What Xi Jinping Said and Did Not Say About His "Lifelong Rule"

20th Party Congress Observed Locally
Anti-American Message Signals Intensified US-China Conflict
'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics' Mentioned 28 Times... Emphasis on Centralized Socialism

No Clear Economic Growth Targets Presented
"Per Capita GDP to Reach Upper-Middle-Income Level by 2035" Vague Slogan Only
No Mention of Ukraine War or Xinjiang Uyghurs

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his work report at the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (Party Congress) on the 16th, sent a message of anti-Americanism and national power strengthening externally, while internally signaling the deepening of a one-man rule system and centralized socialism. However, he did not present specific recovery plans or concrete goals for the economic growth momentum weakened by COVID-19 prevention measures, offering only an ambiguous slogan to raise per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to a 'middle-income country level.' He also refrained from addressing the Xinjiang Uyghur human rights issues or the Ukraine war, which have drawn international criticism.

On the 16th, President Xi attended the opening ceremony of the 20th Party Congress held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and delivered a 1 hour 44 minute (about 14,400 characters) work report speech outlining the achievements of the past decade and mid-to-long-term policy plans. Compared to the previous 19th Party Congress in 2017 (3 hours 30 minutes, about 32,000 characters), the speech was about half as long, but it declared stronger anti-American and socialist policies both externally and internally. Despite several moments of hoarseness during the speech when he drank water, President Xi drew multiple rounds of applause from the audience, opening the door to 'long-term rule.'

◆"Opposition to Hegemonism" Checks on the US... Also Mentioned 'Use of Force' = Although the word 'America' did not appear once in this speech, President Xi indirectly targeted the US with terms like 'hegemonism' and 'external forces.' Referring to the Taiwan issue, which has heightened tensions since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, he stated, "We oppose hegemonism, bullying, any form of unilateralism or protectionism," drawing a clear line by saying, "Taiwan is China's Taiwan." He also said, "We will never make a promise to renounce the use of force," adding, "This is aimed at external interference, a tiny number of 'Taiwan independence' separatists, and their activities." When mentioning the Taiwan issue, the 2,296 Party Congress delegates gathered at the Great Hall of the People responded most enthusiastically, erupting in thunderous applause.

Even while listing economic achievements, a stance of checking the US was evident. President Xi completely shed the foreign policy of 'keeping a low profile and biding time' (Daoguang Yanghui, 韜光養晦) and used the expression 'world number one' without hesitation. He emphasized, "The scale of manufacturing and foreign exchange reserves have stably maintained the world's number one position," and "The total grain production has firmly continued to be number one in the world, effectively guaranteeing food and energy security for a population exceeding 1.4 billion." Earlier, he added, "GDP increased from 54 trillion yuan (about 1,778.94 trillion KRW, 2012) to 114 trillion yuan (2021), raising its share of the global economy to 18.5%, up 7.2 percentage points, firmly establishing second place globally," and "Per capita GDP rose from 39,800 yuan to 81,000 yuan." He also revealed his determination to strengthen military power for a 'strong China.' He stated, "We must achieve the centenary goal of building the army and build the People's Army into a world-class force as soon as possible," and "We must ensure the army obeys the Party's command."

At the same time, President Xi devoted considerable time to emphasizing 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.' This phrase appeared 28 times during the speech. Although this frequency is significantly lower than the 69 times it appeared at the 19th Party Congress, it was the most prominently featured term compared to other policies Xi has consistently advocated, such as common prosperity (4 times), Xiaokang (moderate prosperity for all people, 3 times), and the Chinese Dream (3 times).

He stressed, "The most essential feature of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics is the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and its greatest superiority is also the leadership of the Communist Party of China," adding, "Adhering to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee is the highest political principle." The ideology of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics was officially mentioned at the 19th Party Congress in 2017 and is listed in the Party Constitution alongside Marxism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development as the Party's guiding ideology. This time, the Party Constitution will be revised to rename the ideology as 'Xi Jinping Thought,' and expressions symbolizing Xi's absolute power and control, such as the 'Two Establishes (兩個確立)' and 'Two Safeguards (兩個維護),' will also be inserted.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆Ambiguous Goal of 'Middle-Income Country Level'... Avoiding Grounds for Criticism= On the other hand, President Xi avoided or vaguely expressed content that could invite criticism toward himself in the future. This is an extension of the Chinese 'leader's rhetoric' style, which often leaves much room for interpretation while discussing grand narratives.

In particular, regarding the economy, considered the biggest challenge of 'Xi Jinping's third term,' he did not present specific targets or slogans. This contrasts sharply with his mention of GDP and per capita GDP when discussing achievements over the past decade. Instead, he offered only an ambiguous goal of raising per capita GDP to a 'middle-income country level' by 2035.

Before Xi Jinping, economic growth targets were announced at Party Congresses. At the 16th and 17th Party Congresses, GDP growth rate targets were set, and former President Hu Jintao, in his last work report at the 18th Party Congress, stated, "We will double GDP and per capita income by 2020." However, since Xi's administration, there has been a shift toward emphasizing values like Xiaokang and common prosperity, focusing more on qualitative growth than quantitative growth. Some analysts suggest this may be due to concerns about reducing grounds for criticism amid the failure to meet this year's 5.5% growth target due to the zero-COVID policy's impact and demands for accountability for mid-to-long-term economic management failures. In fact, the 'middle-income country level' Xi mentioned lacks a numerical standard by which achievement can be judged.

Opinions remain divided on whether a 'real estate revitalization policy,' which the market has been watching closely, will appear. This is because the phrase "Housing is for living, not speculation," which often appeared in his previous speeches and implies pressure policies to curb real estate speculation, was omitted from Xi's actual speech and appeared only in the official media's full transcript.

Additionally, President Xi did not mention politically and diplomatically sensitive issues such as human rights problems in Xinjiang Uyghur areas, which have drawn international criticism, or judgments or concerns about the Ukraine war. Instead, he criticized the US again, saying, "The phenomenon of hegemonism, bullying, zero-sum games through various means of exploitation and oppression is blatant," and "China will pursue a peaceful foreign policy and determine its positions and policies based on the facts to uphold fairness and justice." He also drew attention by adding, "China will never seek hegemony, nor will it ever attempt expansion."

Meanwhile, former President Jiang Zemin, classified as part of the Shanghai faction and considered a political rival to Xi Jinping, did not attend the Party Congress. Former President Hu Jintao and 105-year-old 'revolutionary elder' Song Ping, former member of the Politburo Standing Committee, entered the presidium as standing members alongside President Xi. Xi was seen briefly supporting Hu and making eye contact with him.

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