Xi Jinping urges Chinese Communist Party to step up efforts to ‘win hearts and minds’ in Hong Kong and Taiwan

Chinese leader tells United Work Front Department – the body responsible for liaising with non-party groups – to reach out to ‘patriotic forces’ overseas

Xi tells the group it will play an increasingly important role in safeguarding national sovereignty

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Xi Jinping was addressing the Communist Party department responsible for dealing with non-party groups and individuals. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00pm, 31 Jul 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the Communist Party to find innovative ways to cultivate “patriotic forces” and supporters in Taiwan, Hong Kong and overseas.

Analysts said Xi’s call shows China’s ruling party is trying to update its playbook to ensure it remains effective and relevant.

State media reported on Saturday that Xi had addressed a conference for senior officials in the United Work Front Department – the body responsible for dealing with non-party individuals and groups both inside and outside China.

“[We] must strengthen the building of overseas patriotic forces, cultivate and expand the strength of those who know China and are willing to befriend China, and promote exchanges and mutual learning of Chinese and foreign cultures and civilisations,” he said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

He told the conference the United Work Front faced “major changes” in its missions and tasks.

“Profound changes unseen in a century in the world are accelerating, and the United Front is becoming more important in safeguarding [China’s] national sovereignty, security and development interests,” Xi said.

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