Targeting the US in Taiwan Issue Response, Mentioning Possibility of 'Use of Force'
"China's Affairs Are Decided by China Itself... Opposition to External Forces"
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyun-jung] Chinese President Xi Jinping took a confrontational stance against the United States by stating "opposition to hegemonism" in the work report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (Party Congress), which will confirm his third term. Compared to the 19th Party Congress, this work report was about half as long, but he particularly emphasized the economic achievements of the past decade and repeatedly highlighted China's position as the 'world's second largest economy.' He also mentioned the so-called 'Xi Jinping Thought' on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics nearly thirty times, implying his solidified power and the deepening of a centralized political system centered on the Party.
On the 16th, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi delivered a work report lasting about 1 hour and 44 minutes to 2,296 Party Congress delegates, stating, "We oppose hegemonism and power politics, as well as any form of unilateralism or protectionism."
◆Indirect Criticism of the U.S. through 'Hegemony' and 'External Forces' = This statement came while emphasizing the policy on the Taiwan issue, where President Xi showed a tough stance by even mentioning the 'use of force.' Xi stressed, "Taiwan is part of China," and "Resolving the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people, and the Chinese people must decide for themselves." He added, "We will never promise to renounce the use of force and will keep the option of taking all necessary measures on the table," clarifying, "This is aimed solely at external interference, a tiny number of 'Taiwan independence' separatists, and their activities."
He also emphasized, "The country insists on equality regardless of size, strength, or wealth, and respects the development paths and social systems autonomously chosen by the peoples of all countries," adding, "We oppose all Cold War thinking, interference in other countries' internal affairs, and double standards." Although he never directly mentioned the United States, he indirectly confronted it through terms like 'hegemony' and 'external forces.'
He further stated, "We will develop friendly cooperation with all countries and promote the building of a new type of international relations based on equality, openness, and cooperation to foster global partnership relations." He also said, "We will uphold the correct direction of economic globalization, promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and advance bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation to create an international environment favorable to development."
◆'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics' Mentioned 28 Times... Implied 'Absolute Power' = In this work report, the so-called 'Xi Jinping Thought' on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics was mentioned 28 times. At the beginning of the report, Xi said, "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."
Compared to the 69 mentions during the 19th Party Congress, the frequency has decreased, but it stands out compared to other policy directions advocated by Xi, such as 'common prosperity' (4 times), 'Xiaokang' (moderate prosperity for all people, 3 times), and 'Chinese Dream' (3 times).
The thought of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics was officially mentioned at the 19th Party Congress in October 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 term 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics Thought' as 'Xi Jinping Thought,' and expressions such as 'Two Establishes (兩個確立)' and 'Two Safeguards (兩個維護)' will also be inserted. The 'Two Establishes' refer to establishing Xi Jinping's status within the Party and the leading position of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics Thought. The 'Two Safeguards' mean safeguarding Xi Jinping's core status within the Party and the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, which can be understood as signifying his absolute power and control.
◆Emphasis on Economic Growth as a 'Historic Leap to Second Place in the World' = Through the work report, Xi Jinping actively promoted 'high-quality development,' emphasizing that China's economic strength has achieved a historic leap and repeatedly highlighted his achievements. He stated, "Gross domestic product increased from 54 trillion yuan (2012) to 114 trillion yuan (2021), and the share of the economy in the world economy rose by 7.2 percentage points to 18.5%, firmly establishing China as the world's second largest economy." He stressed, "Per capita GDP increased from 39,800 yuan to 81,000 yuan, and total grain production firmly maintained the world's number one position, effectively ensuring food and energy security for a population of over 1.4 billion."
He continued, "The urbanization rate rose by 11.6 percentage points to 64.7%," and "Research and development expenditure across society increased from 1 trillion yuan to 2.8 trillion yuan, ranking second in the world, and the number of R&D personnel is the largest globally."
He also cited the proactive implementation of an opening-up strategy, mentioning the Belt and Road Initiative as a representative example. He said, "We have made the Belt and Road Initiative a preferred public good and cooperation platform for the international community," adding, "Our country has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions, the total volume of goods trade has ranked first in the world, and foreign investment attraction and outbound investment have also taken the lead globally, forming a deeper and broader pattern of opening up to the outside world."
Meanwhile, the Party Congress will continue for seven days until the 22nd. On the closing day, the list of the 20th Central Committee members will be announced, and Xi Jinping's name is expected to appear, effectively formalizing his third term. After the Party Congress closes, on the 23rd, the first plenary session of the 20th Central Committee (1st Plenum) will reveal the appointments for the top leadership, including the Politburo Standing Committee and the Politburo, marking the official start of Xi Jinping's third term.
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