Xi Jinping Calls for “Rejuvenation of The Chinese Nation” at CCP Congress

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a nearly two-hour long speech before a gathering of Chinese Communist Party leadership on Sunday. In the address, Xi doubled-down on the nation’s “zero-COVID” policies which have increased the Party’s control on the Chinese people, praised a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, reiterated the CCP’s intentions to control Taiwan, and called for a bolstering of military capabilities.

Key Quotes: The theme of the speech was the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” with domestic policy being shaped to achieve a prosperous society by mid-century. Speaking on the CCP’s desire to integrate Taiwan into the Chinese system, Xi said, “we persist in striving for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity. However, there is no commitment to renounce the use of force and the option to take all necessary measures is retained.”

For Context: Before Xi, the CCP limited the Party’s leader to two five-year terms. Xi abolished this rule in 2018, paving the way for him to remain in power past the current congress. Taiwan has operated independently of China since 1949. COVID lockdowns remain the norm in China, despite the World Health Organization deeming the strategy to not be viable long-term.

How the Media Covered it: Xi's speech was framed by Western outlets as a solidification of his authoritarian rule over China. Xi’s third term as leader of the CCP was seen as certain, with no strong opposition being voiced from the Party in mainstream coverage.