Chinese leader Xi Jinping called on his people to show an ‘indomitable fighting spirit’ in a speech on Monday, also praising the ruling Communist Party’s decision to clamp down the Tiananmen democracy protests.
Background
Xijing made the comments at a landmark speech marking the centenary of the birth of one of his predecessors, Jiang Zemin, who was China’s leader from 1993 to 2002.
Xijing portrayed China as a country facing tough times but one that would emerge unscathed, saying ‘With an indomitable fighting spirit and exceptional capabilities, we will actively confront major challenges, whether they be rough seas or even raging storms.’
The speech was attended by all seven members of China’s powerful politburo standing committee, along with retired party and state leaders.
Tiananmen Crackdown
Jiang’s rise to the top began amid the tumult of the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy protests, which were brutally crushed by Chinese troops in what remains one of the most sensitive political taboos in mainland China.
Xijing praised Jiang’s achievements, including a rare mention of the Tiananmen democracy protests, hailing the Communist Party’s ultimate decision to reject the protests and clear the square using troops and tanks.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
