Presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13 are likely to decide the island's relationship with Beijing.



Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in a speech on Tuesday that Taiwan's "unification" with China was "inevitable," reaffirming Beijing's long-standing commitment to democracy. Autonomous government on the island until elections on January 13.

“Full reunification with the homeland is an inevitable, valid and desirable developmental process for the people. The motherland must be and remain united,” Xi Jinping said in his speech to mark the 130th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.



The comments echoed earlier remarks by Xi Jinping, one of China's most influential leaders since Mao, who sees control of Taiwan as central to his broader goals. I want to "restore" China to the same level of power and status around the world.

But they are especially important now, just weeks before Taiwan's crucial presidential election. The differing views of its political parties on relations with China make the election a test of public opinion in Beijing - and what Taiwan says to increase its influence. China's ruling Communist Party on the island.

This year's election comes after years of heightened tensions as Beijing ratcheted up military, political and economic pressure on the island under President Tsai Ing-wen, who has largely supported informal ties. Taiwan's relationship with the United States.

Tsai's successor, Vice President Lai Ching-ti, of the Democratic Progressive Party, is leading in the polls and publicly loathes Chinese officials.

Lai leads two other candidates - Hu Yu of the Kuomintang and Ko Wen-chi of the Taiwan People's Party - who are said to favor closer ties with Beijing.

The Chinese Communist Party claims Taiwan as a territory, although it has never controlled the island. Chinese officials say they are ready for peaceful "reunification" but have not ruled out the use of force to regain control of the island.

"(We) must promote the peaceful development of cross-border relations and prevent anyone from separating Taiwan from China," Xi Jinping warned in a speech to more than just crowds on Tuesday. Residents of Taipei, however, are clearly covered with caution.


Tsai welcomed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

In August 2022, when Tsai welcomed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a visit to Taiwan, China surrounded the island for several days, conducted large-scale military exercises and cut off high-level military contacts with US forces.



 

China has accused Taiwan of increasing military threats ahead of the election

China accuses Taiwan of deliberately defying Beijing's military threat to win elections ahead of January elections on the island.



"This is only done for election purposes," he added, accusing Taiwan of "using known election methods to incite conflict and rig the election."

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said Thursday it had detected 12 Chinese military aircraft flying over the Taiwan Strait, the sensitive border that separates Taiwan from China.

China sends military aircraft and ships around Taiwan almost daily, and Taipei reports an increase in Beijing's military activity in the Taiwan Strait.