(TibetanReview.net, Oct01’24) – Marking a subdued 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Oct 1 in the face of daunting, drawn-out economic challenges, and their adverse corollary effects, President Xi Jinping has vowed to “reunify” the self-governing democratic island nation of Taiwan. Earlier, in the run up to the anniversary, Xi had called for “consolidating and developing the unity of the Chinese nation” by “fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation” in ethnic minority areas.
No festivities have been announced for the Oct 1 occasion, save for a flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, with an honour guard marching from the entrance of the sprawling palace that in past centuries was the home of Chinese emperors. The entirely state-controlled media ran constant reports on China’s economic progress and social stability, with no mention of challenges ranging from a declining birth rate to the disruption in supply chains that has harmed the largely export-driven economy, reported indiatvnews.com Oct 1.
Like all his predecessors, Xi has reiterated his pledge to achieve “reunification” with Taiwan, underscoring his resolve to achieve the “complete reunification of the motherland.”
China’s ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own, despite having never controlled it, and has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, by force, if necessary, noted the cnn.com Oct 1.
“Taiwan is China’s sacred territory. Blood is thicker than water, and people on both sides of the strait are connected by blood,” Xi has told a banquet attended by more than 3,000 people, including officials, retired party leaders and foreign dignitaries.
But many in Taiwan view themselves as distinctly Taiwanese and have no desire to be part of Communist China.
But Xi does not care. “(We must) resolutely oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities,” he has said.
Xi has been China’s most assertive leader on Taiwan in decades. He has ramped up the rhetoric and aggression against the democratic island – fuelling tension across the strait and raising concerns for a military confrontation with a series of large-scale military exercises.
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On the situation within China, Xi has warned of “rough seas” ahead, saying, “The road ahead will not be smooth, there will definitely be difficulties and obstacles, and we may encounter major tests such as high winds and rough seas, or even stormy waves.”
Xi has greatly tightened control over the CPC and Chinese people during his more than 10-year rule.
The world’s second-largest economy and second most populous nation has struggled to bounce back after the Covid-19 pandemic and major issues in its housing sector – two of the biggest drivers of an economic downturn that is also affected by an ageing population and low consumer spending, noted theguardian.com Oct 1.
The banquet where Xi spoke was one of few events marking the 75th anniversary. This Oct 1 was a surprisingly muted affair, marked in Beijing only by a flag raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square. Past milestone years have seen opulent ceremonies and big military parades, the report noted.
On the eve of the Oct 1 anniversary, the economist.com Sep 30 ran a commentary saying Fear of a Soviet-style collapse keeps Xi Jinping up at night, noting that China’s Communists had now been in power longer than the Soviets.
While general security measures are routine in any country marking an occasion like the National Day, in China this goes much further. Police have been following rights activists and lawyers, detaining their family members, or preventing them from entering Beijing, while the phones of outspoken journalist Gao Yu remained blocked ahead of the National Day holiday, rfa.org Sep 30 cited rights lawyers and activists as saying.
Rights activists in Wuhan, Shanghai, Changsha and other parts of China have also told RFA Mandarin that they had also been told by local authorities not to go anywhere during the National Day celebrations, and that they will be under close surveillance during the holiday period.
The moves form part of China’s “stability maintenance” operations, which kick in ahead of politically sensitive dates or major events, in a bid to stave off potential threats to the ruling Chinese Communist Party before they can occur, the report said.