xi Jinping has previously stated that unification with Taiwan “can without a doubt be realized,” the new language emphasizing the “shaping” of that process suggests a potential shift towards a more assertive strategy. Chinese state media outlets prominently highlighted the call to action.
Experts caution that an imminent invasion is unlikely, given China’s economic challenges and ongoing anti-corruption investigations within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). However, Beijing could intensify efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and increase military activities in the surrounding waters and airspace.
Adding to the pressure, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry announced that China would conduct military drills approximately 40 nautical miles off the southern coast of the island. The ministry condemned the exercises, stating they pose a danger to aviation and maritime traffic and undermine regional stability. The drills follow Taiwan’s detention of a freighter and its crew, including Chinese nationals, after a key cable to an offshore outpost was severed. Taiwan is investigating potential sabotage in the incident.
China has accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of “hyping up” the affair.
Wang Huning also emphasized the need to “resolutely oppose and curb external interference” related to Taiwan, a clear reference to the United States, which provides diplomatic and military support to the island.
Recently, the US State Department removed a phrase from its fact sheet stating it does “not support Taiwan independence.” While Taipei welcomed the move, Beijing condemned it. The US later affirmed its commitment to peace in the region, but the altered wording remains.
President Donald Trump’s administration has adopted a more hawkish stance towards China. At the same time, Trump has previously suggested that Taipei should pay the US for security and has questioned the value of defending allies.
Wang Huning further called on the Communist Party to “consolidate the international community’s adherence to the one-China principle,” reiterating Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. China routinely asks nations it has diplomatic ties with to affirm this principle.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s ruling DPP maintains that Taiwan is a de facto independent nation deserving broader international recognition. The island has its own democratically elected government, military, and currency.
