Xi Jinping invokes China’s ‘Korean war spirit’ as 70th anniversary approaches

Name: China stages high-profile ceremony to welcome home remains of 117 soldiers killed in Korean war
Uploaded: 2020-10-20T10:00:18.000Z
Duration: 2 min 12 s
Description: China stages high-profile ceremony to welcome home remains of 117 soldiers killed in Korean war

Analysts say speech sends clear signal to US not to misjudge Chinese determination to defend national interest

Party leadership in attendance for address at Beijing military museum exhibition on the conflict

Reading Time:3 minutes

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Chinese President Xi Jinping visits an exhibition in Beijing commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean war. Photo: Xinhua

William Zheng

Published: 6:00pm, 20 Oct 2020Updated: 6:40am, 21 Oct 2020

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged the Chinese people to “keep their faith in ultimate victory”, saying the spirit forged during the Korean war would inspire them to “prevail over all enemies”.

Although Xi did not mention the escalating friction with the United States, observers said his remarks – during a visit to an exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the war’s beginning – sent a clear signal to the US not to misjudge China’s determination to defend its core interests.

According to state-run news agency Xinhua, Xi stressed the decision by the Chinese Communist Party to enter the war was made to “safeguard peace and resist aggression”.

“Holding high the banner of justice, the heroic Chinese People’s Volunteer Army soldiers gallantly fought side by side with the people and army of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and won a great victory, making great contributions to world peace and human progress,” Xi said.

“The victory in the war to resist US aggression and aid Korea was a victory of justice, a victory of peace and a victory of the people.”

02:12

China stages high-profile ceremony to welcome home remains of 117 soldiers killed in Korean war

Xi was speaking during a visit to the Korean war exhibition at Beijing’s Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution. He was accompanied by his six fellow members of the Politburo’s standing committee – the party’s top decision-making body – as well as vice-president Wang Qishan.

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Xi Jinping invokes China’s ‘Korean war spirit’ as 70th anniversary approaches

Analysts say speech sends clear signal to US not to misjudge Chinese determination to defend national interest Party leadership in attendance for address at Beijing military museum exhibition on the conflict

Analysts say speech sends clear signal to US not to misjudge Chinese determination to defend national interest

Party leadership in attendance for address at Beijing military museum exhibition on the conflict