BEIJING: After securing a third term, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders' foremost priority is the reunification of Taiwan, according to Di Valerio Fabbri writing in Geopolitica.info citing analysts.
Some analysts believed that Xi, who had previously yoked his legitimacy to reunification with Taiwan, is bent on realizing this vision. While, in the past, Chinese leaders spoke about reunification as something to be achieved in the long run, it is the number one priority on the agenda these days. China's pursuit of Taiwan reunification had grown larger with every passing day. While delivering the speech at the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese leader warned Taiwan that they would take all necessary measures to deny Taiwanese independence and push through reunification.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister, Tien Chung-Kwang reiterated Taiwan's sovereignty and said that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are the responsibility of the two sides and must always be taken care of. Describing the support of international organizations, Tien mentioned that the EU's support for Taiwan has become increasingly clear in recent years, according to the author.
After the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island, China's rhetoric has increased to an unprecedented level, visible by its increased military exercises in the Strait. This move by the Chinese government reaffirmed its ambitious plan of reunifying Taiwan.
Last year, the Chinese leader signed a directive allowing 'non-war' uses of the military, instilling fear that China may use weapons to invade Taiwan under the guise of a 'special military operation'.
Recently, China changed the military guard of the eastern theatre and promoted General He Weidong, a former head of the Eastern Theatre Command, to become the new second-ranked vice-chairman of the Chinese Military Commission.
This new move is also seen as a step towards the reunification of Taiwan. At the same time, China's support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion, while also ratcheting up pressure on Taiwan, projects greater confidence and military force.
It is ironic that despite increased interest in the international community regarding Taiwan, there is continued reluctance to challenge Beijing directly. Recently, Taiwan was denied observer status for the 90th INTERPOL General Assembly. (ANI)
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