US-China Relations Seen Through Xi Jinping's Speech on the 100th Anniversary of the Communist Party... 'Strongman vs. Strongman' Confrontation Predicted

Warning to the West including the US... Firm Rejection of Interference in China's Internal Affairs such as Hong Kong and Taiwan
Emphasis on PLA Reform and Modernization, "A Strong Military Ensures National Security"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Communist Party of China held a '100th Anniversary of the Founding' event at Tiananmen Square in Beijing at 8 a.m. local time on the 1st to celebrate its centennial.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Wearing a Mao suit, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (President of the country), opened his speech by saying, "Since the Opium War, China has suffered unprecedented disasters and humiliation," adding, "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been China's greatest dream." He continued, "Under the mission of leading the happiness of the Chinese people and the revival of the Chinese nation, the Communist Party of China has achieved great accomplishments over the past 100 years." He then officially declared the establishment of a 'Xiaokang society' (a moderately prosperous society where all people enjoy a comfortable life).

Regarding the background of the Party's founding, Xi emphasized, "The founding of the Communist Party was a revolutionary event that changed the direction and course of China's national development," and "The Communist Party of China fundamentally changed the trend and pattern of world development."

Xi's mention of the Opium War is interpreted as reflecting the current U.S.-China relations. By reminding the 1.4 billion people of the 'Qing Dynasty' that was ravaged by Western imperialism 100 years ago, it seems to convey a message to overcome current difficulties together.

In his speech, Xi also reiterated the principles of the cross-strait issue (Taiwan) and Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" policy.

He stated, "We must uphold the policy of one country, two systems and a high degree of autonomy, and the central government must exercise comprehensive management and governance over Hong Kong and Macau. These special administrative regions must implement the National Security Law to maintain social stability." He added, "Resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving national reunification is the historic mission of the Communist Party of China and the aspiration of the Chinese nation," emphasizing the need to promote the 'One China' principle and the 'peaceful reunification process.' This signifies a firm rejection of interference by the U.S. and other Western countries in China's internal affairs, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and a refusal to compromise with the West on China's core interests.

Xi also mentioned a strong military. He said, "On the new journey, we must follow the path of strengthening the military," and "We will strengthen the military through building, reforming, and modernizing the military with Chinese characteristics."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He further emphasized, "We must learn from history," stating, "A strong country must have a strong military, and only a strong military can guarantee national security." The mention of the military serves as a warning to the U.S. and implies that China will never retreat as it did in the past. Accordingly, the 'power-to-power' confrontation between the U.S. and China is expected to continue for a considerable period.

He also reiterated that China has no interest in hegemony. He added, "There is no gene in the Chinese nation to invade and dominate others, and China is a builder of world peace, a contributor to world development, and a defender of the international order."

Xi also addressed the youth of China, the future leaders. He said, "A hundred years ago, a few young people held torches and struggled against the storm sweeping China," urging, "The youth of the new era must take responsibility and lead the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation (the Chinese Dream)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.