In a concise address commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, President Xi Jinping lauded the “huge national sacrifice” made by the Chinese people during the conflict, while weaving in pointed messages relevant to contemporary global challenges.
He evoked the unity of the Chinese populace in rallying together to defy the enemy amid adversity, drawing a parallel to the present day: “Today humanity again has to choose between peace and war.”
According to state media translations, Xi portrayed China as a great nation that “is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence and forges ahead.” He emphasized that historical experiences demonstrate how the Chinese people consistently unite “to defy the enemy” when confronting hardships.
The speech featured multiple allusions to the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”—a signature phrase encapsulating Xi’s vision for China’s future, which centrally involves Taiwan.
Xi and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) assert that Taiwan is an integral Chinese province currently governed by illegitimate separatists, and Xi has committed to achieving “reunification” through annexation. This stance is firmly rejected by Taiwan’s government and its citizens.
Although the address avoided explicit mentions of Taiwan, it unmistakably underscored its prominence on Xi’s agenda. He has previously vowed to seize the island by military means if required, and the accompanying parade served as a potent showcase of China’s armed strength.
Under Xi’s leadership, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has pursued extensive modernization efforts, yet it has also been plagued by corruption scandals. In recent years, purges of officials and personnel have reached intensities unseen since the Mao Zedong era.
Xi appeared to address these concerns indirectly in his remarks, offering what could be interpreted as reassurance to the public amid anxieties, while issuing a stern admonition to internal elements.
“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has been and always will be the heroic armed forces that the party and the people can fully trust and rely on,” he stated. “All service members should faithfully perform their sacred duties, speed up the building of a world-class military, and firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.”
