Beijing: Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to “firmly advance” the process of “reunification” with Taiwan while opposing foreign interference. In his annual work report to China’s parliament on Wednesday, Li emphasized working with the Taiwanese people to achieve the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
China considers Taiwan part of its territory, despite opposition from the government in Taipei. In recent years, Beijing has intensified military pressure on the island, including large-scale war games.
“We will firmly advance the cause of China’s reunification and work with our fellow Chinese in Taiwan to realize the glorious cause of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Li stated in his report.
Compared to previous years, this report continues Beijing’s stance against Taiwan independence but notably highlights collaboration with the Taiwanese people—a detail absent from last year’s report.
In 2023, Li had also called for reunification but placed stronger emphasis on being “firm” and omitted the word “peaceful,” which had previously been used. China has consistently rejected Taiwan’s independence efforts, vowing to “resolutely oppose” separatist activities.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly asserted that only Taiwan’s people can determine their future. Lai has extended offers for dialogue with Beijing, but China has dismissed them, labeling him a “separatist.”
China has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Amid ongoing tensions with the U.S.—especially as former President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Beijing through tariffs—China reiterated its opposition to “external interference” on Taiwan. The report also reaffirmed China’s commitment to a foreign policy aimed at countering “hegemonism, power politics, unilateralism, and protectionism”.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which oversees the island’s China policy, did not immediately comment.
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A senior Taiwanese official familiar with China policy noted that Beijing’s stance remains largely unchanged, suggesting that Taiwan is not currently a top priority for China’s leadership, which is focused on economic concerns and U.S. relations.
“They want to reiterate their agenda of the ‘big exchange across the strait’,” the official said, adding that Beijing may seek to strengthen its influence abroad by engaging Taiwanese through cultural and religious exchanges.
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“But they only allow cross-strait exchanges that serve their political agenda and block those who don’t. It’s obvious that those exchanges are just political means.”
March marks the 20th anniversary of China’s “anti-secession” law, which grants Beijing legal authority to use force if Taiwan declares independence or if peaceful reunification is deemed unattainable. However, the law remains vague, lacking specific details on when and how military action could be taken.
