“Anyone who would try that will find themselves on a collision course with a great wall of steel that 1.4 billion Chinese forged,” said the party leader to the cheers of 70,000 invited participants. He protested against foreign criticism: “We will never accept hypocritical sermons from those who believe they have the right to teach us.”
Xi Jinping had gathered with the Chinese leadership on the balcony of the Tian’anmen Gate over the large portrait of the revolutionary Mao Tsetung at the entrance to the “Forbidden City”. The scene was reminiscent of how the “great helmsman” had proclaimed the founding of the Communist People’s Republic on the same spot in 1949. Xi Jinping, similarly dressed in a gray Mao suit, spoke at the podium with large microphones and a golden hammer and sickle.
Modernization of the armed forces
In his speech, which lasted more than an hour, the party leader also called for the modernization of the armed forces. “A strong nation must have a strong army.” He turned against “forces of independence” in the democratic Taiwan, which is regarded as part of the People’s Republic, and called for “peaceful reunification” with the island. Nobody should underestimate China’s determination and ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Taiwan independence ‘plans resolutely shattered”
“Resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving full reunification of the motherland are the unwavering historical tasks of the Chinese Communist Party and the common endeavor of the entire Chinese people,” said Xi Jinping. “All of China’s sons and daughters, including compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, must work together and show solidarity in resolutely shattering any ‘Taiwan independence’ plan.” Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council told Reuters it was working on a response to Xi’s comments.
Xi Jinping underlined the party’s absolute leadership role. “China’s success depends on the party.” Without the party there would be no “renewal”. Regardless of foreign criticism, he also reaffirmed the implementation of the Security Act for Hong Kong, with which the judiciary in the former British Crown Colony and today’s Chinese Special Administrative Region takes action against the democracy movement.
The party’s anniversary is overshadowed by foreign criticism of China’s tough course in Hong Kong, violations of human rights, unfair trade practices, military muscle games against Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, among others. The emerging, second largest economic power is often perceived by other countries as a rival or a threat
Revolutionary songs for a birthday
At the carefully orchestrated festival event, a military band played revolutionary songs such as “Socialism is good” or “Without the Communist Party there would be no new China”, which the choirs and the masses sang in the square. Participants, including representatives of the military and minorities, waved red national flags. The square was lined with 100 large national flags.
A formation of military helicopters formed the number “100” in the sky and flew with hanging flags that read, among other things, “Long Live the Communist Party”. Groups of the modern Chinese supersonic jet fighter J-20, as well as other airmen trailing blue, yellow and red stripes behind them, also flew over the field in the cloudy sky.
From 56 cannons, which were supposed to represent the number of ethnic groups in China, fired 100 rounds of salutes, while an honor guard of all three branches of arms marched from the Monument of Heroes in the center of the square, some at goose-step.
No distance rules
Since China has had the corona virus under control for a long time, there were no distance rules at the mass event. The participants also did not wear mouth and nose protection, although this precautionary measure is otherwise required in most of the capital’s shops.
For a year now, China has seen only minor outbreaks. The authorities react immediately to isolated infections with strict curfews, mass tests, contact tracing and quarantine. A “zero covid policy” is being pursued. Entry is strictly limited. Travelers must be in quarantine for at least two weeks.
Hong Kong celebrates too?
While the party was celebrating its anniversary in Beijing, Hong Kong celebrated the 24th anniversary of the return to China on July 1, 1997 on Thursday. The first year the security law came into force, which the Chinese leadership had enacted in response to the ongoing demonstrations in Hong Kong for more democracy.
No demonstrations are allowed for the second year in a row on the anniversary in Hong Kong, on which there used to be frequent protest marches against Beijing. The reason given was the pandemic. But critics saw an excuse because the infection situation has eased. Organizers had also wanted to implement distance rules.
