Chinese President Xi Jinping declared in his New Year’s Eve address that China remains unwaveringly committed to reunifying Taiwan with the mainland. His remarks came shortly after China concluded an unprecedented military exercise around Taiwan. Speaking from Beijing, Xi described national reunification as both essential and inevitable, reaffirming that integrating Taiwan as part of China remains a central goal for Beijing. The large-scale exercise, named “Justice Mission 2025,” involved at least 89 warplanes and simulated blockades of Taiwan’s major ports, marking the most extensive drill in a year. Meanwhile, the United States recently approved a record $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, prompting concerns among U.S. intelligence officials that Xi could consider military action if deemed necessary. In his speech, Xi also referenced the Shanghai Cooperation Summit attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and highlighted China’s economic progress toward a 5% growth target and advances in technology and space exploration. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te rejected China’s claims, comparing Taiwan’s current situation to Europe under threat from Nazi Germany in the 1930s.