Xi Jinping says Taiwan 'reunification' must happen, Taiwan rejects remarks

Chinese president Xi Jinping said during a speech in Beijing on Nov. 12 that China's “reunification” with Taiwan “must and will be realised". “The tide of history cannot be stopped,” he added, with no mention of the use of force. Xi was speaking at an event commemorating the 160th birth anniversary of Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, who played a leading role in the revolution that overthrew China's Qing dynasty in 1911. He described achieving China's complete reunification as an “unwavering historical mission” of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Xi reiterates commitment to peaceful 'reunification' According to Xinhua, Xi reiterated Beijing's commitment to peaceful “reunification” under the “one country, two systems” framework. He said Beijing was willing to hold discussions with people from different sectors in Taiwan on cross-strait relations and national reunification, provided they accepted the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. The 1992 Consensus refers to an understanding reached between representatives from Beijing and Taipei in 1992, although the two sides have different interpretations of its meaning. Xi also said Beijing would fully consider Taiwan's circumstances and take into account the interests and feelings of Taiwanese people. However, he said Beijing would leave no room for activities advocating Taiwanese independence. Xi further called on people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as well as Chinese people overseas, to oppose Taiwanese independence and work towards peaceful cross-strait relations and reunification. Taiwan rejects 'one country, two systems' Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) rejected Xi's remarks, calling on Beijing to recognise the continued existence of the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, and respect its democratic way of life. The council said neither Taiwan's government nor its people would accept the “one country, two systems” framework. It maintained that Taiwan's future should be decided by its 23 million people. MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said Xi's remarks on reunification were largely similar to Beijing's previous positions. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Taiwan has its own democratically elected government and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. Xi pays tribute to Sun Yat-sen Sun is regarded as an important historical figure on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. In his speech, Xi paid tribute to Sun's contributions to China's modernisation and national development. He also portrayed the CCP as a successor to Sun's revolutionary aspirations, linking the goal of national reunification to the broader objective of China's national rejuvenation. Xi called on Chinese people at home and abroad to work together towards these goals. Remarks ahead of expected Trump meeting Xi's remarks came ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, China, from Nov. 18 to 19, 2026. U.S. president Donald Trump said he expected to meet Xi at the summit, according to Reuters. Beijing strongly opposes any moves toward formal Taiwanese independence or external support for it. Washington insists that resolution to the cross-strait issue must be peaceful and reached without coercion or unilateral changes to the status quo by either side