President Xi Jinping, while commemorating China's founding father Mao Zedong, reiterated the nation's enduring commitment to eventually reunify Taiwan with mainland China. Speaking on the 130th anniversary of Mao's birth in Beijing, President Xi expressed confidence, asserting that the unification "will surely" occur.

Delivering his speech at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi emphasized the complete reunification of the motherland as an inevitable and righteous cause, echoing the shared aspirations of the people. He firmly opposed any attempts to separate Taiwan from China, stating, "[We] firmly oppose anyone using any means to separate Taiwan from China."

Xi led the commemorations of Mao's birthday in accordance with a once-a-decade Communist Party tradition. Emphasizing Mao's political thoughts as a "spiritual treasure," Xi declared that these teachings would serve as a guiding force for long-term actions. Furthermore, he urged concerted efforts to strengthen the Communist Party further, ensuring its continued leadership in China's modernization endeavours.

Xi stressed the imperative to "enable our party to adhere to its original mission, maintain vitality and vigor, and ensure that our party never degenerates, never changes its colour, and never loses its flavour." Prior to the speech, Xi, along with the Politburo Standing Committee, the country's most influential decision-making body, paid tribute to Mao Zedong's achievements at his mausoleum in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, where his embalmed body is displayed.

Xi's homage to Mao occurs against the backdrop of heightened competition between China and the United States, coupled with a sluggish economic recovery domestically. In recent years, the strategic rivalry between Beijing and Washington has been a focal point for the party, with the November meeting between Xi and US President Joe Biden in San Francisco injecting some positive momentum into the relationship in the short run.

Earlier this year, Xi directed cadres to prepare for the "worst-case and most extreme scenario," acknowledging the challenges in managing disputes with Washington over issues such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, technology, and trade.

Less than a month before Taiwanese voters chose the island's next president, Xi made these remarks. Beijing has labeled the frontrunner, William Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim as supporters of independence.

The anniversary is a significant occasion for Chinese leaders, offering a chance to reflect on Mao's legacy, emphasize solidarity, and address contemporary challenges.

In his speech, Xi focused on "Chinese-style modernization," a term frequently used by state media to characterize China's development since the communists assumed power in 1949. Xi previously lauded this path as a "new modernization model, distinct from the West," representing a "brand new form of human civilization."

State-backed events commemorating Mao were held across China, featuring historical moments, poems, and new editions of Mao's works. Beijing issued collections for "research purposes," including revised editions of his writings. Officials gathered in Jinggangshan for tributes, while Mao's hometown, Shaoshan, opened an exhibition with unreleased videos and photos.

Image source: The South China Morning Post