China's New Year, big claim: Xi warns Taiwan Strait tensions rising; ‘reunification unstoppable...’

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the “historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable” in his New Year address from Beijing, stressing that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are bound by shared blood ties. Xi also said China stands on the “right side of history” amid global turmoil and is committed to working with all countries to promote peace, development and a shared future for humanity. He highlighted diplomatic achievements including the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation Summit and Global Women’s Summit, and noted the growing influence of BRICS, which expanded significantly in 2025 with new partner nations and members.