Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a New Year’s speech on Tuesday that no one can prevent China’s “reunification” with Taiwan, sending a clear warning to those whom Beijing considers “pro-independence forces” inside and outside the island of Taiwan, which has a population of 23 million people.

In a speech broadcast on Chinese television, Xi added, "The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family, and no one can sever our family ties, and no one can stop the historical trend of reunification." 

In recent months, Beijing has intensified its military training near Taiwan, deploying warships and aircraft almost daily, in the waters and airspace around the island, in what officials on the island describe as a gradual attempt to “normalize” the Chinese military presence.

China considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory, and stresses that it will reunify it, even by force, but the government in Taipei rejects Beijing's demands, saying that the people who live on the island are the ones who can decide their future, and their choice must be respected.

Chinese sanctions linked to Taiwan

Last week, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of sanctions on 7 military industrial companies and senior executives related to them, due to US aid and arms sales to Taiwan.

Among the companies mentioned by the ministry in a statement are Ensito, a subsidiary of Boeing, Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia, affiliated with RTX, in addition to Hudson Technologies.< /p>

The United States recently agreed to provide defense support to Taiwan worth $571.3 million, after giving the green light to arms sales valued at approximately $385 million.

The United States is legally obligated to provide the island with the necessary means to defend itself, although there are no formal diplomatic relations between Washington and Taipei.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the sanctions will freeze the assets of companies and executives in China, and prevent organizations and individuals in the country from conducting business transactions or cooperating with them