Chinese Leader Urges Peaceful Annexation of Taiwan During Sun Yat-sen Anniversary Address

Main Address

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that historical momentum cannot be halted as he pushed for the full integration of Taiwan during a commemorative gathering in Beijing. Speaking inside the Great Hall of the People, the Chinese leader described the goal of bringing the island under control as a firm historical duty for the ruling Communist Party. The address marked the one-hundred-sixtieth birth anniversary of revolutionary figure Sun Yat-sen, who led the 1911 uprising that ended imperial dynastic rule and established the Republic of China.

Policy Stance

During his remarks, Mr. Xi emphasized a peaceful approach and reiterated support for the "one country, two systems" framework, omitting any reference to military action, though Beijing has never formally given up the option of force. He also called on populations on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to unite against separatist movements seeking formal independence for the island. Officials in Taipei did not immediately reply when asked for their reaction to the speech. Meanwhile, the administration in Taiwan has previously urged citizens to ignore mainland events honoring Mr. Sun, accusing Beijing of misinterpreting his historical legacy.

Context

This address arrives shortly before a scheduled meeting between Mr. Xi and United States President Donald Trump at the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen, alongside upcoming local elections in Taiwan. Both sides claim the historical legacy of Sun Yat-sen differently, with Beijing viewing him as a precursor to the 1949 communist revolution, while Taipei regards him as the official founder of the nation.