China’s Xi hails nation’s technological progress and renews pledge to take back Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated the nation’s technological advancements during his annual New Year’s Eve address on Wednesday, while reaffirming China’s determination to reunify with Taiwan.

In his nationally broadcast speech, Xi highlighted China’s progress in critical sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, military technology, and space exploration. Visual elements accompanying the address showcased humanoid robots performing kung fu and images of new hydropower infrastructure projects.

“We sought to energize high-quality development through innovation,” Xi stated, expressing gratitude to Chinese citizens for their contributions to the country’s economic growth over the past five years.

The speech comes as China prepares to unveil its next five-year economic development plan at the upcoming legislative session in March. This strategic blueprint will likely emphasize technological self-reliance as the United States continues to tighten restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors and other high-tech components.

Beijing’s push for technological independence has intensified in recent years as Washington and its allies have implemented export controls on critical technologies. These restrictions have particularly targeted China’s semiconductor industry, which remains dependent on foreign technology despite significant domestic investment.

Xi also emphasized China’s growing global influence by referencing various high-level diplomatic events and exchanges hosted by the country over the past year. Under Xi’s leadership, China has sought to position itself as an alternative power center to the United States, particularly in developing regions.

On Taiwan, Xi maintained Beijing’s uncompromising stance. “We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship,” he declared. “The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable.”

This rhetoric comes amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Just this week, China conducted two days of military exercises around Taiwan, launching rockets and deploying aircraft and warships. These drills were explicitly described as a response to a planned arms sale by the United States to the self-governed island.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te delivered his own New Year’s address on Thursday, taking a defiant stance against Beijing’s claims. Lai pledged to resist China’s “expansionist ambitions” and strengthen the island’s defensive capabilities.

The exchange of New Year’s messages between the two leaders underscores the persistent tensions in one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical flashpoints. Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, when nationalist forces retreated to the island following defeat in China’s civil war. While Taiwan functions as an independent democracy with its own government, military, and currency, Beijing considers it an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

China’s technological ambitions, highlighted in Xi’s speech, are closely tied to its geopolitical strategy, including its approach to Taiwan. Advanced semiconductor production represents a particular point of intersection, as Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world’s leading manufacturer of cutting-edge chips.

Analysts note that Xi’s dual emphasis on technological advancement and Taiwan reunification reflects China’s comprehensive approach to what it considers national rejuvenation. The country’s next five-year plan is expected to further integrate these priorities, allocating significant resources toward achieving technological self-sufficiency while maintaining pressure on Taiwan.

As global competition in critical technologies intensifies, Xi’s New Year message signals China’s determination to overcome external constraints and pursue what it defines as core national interests, regardless of international pushback.