China’s reunification is an ‘unstoppable historical process’

By Chris Michael The issue of Taiwan has once again emerged at the centre of international geopolitical confrontation, with China making it clear that the question constitutes a “red line” and lies at the core of the country’s vital national interests. During the first half of 2026, the Chinese leadership repeatedly emphasised that the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China is both a historical necessity and a non-negotiable objective. Beijing’s Foreign Minister stressed that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory and that no one can prevent the course toward reunification. At the same time, it warned that it would not allow any external force to support Taiwan independence movements, cautioning that such actions could lead to serious destabilisation across the Asia-Pacific region. President Xi Jinping, in his New Year message for 2026, stated that China’s reunification is an “unstoppable historical process,” noting that Beijing seeks peaceful reunification, while not excluding the use of other means in the event of foreign interference or separatist actions. The Chinese leadership believes that external interventions, primarily by the United States, encourage separatist tendencies in Taiwan and increase tensions across the Taiwan Strait. During President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China, although in an atmosphere officially described as friendly and where significant trade agreements were reached between the two superpowers, the Taiwan issue remained the most sensitive matter in China-U.S. relations. President Xi stated that if the Taiwan issue is handled properly, bilateral relations could enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries could face confrontation or even conflict, placing the entire relationship at serious risk. He urged the American side to exercise extreme caution in handling the Taiwan matter. Following his visit to China, Donald Trump also made a clear statement on Taiwan, saying that he “does not wish to see anyone moving toward independence.” China’s position is based not only on political arguments, but also on an extensive historical and legal framework consistently invoked by Chinese diplomacy. A central point of reference is the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted on October 25, 1971. Through this resolution, the People’s Republic of China was recognised as the sole legitimate representative of China at the United Nations, while the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek’s regime were expelled. Beijing argues that this resolution fully establishes the “One China” principle, according to which there is only one Chinese state and Taiwan is an inseparable part of it. Rejecting ‘two Chinas’ theory China categorically rejects any theory of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan,” considering such approaches a violation of the post-war international system and the principles of the United Nations. Of particular importance are the historical agreements following World War II. The Cairo Declaration of 1943 and the Potsdam Declaration of 1945 provided for the return of Taiwan to China following Japan’s defeat. According to the Chinese position, these documents constitute fundamental pillars of international legality and the post-war international order. Beijing also emphasises that the overwhelming majority of the international community recognises the “One China” principle. Today, more than 180 countries maintain diplomatic relations with China on the basis of this principle. Among them is Cyprus, which has reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China” policy. On January 17, 2024, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Theodore Gotsis underlined that Cyprus recognises the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of the country and supports peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, Beijing is seeking to promote a strategy of peaceful reunification through economic, cultural, and political measures aimed at strengthening cross-strait ties. The Chinese government announced a new package of policies designed to enhance trade, investment, transportation, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. In parallel, it has once again brought forward the “one country, two systems” model, originally formulated by Deng Xiaoping as a framework for peaceful reunification. The Chinese leadership believes that reunification concerns not only the country’s territorial integrity, but also the historical completion of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. For Beijing, the Taiwan issue is not merely a regional matter; it is directly connected to national sovereignty, historical memory, and the international balance of power. Amid an international environment marked by increasing rivalries, the Taiwan issue is expected to remain one of the most significant geopolitical challenges of our time. Nevertheless, China’s position remains unchanged: Taiwan is regarded as an inseparable part of China, and any attempt to challenge this reality is viewed by Beijing as a direct challenge to its national sovereignty and to the post-war international system itself.   Chris Michael is a political commentator and business consultant The post China’s reunification is an ‘unstoppable historical process’ appeared first on Financial Mirror.