BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping invoked Sun Yat-Sen's concept of national unity to promote Beijing's long-standing aim of unifying Taiwan with mainland China.
Sun Yat-Sen, founder of the Republic of China and a revered figure across the political spectrum on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, is central to nationalist ideology in both Beijing and Taipei. Xi's use of Sun's ideas links contemporary Chinese policy to a historical framework that resonates broadly in the region.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must eventually come under mainland control, by force if necessary. The push for unification remains a central policy objective for the Chinese Communist Party.
Taiwanese officials swiftly rejected Xi's invocation. Taipei maintains that only the island's 23 million people can determine its future through democratic processes. Taiwan's government operates independently, with its own elected leadership and military, and has consistently emphasized its sovereignty.
Beijing has intensified diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, including regular military exercises near the island and efforts to limit its international recognition.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mainland Affairs Council condemned Xi's remarks, asserting that such statements undermine regional peace and stability.
