China’s Xi calls for ‘peaceful’ reunification with Taiwan Lars Viise

China's Xi calls for 'peaceful' reunification with Taiwan (apnews.com)

(Note originally written in October but I forgot to save it, so the story is old)

Xi has stated that the status of Taiwan is a Chinese internal matter (basically saying it is part of China) and says he hopes peaceful reunification with Taiwan with both of their interests in mind will be possible. It doesn't surprise me that Xi refuses to accept Taiwan's independence. I mean this has been true since the 50s, as the PRC sees Taiwan as a rebel province, which makes sense since the island was the refugee for Sun-Yat Sen and his Chinese Nationalists after they were forced to flee the mainland at the end of the Chinese Civil War. Not only that but Taiwan is an American ally, so is seen by China as just another way to block Chinese expansion in the region and further threaten them. But the problem is the PRC can't just invade Taiwan, since it is seen as an independent state and is backed up by the US. This means an invasion will definitely lead to war, and said war will most likely go nuclear and completely destroy both regions, Thus Xi wants to pressure Taiwan into accepting annexation through pressure or maybe even bribing them with autonomy like Hong Kong. They will most likely never accept, and as such the South Pacific will continue to be a battleground.