China is commemorating the 75th year of Communist Party rule with minimal celebrations, including a flag-raising ceremony and an honor guard march. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the anniversary, emphasizing Russia’s historical support for China. Xi expressed his commitment to strengthening cooperation between their two nations. Despite the lack of fanfare for the anniversary, China’s state-controlled media highlighted the country’s economic progress and social stability, without acknowledging challenges such as a declining birth rate and economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The anniversary events were also observed in Hong Kong and Macao, both former colonies that returned to Chinese sovereignty in the late 1990s. China’s history of colonial annexation and its determination to overcome past humiliations were underscored in these celebrations. While China has previously staged military parades and economic displays to mark milestones such as the 60th and 70th anniversaries, the focus this year is on navigating economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to boost the economy include measures such as lower interest rates and reduced down payment requirements for mortgages.
Xi Jinping, the leader of the Communist Party, has taken a cautious approach to international travel amid the pandemic, focusing instead on securing his power base at home through purges of disloyal or corrupt officials. In a speech, Xi warned of impending difficulties and obstacles but expressed confidence in the Chinese people’s ability to move forward in the face of adversity. The anniversary coincides with growing tensions with neighboring countries over territorial disputes and their alliances with the United States. China’s military modernization, including the recent test of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, has raised concerns about potential conflicts in the region.
China’s political system, led by the Communist Party with Xi Jinping as its de facto leader for life, prohibits competitive elections and retains strict control over the media. The party’s determination to assert its authority over territories such as Taiwan and the South China Sea has led to confrontations with neighboring nations and the United States. Despite these challenges, Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Russia, its longtime ally and the first country to recognize the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago. The anniversary celebrations serve as a reminder of China’s historical struggles and achievements, as well as its ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and international challenges in the years ahead.
