Illustration: Craig Stephens
Opinion
Opinion
To properly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic, China has to embrace its messy, complex and bloody history
- The blood and strife of history belie the orderly narrative of the founding of the People’s Republic, with a civil war that was neither glorious nor heroic
- Today’s leaders were all born after 1949 while yesterday’s leaders understood the struggle, dedication and sacrifice of becoming New China
Illustration: Craig Stephens
President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, makes a speech during the opening ceremony of a training programme for party officials in Beijing on September 3. Photo: Xinhua
Opinion
Opinion
China’s Communist Party is looking at the beginning of the end of one-party rule
- After nearly 70 years in power, China’s one-party regime is approaching the longevity frontier for dictatorship amid an economic slowdown and tensions with the US
- A crackdown on opponents and an emphasis on nationalism may boost support in the short term but staying in power to celebrate the party’s centenary will be a challenge
President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, makes a speech during the opening ceremony of a training programme for party officials in Beijing on September 3. Photo: Xinhua