Xi Jinping defends turning China’s military into a “great wall of steel”

Xi Jinping closed the National People’s Congress with a short speech in which he emphasized that security is imperative for achieve “quality development” and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Xi has managed to unite his goal of uniting these two ideas, which require improving science and technology to compete with the United States, with the goal of modernizing or rejuvenating the country. And all this is connected with security as a cornerstone, which is why he defended it modernization of the army to make it a “great wall of steel” which protects the interests of the nation. A few words that can serve as a warning to the United States and its Asian allies. The concept of security does not only refer to the defense of the country but to all areas of social governance from safe economic growth to social or financial stability.

The Chinese president did not forget to mention Taiwan. He threw down the conciliatory gauntlet, assuring that he would actively seek a peaceful solution and promote relations between the two straits. But he insisted on it reunification will never be renounced nor will foreign interference be tolerated.

The most powerful man since Mao

Xi Jinping closes the plenary session of the National People’s Congress, becoming the most powerful man in China since Mao. He begins his third term concentrating in his hands control over the government, the party and the army. In addition, a major reorganization of party and state bodies was approved.

In this way, the division between government and party has been blurred by the creation of new regulatory super-organisms, controlled by the Communist Party, to promote key sectors such as finance, technology and data management. It represents the end of the “reforms and opening” era initiated by Deng Xiaoping who prioritized development without ties to ideology.

In his first press appearance on Monday, new Premier Li Qiang distanced himself from the moderate and assertive tone of his predecessor, Li Keqiang. The new Li was fierce and forceful in his responses to the media, despite the fact that all questions had been arranged weeks in advance. recognized that it will not be easy to achieve growth of around 5%. Li Qiang highlighted the internal difficulties and the bad international situation. He admitted, trying to be relatable, that the majority of the population is not interested in GDP, but in everyday problems such as housing, employment, reduced income or health services.

The prime minister insisted on the goal of achieving “high-quality development” that is more focused on improving people’s lives. Li did not forget to criticize the private sector, describing it as “inappropriate” comments about the lack of state support. He reaffirmed that China will protect this sector and create new investment opportunities. He even insisted that separation from the US was in no one’s interest and that the two countries must cooperate.

The acts of Monday closed two sessions, the ANP and the advisory (CCPPch), in this advisory body there were numerous suggestions which will be discussed during the year. Among them, reducing the number of hours taught in English in schools – an indication that China is not committed to continuing to open up to the world – or allowing single women to freeze their eggs, an option that has now been banned.