習 “Realization of Taiwanese unification” 蔡 “No illusions”… Clash of the 110th Anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution

“Unification with Taiwan must and will be realized.” Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) once again made clear his will for Taiwan unification by emphasizing the ‘one China’ principle. It was made on the eve of Taiwan’s founding day (October 10), the so-called ‘double eleventh day’. Then, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) set a day for China, saying, “Taiwan people should never have the illusion that they will yield to pressure.” Relations between the two sides (兩岸, China and Taiwan), where military tensions are rising recently, seem to be getting tougher.

In a speech commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the 9th, Xi said, “The determination of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territory should not be underestimated.” It has to be realized and it will come true.” Xi also said, “Unification in a peaceful way is in the best interests of the Chinese people, including compatriots in Taiwan.”

Regarding those who advocate for Taiwan’s independence, he said, “The biggest obstacle to national reunification and a serious threat to national revival.” He will surely be judged by history.” Xi mentioned ‘unification’ 12 times that day. He also made remarks aimed at the United States and Japan, which are increasingly cooperating with Taiwan. “The Taiwan issue is China’s internal affairs, and external interference is not tolerated,” Xi said.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory. In 2019, President Xi declared that unification could be achieved even by force if necessary. According to Hong Kong media outlet Mingbo, China Central Television (CCTV), which relayed Xi’s speech, captured the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army and armed police and reported their presence. In particular, several close-ups of the Air Force delegation of the People’s Liberation Army. Earlier, during the 2001 and 2011 commemorative ceremonies, there was no mention of military and police officials. China sent 149 military aircraft to the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone for four days from the 1st to the 4th, which was the National Day holiday, and held a large-scale armed demonstration. On the 5th, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chu Guo-jeong (邱國正) said, “The current situation on both sides of the road is the most serious in 40 years.” President Tsai counterattacked the day after Xi’s speech. In his speech on the 10th anniversary of the foundation of the country, he said, “I will continue to strengthen national defense so that no one can pressure me to follow China.” “Taiwan and China should not be subordinated to each other,” he said. Regarding cross-strait relations, “Maintaining the status quo is our position. We will do our best to prevent unilateral change in the current situation.” The Xinhai Revolution refers to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. Both China and Taiwan commemorate October 10, 1911, when the revolution began, and recognize it as the starting point of legitimacy. In China, it is the anniversary of the revolution, and in Taiwan, it is the anniversary of the founding of the country.

Beijing = Correspondent Ki-yong Kim kky@donga.com