The National People’s Congress of China has approved a resolution designating October 25 as “Taiwan Restoration Day.”
Signs are multiplying that China is preparing for an invasion of Taiwan, with President Xi Jinping sending a strong message of power to Donald Trump, just days before their scheduled meeting in South Korea.
On October 24, 2025, China’s National People’s Congress officially adopted a resolution to designate October 25 as “Taiwan Restoration Day.”
The new anniversary, which Beijing presents as a “historic affirmation of Chinese unity,” carries profound political and diplomatic implications.
According to the official Chinese narrative, the holiday “preserves the memory of Taiwan’s return to the motherland after World War II” and reinforces commitment to the “One China” policy, which regards Taiwan as “an inseparable part of Chinese territory.”
From World War II to today: The historical background
The choice of October 25 was not accidental, notes Modern Diplomacy.
On that day in 1945, Japan transferred authority over Taiwan to representatives of the then Republic of China — an event that Beijing interprets as the “return of the island to the motherland.”
After the Chinese Civil War (1945–1949) and the establishment of Mao Zedong’s government in Beijing, Chiang Kai-shek’s forces fled to Taiwan, creating the regime that operates autonomously today.
Nevertheless, Beijing insists that Chinese sovereignty was “never interrupted.”
In 1971, the United Nations officially recognized the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of the Chinese state, replacing the Republic of China (Taiwan) — a decision that remains a cornerstone of Beijing’s current position.
The “Reunification Day” as Xi Jinping’s political message
In a speech on October 19, 2025, Xi Jinping called for “national reunification and unity among Chinese people worldwide,” while sending a congratulatory message to Cheng Li-wen, the new leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) — a party that supports dialogue with Beijing and adherence to the One China Principle.
Beijing views Cheng Li-wen’s rise as an opportunity to restart cross-strait relations, in contrast to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Tsai Ing-wen, which advocates for independence and maintains close ties with the United States.
A message to Washington
China’s decision to officially establish a “Reunification Day” is not merely a historical reference but a political statement of power.
Beijing seeks to send a signal to Washington and its allies that the Taiwan issue is an internal Chinese matter, and any foreign interference will not be tolerated.
At the heart of Xi Jinping’s strategy lies his vision of “comprehensive national rejuvenation” — a goal that, according to the Communist Party, cannot be achieved without reunification with Taiwan.
What it means for Taiwan’s future
The designation of October 25 as “Reunification Day” will be accompanied by massive celebratory events, invitations to delegations from Taiwan, and ceremonies across mainland China highlighting the “unity of the Chinese nation.”
However, for Taiwan’s government and its Western allies, the move is perceived as both an ideological and political provocation, aimed at strengthening Beijing’s national rhetoric and further isolating the island internationally.
The “Taiwan Reunification Day” is not simply a new holiday on China’s calendar. It is a politically charged message, designed to reinforce national identity, weaken pro-independence forces in Taiwan, and cement Xi Jinping’s position as the unifier of China.
Or, as Beijing would say: “One Nation, One China, One Historical Mission.”
Chinese bombers near Taiwan ahead of Trump–Xi meeting
Against this backdrop, a group of Chinese H-6K bombers recently flew near Taiwan to conduct “confrontation simulations,” according to China’s state television, just days before the scheduled meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea.
China described the drills as part of training exercises that included aerial blockades and precision strikes, involving J-10 fighter jets in combat formations.
No specific dates or locations were disclosed, but the H-6K bombers are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, underlining the strategic nature of the operation.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense condemned the report as a “public propaganda effort aimed at intimidation,” urging citizens to remain united in defense of the island’s freedom and democracy.
In its daily briefing, Taiwan reported only four Chinese aircraft within the previous 24 hours — three fighter jets over the Taiwan Strait and one support aircraft southwest of the island.
Messages from China
China’s state broadcaster emphasized that the exercise was part of efforts to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling it a “serious commitment to the peace and prosperity of hundreds of millions of people.”
The video broadcast showed bombs being dropped and references to Taiwan’s coastline, though it was unclear whether the footage depicted actual land targets.
The timing of the exercise coincides with the upcoming Trump–Xi meeting in South Korea, where trade tensions remain high.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Taiwan should not be concerned about the discussions.
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, Taiwan continues to receive U.S. support for its self-defense capabilities.
On Saturday, a senior Chinese official reiterated the call for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, marking the 80th anniversary of the island’s handover from Japan to China after World War II.
Taiwan’s military unprepared
At the same time, Taiwan’s military remains severely unprepared for a potential confrontation with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China.
This conclusion arises from staffing statistics released by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense.
Even under optimistic estimates, Taiwan’s current personnel shortage in its armed forces amounts to 25%.
The situation is even more dire in the Taiwanese Air Force, which operates at only 41% of its capacity, and in the Navy, where staffing levels barely reach 70%.
Military experts note that the prestige of military service in Taiwan continues to decline, while the growing likelihood of conflict with China further discourages young people from enlisting.
Meanwhile, China continues to strengthen its strategic air force and actively develop hypersonic technologies.
Combined, these factors could allow Beijing to destroy Taiwan’s core military infrastructure within hours of an outbreak of hostilities — effectively paving the way for a blitzkrieg-style invasion.
The real problem for Taiwan, however, is that its main ally, the United States, appears increasingly unable to alter the situation.
