As China prepares to commemorate Mao Zedong, hints of what Xi Jinping may have planned
- Preparations are under way to mark the 130th birthday anniversary of the late chairman, whose teachings continue to influence the country’s current leader
- Xi Jinping is expected to hail Mao’s political legacy, rally the nation as China faces multiple challenges
Every 10 years, Chinese leaders hold events to commemorate the birth of the late chairman Mao Zedong, who was born on December 26, 1893. The events are an opportunity for the leadership to call for solidarity and rally the nation to address challenges, while reflecting on the legacy of the Great Helmsman.
Authorities across China have been preparing for what will be the 130th birth anniversary of Mao next Tuesday, when the country’s president, Xi Jinping, is expected to hail the late leader’s political teachings amid tensions with the West and economic problems at home.
According to an announcement posted on Monday on the facility’s official WeChat account, the mausoleum will be closed “due to work requirements” from Sunday to Tuesday morning. It did not give further details.
The changes to the facility’s regular opening hours hinted at a possible high-level event that could include senior Chinese leaders.