In an ominous start to 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his New Year's address that "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable — a stronger tone than he used last year.

Why it matters: Beijing claims the self-governing island and its recent military exercises and build-up have raised alarms over a potential invasion. With President Biden vowing to defend Taiwan, that scenario could lead to a superpower confrontation.

What he's saying: "The reunification of the motherland is a historical inevitability," Xi said.

The official English translation used a simpler phrase: "China will surely be reunified."

Between the lines: Xi has repeatedly insisted that unification is inevitable, by force if necessary.

His latest comments come with Taiwan in the middle of a presidential election campaign that's been dominated by the issue of Taiwan-China relations.

The other side: Outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, who has strengthened ties with Washington and at times enraged Beijing, warned against interference in the election in her own New Year's address.