Xi calls for ‘staunch’ belief in communism to ensure national rejuvenation as China marks 80th anniversary of Long March

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for renewed faith in orthodox Marxism and a revived revolutionary spirit, saying they were crucial for national rejuvenation.

Xi, as general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, also called for unity within the leadership just days ahead of a crucial meeting of party leaders.

Xi’s remarks came during a speech at the Great Hall of the People on Friday morning marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Long March.

“[We] must be staunch believers and loyal practitioners of communism in our new long march,” Xi said. “Unity is a powerful force that overcomes all difficulties,” he said ahead the party’s sixth plenum that begins in Beijing on Monday.

Analysts said Xi used the occasion to reinforce his credentials as the son of a revolutionary ahead of the crucial meeting.

Xi’s father was Xi Zhongxun, a crucial figure of the first generation of the Chinese leadership led by Mao Zedong.

“Xi’s enthusiasm to embrace revolutionary myths is an effort to consolidate his power and promote his position as an orthodox successor to inherit the party’s course,” said David Tsui, an Oxford-educated party historian.