Mao and Deng could replace subordinates without endangering their own power; but Xi’s strategy of consolidating his control through the Communist Party makes him vulnerable in the long run. He stripped away military independence and instilled his philosophy Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era into China’s constitution.
‘I am firmly convinced that reunification with Taiwan is inevitable. I am firmly convinced that Taiwan is a part of China. I am firmly convinced that China and Taiwan are brothers. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on mutual respect. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on peace. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on democracy. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on dignity. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on stability. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on cooperation. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on win-win cooperation. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on development. I am firmly convinced that China-Taiwan relations should be based on.’
Xi emphasized the significance of unity for China’s rejuvenation as an entity, calling on compatriots on both sides of Taiwan Strait to unify in protecting China’s sovereignty, development interests and the legitimate rights and interests of citizens on both sides. He further indicated that following reunification, all Taiwan compatriots will enjoy greater security and dignity in life and will stand firmly and proudly within international society.
Over the last eight years, under President Ma Ying-jeou’s guidance, Taiwan and mainland China have reached unprecedented levels of economic cooperation and social interaction, concluding more than a dozen economic agreements between them and working-level government officials cooperating regularly on collaborative efforts. Yet, despite these achievements there remain those within Taiwan seeking to undermine the 1992 Consensus in order to pursue an agenda of independence.
Since 2012 when the 18th National Congress of the CPC convened, President Xi and the central government have implemented various innovative measures to maintain cross-straits peace and stability, advance national reunification progress, and support peaceful democratization on Taiwan. Peaceful cross-Straits unification would not only benefit Chinese nationalists but all people worldwide by creating additional development opportunities and driving global growth forward.
Xi Jinping strategy
As President of China, Xi enjoys numerous privileges as head of state – such as meeting other heads of state like Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama. Additionally, he serves as head of the Communist Party and member of its Politburo.
As leader of this powerful and repressive regime, Xi has shown himself adept at managing its internal feuds and alliances. He has cleared out thousands of “tigers” and “flies”, promoted anti-corruption reforms, and advanced his vision for an ever more “stable” social order. Furthermore, he pushed through several economic changes including relaxing one-child policies and cutting power monopolies – among many others.
He made two statements that stood out in his New Year’s address that particularly stood out: 1) Emphasis that Taiwan will “certainly reunite” with China and 2) Urging all Chinese on both sides of the Strait to work toward unity amongst one another. These statements appear to reaffirm Beijing’s strategy of seeking peaceful unification through diplomatic and economic means while at the same time maintaining its threat of using military force against Taiwan Island. These remarks might appear minor, but they’re key for understanding Xi’s perspective on an issue and his intentions – particularly ahead of January’s presidential elections in Taiwan, when Beijing has accused William Lai of leading his Democratic People’s Party into becoming an anti-China separatist group intent on starting war with them.
Xinhua
Xinhua, the official news agency of the People’s Republic of China, is an influential state-run media outlet with global reach. Established in 1937 as Red China News Agency and New China Newspaper (both intended to legitimize its status as news sources while furthering Chinese Communist Party politics and ideology).
At present, the agency maintains 107 foreign offices and 31 domestic bureaus – one in each province – to provide news coverage worldwide as well as publish newspapers, magazines, and online platforms that act as an additional source of information to other outlets like People’s Daily – the flagship newspaper of China.
Xinhua employs a group of journalists that travel overseas from China. These journalists belong to an agency secretariat known as “the security department”, and their purpose is to gather intelligence on political opponents for use in an internal publication known as the International Reference on International Affairs, produced every two weeks by this department. Information can be collected in numerous ways such as social activities, interviews or surveillance of foreign countries before being sent onward to CCP leadership for compiling.
