Emphasis on Patriotism Including Poetry Annotations and the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation
1,000 Troops Stationed in Beijing Attend Exhibition and Send Letters of Encouragement Highlighting the Korean War Participation
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese government held a grand event on the 23rd to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 'Hangmiwonjo (抗美援朝)', which signifies participation in the Korean War.
China has designated October 25, 1950, the day it first achieved victory against U.S. and South Korean forces during the Korean War, as a commemorative day and holds annual events.
President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the 70th anniversary event. This is the first time in 20 years since former President Jiang Zemin in 2000 that a Chinese leader has spoken directly at a Hangmiwonjo commemorative event.
Contrary to predictions that the 70th anniversary event would not be grand due to U.S.-China tensions, President Xi’s direct speech is interpreted as a sign that China will no longer "be mindful of the United States’ gaze" going forward.
At 10 a.m. local time, President Xi attended the event held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and stated, "The great victory of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea will be forever engraved in the history books of the Chinese nation," adding, "It will also be eternally inscribed in the history of human peace, development, and progress."
He continued, "On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, I extend my gratitude to the veterans, bereaved families, and comrades who participated in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea."
President Xi emphasized, "On October 19, 1950, under the leadership of Commander and Political Commissar Peng Dehuai, we entered the Korean battlefield," stressing that this was a just action by China. This statement underscores the legitimacy of China’s participation in the Korean War and is interpreted as a remark aimed at the United States.
He self-praised by saying, "China’s War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea was a war that demonstrated the status of the new great power of China not only in Asia but worldwide," and "It was a war that showed the firm determination of the Chinese people to safeguard world peace."
President Xi defined the U.S. northward advance as 'aggression,' stating, "The flames of war by imperialist aggressors reached the doorstep of the new China," referring to the border area between North Korea and China as China’s 'doorstep.'
He said, "Today, China stands at an important historical crossroads in achieving the Two Centenary Goals (the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in 2021 and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the new China in 2049)," adding, "Although our path ahead is not smooth, we must remember the great victory achieved through the hardships of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea and move forward."
President Xi also mentioned nationalism and patriotism.
He said, "Since the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, under the steadfast leadership of the Communist Party of China, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era," and "The Chinese nation is experiencing a great leap toward prosperity."
In conclusion, President Xi stated, "Looking at the bright future of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we are firm and confident," urging, "Let us unite more firmly, build a modern socialist country, and move toward the Chinese Dream of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."
Meanwhile, large-scale wreath-laying ceremonies commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Hangmiwonjo operation were held in Shenyang, Dandong, and other locations, continuing events that link Hangmiwonjo to patriotism.
About 1,000 representatives of the Chinese military stationed in Beijing visited the 70th anniversary exhibition of the Hangmiwonjo at the Military Museum.
The Veterans Affairs Office and the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission also sent condolence letters to veterans and bereaved families, stating, "The great victory of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea protected Asia and the world and consolidated the newly established Chinese regime."
The state-run China Central Television (CCTV) extensively covered the 70th anniversary ceremony, exhibition, issuance of commemorative medals, and interviews with war veterans.
The Communist Party’s official newspaper, the People’s Daily, claimed on its front page, "Let us uphold the great spirit of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea," asserting the legitimacy of the Chinese military’s participation in the Korean War.
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