In a world marked by tumultuous change, tensions in the Taiwan Strait are a constant. Remarks by government leaders on either side of the strait as the year began repeated and reinforced the stark contrast in their positions and are a reminder of the need for dialogue and confidence-building measures between Beijing and Taipei. But instead it looks like China will continue to press its advantage, using its considerable international and domestic influence to isolate the government of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. It is a dangerous strategy.

Forty years ago, after the United States switched its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, China issued its "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan," which noted that "Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times," and that the people of Taiwan and China have "suffered greatly" because of their separation. The message proclaimed that there is "only one China, with the Government of the People's Republic of China as its sole legal Government." It pointed to the recent conclusion of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China as proof of the correctness of that claim.

Successive Chinese leaders have sought to reunify Taiwan — which they consider a renegade province — with the mainland. Few of them have had the ambition or the means as does the current president. Since taking power in 2012, President Xi Jinping has relentlessly pursued his goal of restoring China's place in the region and the world. In his vision, unification is an "inevitable requirement" for the "great rejuvenation of China."