Xi Jinping declares Beijing's readiness for talks with Taiwan: Taipei rejects 'one country, two systems' model

On November 12, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, PRC President Xi Jinping delivered a statement on the Taiwan issue. The speech was held on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, whom Xi described as a "great national hero, patriot, and pioneer of China's democratic revolution." Against this backdrop, the PRC leader outlined Beijing's position toward the island, which China views as its territory.

"An unyielding historical mission"

Xi Jinping stated that resolving the Taiwan issue remains an "unyielding historical mission" of the Communist Party of China. According to him, Beijing will continue to pursue "peaceful reunification" and implement the "one country, two systems" principle. The PRC leader publicly expressed readiness for negotiations with Taiwan on the condition of upholding the "one-China principle," which posits that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of one country. "The course of history cannot be stopped. The complete reunification of the motherland must be carried out, and it will undoubtedly be carried out," Xi emphasized.

No mention of force in the speech

As noted by Reuters, in this address, Xi Jinping did not mention the use of force, although China has never previously ruled out such a possibility. The PRC leader called on all Chinese people, including residents of Taiwan, to unite to oppose "separatist" forces advocating for the island's independence and to work together on the peaceful development of relations across the Strait.

Taipei's response

Taiwanese authorities rejected Beijing's position. The Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that neither the government nor the island's population accepts the "one country, two systems" concept, as they believe it could signify subjugation to the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party. "Regarding the wording on the unification of Taiwan, it differs little from what has been said before," council representative Liang Wen-chieh told reporters.

Context: mobilization law and Western assessments

The statement came against the backdrop of several other events. Previously, Western media reported that China is delaying a potential invasion of Taiwan for several reasons. In addition, it became known that the PRC has amended its mobilization law for the first time in 16 years. These circumstances add context to Beijing's rhetoric on the Taiwan issue and are attracting close attention from international observers.