Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his annual New Year's Eve address, reiterated his claim that Taiwan would "surely be reunified" with China.

His message comes ahead of Taiwan's crucial 13 January elections that will determine the island's cross-strait policy for the next four years. //

In his speech, Chairman Xi also struck a more diplomatic tone towards the United States:

Mr Xi noted that "adhering to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation is the correct way for China and the United States to interact", according to Reuters, which cited Chinese state media outlet CCTV.

The problem with that is that, as we all know, the art of diplomacy consists primarily of saying "Nice doggy, nice doggy" until you can find a rock. China is making moves in the western Pacific, and at the moment, the United States is far from in the best position to counter any Chinese efforts.