Xi Jinping Emphasizes 'Party Leadership' in 75th Anniversary China National Day Speech... No Mention of Economy

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the "adherence to the leadership of the Communist Party of China for building a strong nation" instead of the economy in his National Day speech.

At the 75th anniversary National Day reception held on the 30th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi stated, "The comprehensive promotion of building a strong country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization is the central task of the Party and the state in the new era," and emphasized, "To advance Chinese-style modernization, it is essential to uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China." This marks a clear departure from last year's message, which emphasized "economic improvement."

Chinese President Xi Jinping Photo by Yonhap News

On the 26th, presiding over the meeting of the Party Central Political Bureau, President Xi remarked, "The fundamentals of the economy have not changed, but some new situations and problems have emerged in the current economic operation." Since then, the Chinese government has announced various economic stimulus measures, making it a point of interest whether President Xi's National Day speech would include any economic messages.

However, in his speech, President Xi presented four principles: adherence to Party leadership, adherence to socialism with Chinese characteristics, adherence to a people-centered approach, and adherence to the path of peaceful development, rather than focusing on the economy. There was no mention of the economy throughout the speech.

President Xi emphasized, "We must uphold the Party's overall leadership of the entire situation, the authority of the Party Central Committee, and 'concentrated and unified leadership,' persistently promote comprehensive strict Party governance, and strive to lead the great social revolution through the Party's self-revolution." He added, "We must deeply implement the Party's basic theories, lines, and strategies, advance further comprehensive deepening of reforms and opening-up, and promote high-quality development."

Regarding the Taiwan issue, he said, "Taiwan is sacred territory of China, and the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood, with blood ties stronger than water," adding, "We will deepen economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait and promote the spiritual bonds of compatriots on both sides." He particularly stated, "We firmly oppose Taiwan independence and separatist activities, and realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad."

Meanwhile, North Korean Ambassador to China Ri Ryong-nam attended the reception. Amid recent observations of "abnormalities in North Korea-China relations," Ambassador Ri sat relatively close to the head table where President Xi was seated among the diplomatic delegation tables.

About 2,000 people attended the reception, including President Xi, Premier Li Qiang, the top Chinese leadership, ambassadors from various countries stationed in Beijing, and key figures. National Day commemorates the founding of the People's Republic of China, proclaimed by Mao Zedong on October 1, 1949, at the Tiananmen Gate Tower in Beijing, and is one of China's largest holidays.