Xi Jinping speech: five things you need to know - Guardian

Xi Jinping speech: five things you need to know

The Chinese president spoke for three hours and 23 minutes – here are the most interesting points

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Xi Jinping opened a historic Communist party meeting in Beijing with a three hour and 23 minute speech that heralded a “new era” in Chinese politics. A mostly monotone affair, Xi became emotional at several points, and the party faithful in the audience responded with applause at the appropriate pauses.

Here are the most important points and what to watch during Xi’s next five years as China’s leader:

Xi wants China to rise on the global stage

Xi made several pointed comments directed at the US president, casting himself as the anti-Donald Trump by denouncing isolationism and championing cooperation among nations.

“No country can retreat to their own island, we live in a shared world and face a shared destiny,” he said, making at least one indirect reference to the US leaving the Paris climate accord.

He also mapped out a long-term future for China’s rise on the global stage, predicting that by 2050 the country will “stand proudly among the nations of the world” and “become a leading global power”. Part of that plan includes building a “world-class” military than can fight and win wars.

Xi Jinping heralds 'new era' of Chinese power at Communist party congress

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China has no interest in systems of western democracy

Xi warned the Communist party faced a variety of challenges, most notably corruption, but doubled down on the system, saying China would never copy political systems in other countries. His comments are a clear signal that China’s leaders have no interest in western notions of democracy.

In the past five years, Xi has become known as a strongman, and he did not shy away from the reputation, saying the party would permeate all aspects of life in China, from law to technological innovation.

He also unveiled his theoretical contribution to party thought, the very wonky “Socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era”. On corruption, he promised new laws to tackle the problem, as graft cases are currently handled by a shadowy internal party process.

Beijing talks tough on regions eyeing independence

Mostly addressing Taiwan – whose government China does not recognise – but also Hong Kong, Xi became visibly animated and received the longest applause for his tough talk on regions with designs to declare formal independence.

“We will not tolerate anyone, using any means, at any time to separate one inch of land from China,” he said. “Blood is thicker than water.”

Distrust of China has been growing in both Taiwan and Hong Kong, and Xi announced propaganda pushes for the regions in order to “strengthen the ranks of patriot who love our country”. Similar overbearing attempts in the past have had little success in swaying the younger generation.

Xi seeks to calm fears over the economy

Xi worked to calm fear of rising home prices that have hit ordinary Chinese particularly hard. Real estate is a preferred investment in a country where the financial system is viewed with distrust.

“Houses are for living, not for speculating,” he said, coining a catchphrase that will no doubt become a mantra.

He also pledged to transform China into a “country of innovators”, focusing on aerospace, cyberspace, transportation. He promised to increase market access for foreign companies and also increase the markets’ role in the financial system and exchange rate, but it remains to be seen if this speech will translate into concrete policies.

The communist party wants a “Beautiful China”

As part of making China great, Xi spent a lot of time tackling environmental issues. He pledge to build a “beautiful China” with a clean environment, high tech companies and responsive government.

The Communist party need to “meet people’s ever-growing demands for a beautiful environment”, Xi said. “Chinese people will enjoy greater happiness and well-being.”

He acknowledged that happiness was more than just material goods, long believed the key to winning the loyalty of the masses, and said the party would fix the toxic levels of air, water and soil pollution that have plagued China for years.