Gordon Chang, National Interest: Is China Gearing Up To Invade Taiwan?
Xi Jinping is appealing to nationalism in the face of mounting challenges back home—and it could spell trouble for Taipei and Washington.
Xi Jinping, in his first speech in 2019 , told Taiwan it had no choice but to become part of China. “China must be, will be reunified,” is how the Chinese ruler put it on Wednesday, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.
Xi did not break rhetorical or theoretical ground when commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan, but he took the occasion to stress Beijing’s willingness to go to war. “We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means,” he said. The New York Times reported “rousing applause” for his bellicose lines.
The fact he chose at this time to give “his first major speech” on Taiwan suggests belligerent themes are popular in Beijing.
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WNU Editor: Chinese President Xi is making China's policy towards Taiwan very clear .... Chinese President Xi Jinping Does Not Rule Out Using Military Force On Taiwan (January 2, 2019)
Update: Beijing ‘will keep military pressure on Taiwan’ after Xi Jinping’s call for unification (SCMP)
