China’s head of state and party leader spoke to the 2,300 delegates for almost two hours.
(Photo: Reuters)
Beijing China’s head of state and party leader Xi Jinping opened the 20th Congress of the Communist Party in Beijing on Sunday. In his speech, in which he largely repeated his political priorities, he spoke, among other things, about corona policy, dealings with Taiwan, the economy and the military.
The speech, in front of 2,300 delegates from across the country, lasted less than two hours, shorter than his nearly three-and-a-half-hour speech at the last party convention five years ago.
Xi reiterated support for the private sector and conceded markets a key role even as China “refines the socialist economic system” and promotes “common prosperity.”
Xi received a round of applause when he again spoke out against Taiwan’s independence. “We have waged a determined fight against separatism and interference, demonstrating our determination and ability to protect state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to reject Taiwan independence.”
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Xi said little about corona policy. However, he underpinned China’s course in combating the virus, which is slowing down the economy through rigid restrictions and frequent lockdowns. Important positive results have been achieved in general prevention and control.
China’s head of state wants more children again
In view of the aging population, Xi also wants to boost the birth rate. “We will establish a policy system to increase birth rates and pursue a proactive national strategy in response to population aging.”
Head of state Xi Jinping said little about corona policy.
(Photo: AP)
With 1.4 billion people, the country is the most populous in the world. However, births will fall to a record low of 10 million this year, from 10.6 million in 2021, according to demographers.
China had a one-child policy from 1980 to 2015. The birth rate of 1.16 is now one of the lowest in the world. In recent years, the government has tried to encourage more children with tax breaks, housing subsidies and longer maternity leave. According to demographers, however, the measures are not sufficient, as problems such as high education costs, low wages and long working hours also have to be addressed.
Is Xi running for a third term?
The 69-year-old Xi has set China on an increasingly authoritarian course that prioritizes security, state control of the economy in the name of “shared prosperity,” more assertive diplomacy, a stronger military and the takeover of democratically-ruled Taiwan.
He also abolished presidential term limits four years ago, clearing the way for a third five-year term as general secretary of the ruling Communist Party. Xi Jinping is expected to seek another term.
The party congress of the Communist Party in China takes place every five years and sets the political, economic and personnel course. The appointment of a new Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament is expected in the coming week.