Xi Jinping predicts rough seas on 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China | China

Xi Jinping warned of rough seas ahead for the Chinese people in a speech marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, marked by the absence of major festivities.

In his speech to about 3,000 Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members and foreign dignitaries on Monday, on the eve of China's National Day, Xi hailed China's progress since communist forces overthrew the nationalist government and established the PRC.

Xi, head of China's ruling CPC, said no difficulty can stop the Chinese people from moving forward, but called on people to be vigilant, prepare for danger and rely on the party and its army before difficult times.

The road ahead will not be easy, there will definitely be difficulties and obstacles, and we may encounter major trials such as strong winds and rough seas, or even stormy waves, said Xi, who tightened his control on the CCP and the Chinese people during his tenure. ruler.

China is the world's second-largest economy and second-most populous country, but it has struggled to rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic and major problems in its real estate sector, two of the main factors in an economic slowdown that is also affected by population aging and population aging. low consumer spending.

In recent weeks, the government has announced a series of measures to stimulate the economy, including lowering interest rates and raising the retirement age, but analysts warn this may not be enough. It is also engaged in territorial disputes with its neighbors, including the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan, which are important drivers of the ongoing hostilities, with the United States a major supporter in all three countries.

In his speech, Xi reiterated his intention to annex Taiwan as part of what he calls reunification. The CCP claims Taiwan as a Chinese province and its integration into the PRC is a key priority. Taiwan, however, has never been governed from the Chinese mainland since the CCP took power there.

Taiwan is China's sacred territory, and people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are linked by blood, and blood is thicker than water, Xi said during his speech, according to state media Chinese. No one can stop the wheel of history.

The CCP has not ruled out the use of force to take Taiwan and has introduced laws to impose the death penalty on those it considers serious separatists, including high-ranking politicians in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan.

The Taiwanese people and their democratically elected independent government overwhelmingly reject the prospect of CCP rule, wishing to maintain the delicate status quo. Taiwan strengthens its internal defenses in anticipation of a possible attack. The United States is a major arms supplier to Taiwan, under U.S. law requiring it to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

On Sunday, the US government approved the largest military sales package ever: $567 million in weapons, training and logistical support.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of complicity and emboldening secessionist forces, undermining peace and stability in the region, and warned that its support would backfire. No matter how many weapons the United States supplies to the Taiwan region, it will never weaken our firm resolve to oppose Taiwan's independence and safeguard Taiwan's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China, a spokesperson said.

The banquet at which Xi spoke was one of the few events marking the 75th anniversary. Tuesday was surprisingly low-key, marked in Beijing only by a flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square. The landmark years of the past were marked by opulent ceremonies and grand military parades.

Chinese state media headlines highlighted Xi's speech but focused mainly on the positives, praising China's achievements under CCP rule. Meanwhile, media coverage was subdued compared to previous years, a likely sign that authorities are avoiding ostentatious protests as the Chinese face financial difficulties.

On the other hand, Hong Kong is would have is expected to host a record number of events, supervised by thousands of police officers. Following pro-democracy protests and government repression in 2019, Hong Kong has become increasingly controlled and aligned with the CCP. An electoral overhaul ensured that only pro-Beijing patriots could sit in parliament, and national security legislation effectively banned public forms of dissent.

Additional research conducted by Chi-hui Lin