Washington continues to supply the island with advanced weapon systems, including HIMARS multiple rocket launchers.
But, as experts point out, “there’s simply no one left to operate them.”
www.bankingnews.gr
On October 24, 2025, China’s National People’s Congress officially adopted a resolution to designate October 25 as “Taiwan Restoration Day.”
The new anniversary, which Beijing presents as a “historic affirmation of Chinese unity,” carries profound political and diplomatic implications.
According to the official Chinese narrative, the holiday “preserves the memory of Taiwan’s return to the motherland after World War II” and reinforces commitment to the “One China” policy, which regards Taiwan as “an inseparable part of Chinese territory.”
From World War II to today: The historical background
The choice of October 25 was not accidental, notes Modern Diplomacy.
On that day in 1945, Japan transferred authority over Taiwan to representatives of the then Republic of China — an event that Beijing interprets as the “return of the island to the motherland.”
After the Chinese Civil War (1945–1949) and the establishment of Mao Zedong’s government in Beijing, Chiang Kai-shek’s forces fled to Taiwan, creating the regime that operates autonomously today.
Nevertheless, Beijing insists that Chinese sovereignty was “never interrupted.”
In 1971, the United Nations officially recognized the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of the Chinese state, replacing the Republic of China (Taiwan) — a decision that remains a cornerstone of Beijing’s current position.
The “Reunification Day” as Xi Jinping’s political message
In a speech on October 19, 2025, Xi Jinping called for “national reunification and unity among Chinese people worldwide,” while sending a congratulatory message to Cheng Li-wen, the new leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) — a party that supports dialogue with Beijing and adherence to the One China Principle.
Beijing views Cheng Li-wen’s rise as an opportunity to restart cross-strait relations, in contrast to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Tsai Ing-wen, which advocates for independence and maintains close ties with the United States.
A message to Washington
China’s decision to officially establish a “Reunification Day” is not merely a historical reference but a political statement of power.
Beijing seeks to send a signal to Washington and its allies that the Taiwan issue is an internal Chinese matter, and any foreign interference will not be tolerated.
At the heart of Xi Jinping’s strategy lies his vision of “comprehensive national rejuvenation” — a goal that, according to the Communist Party, cannot be achieved without reunification with Taiwan.
What it means for Taiwan’s future
The designation of October 25 as “Reunification Day” will be accompanied by massive celebratory events, invitations to delegations from Taiwan, and ceremonies across mainland China highlighting the “unity of the Chinese nation.”
However, for Taiwan’s government and its Western allies, the move is perceived as both an ideological and political provocation, aimed at strengthening Beijing’s national rhetoric and further isolating the island internationally.
The “Taiwan Reunification Day” is not simply a new holiday on China’s calendar. It is a politically charged message, designed to reinforce national identity, weaken pro-independence forces in Taiwan, and cement Xi Jinping’s position as the unifier of China.
Or, as Beijing would say: “One Nation, One China, One Historical Mission.”
Chinese bombers near Taiwan ahead of Trump–Xi meeting
Against this backdrop, a group of Chinese H-6K bombers recently flew near Taiwan to conduct “confrontation simulations,” according to China’s state television, just days before the scheduled meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea.
China described the drills as part of training exercises that included aerial blockades and precision strikes, involving J-10 fighter jets in combat formations.
No specific dates or locations were disclosed, but the H-6K bombers are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, underlining the strategic nature of the operation.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense condemned the report as a “public propaganda effort aimed at intimidation,” urging citizens to remain united in defense of the island’s freedom and democracy.
In its daily briefing, Taiwan reported only four Chinese aircraft within the previous 24 hours — three fighter jets over the Taiwan Strait and one support aircraft southwest of the island.
Messages from China
China’s state broadcaster emphasized that the exercise was part of efforts to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling it a “serious commitment to the peace and prosperity of hundreds of millions of people.”
The video broadcast showed bombs being dropped and references to Taiwan’s coastline, though it was unclear whether the footage depicted actual land targets.
The timing of the exercise coincides with the upcoming Trump–Xi meeting in South Korea, where trade tensions remain high.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Taiwan should not be concerned about the discussions.
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, Taiwan continues to receive U.S. support for its self-defense capabilities.
On Saturday, a senior Chinese official reiterated the call for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, marking the 80th anniversary of the island’s handover from Japan to China after World War II.
Taiwan’s military unprepared
At the same time, Taiwan’s military remains severely unprepared for a potential confrontation with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China.
This conclusion arises from staffing statistics released by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense.
Even under optimistic estimates, Taiwan’s current personnel shortage in its armed forces amounts to 25%.
The situation is even more dire in the Taiwanese Air Force, which operates at only 41% of its capacity, and in the Navy, where staffing levels barely reach 70%.
Military experts note that the prestige of military service in Taiwan continues to decline, while the growing likelihood of conflict with China further discourages young people from enlisting.
Meanwhile, China continues to strengthen its strategic air force and actively develop hypersonic technologies.
Combined, these factors could allow Beijing to destroy Taiwan’s core military infrastructure within hours of an outbreak of hostilities — effectively paving the way for a blitzkrieg-style invasion.
The real problem for Taiwan, however, is that its main ally, the United States, appears increasingly unable to alter the situation.
Washington continues to supply the island with advanced weapon systems, including HIMARS multiple rocket launchers.
But, as experts point out, “there’s simply no one left to operate them.”
www.bankingnews.gr
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