Xi Outlines Superpower Ambitions Amid Tensions With U.S. And Economic Woes

Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to lead his country toward superpower status amid “dangerous storms” as he kicked off a Communist Party congress on Sunday, while also hailing the government’s efforts to fend off international threats facing the country and shaking off concerns over its Covid-hobbled economy.

Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi said the party has “significantly improved” China’s international influence, appeal and shaping power under his watch. The country has managed to safeguard its “dignity” and “core interests” amid increasing international interference, and has stood up against unilateralism, protectionism and “bullying,” he added.

Xi’s remarks come against the backdrop of increasing tensions between China and the U.S. Days before the congress, President Joe Biden said America is entering a “decisive decade” in its competition with China. His administration recently introduced rules that are aimed at restricting China from obtaining or manufacturing advanced semiconductors, ramping up its efforts to prevent China from becoming more technologically advanced than the U.S.

Without naming any countries specifically, Xi asked the party’s leadership to “strengthen their sense of hardship, adhere to bottom-line thinking, be prepared for danger in times of peace, make hay while the sun shines, and be ready to withstand major tests of high winds and even dangerous storms.”

Xi also reiterated calls for self-reliance in the country’s economy. He urged more efforts on improving China’s education system and nurturing and attracting talents to “resolutely win the battle over key core technologies.”

Poised for an unprecedented third term in office, Xi also commended the party’s commitment to its zero-Covid strategy for achieving “significantly positive results” in controlling the epidemic while continuing its economic and social development. He also praised Hong Kong’s harsh crackdown on political unrest, describing it as turning the situation in the former British colony from “chaos to governance.”

In his nearly two-hour address, Xi declared the priority of the ruling elite to be realizing his longtime goal of “national rejuvenation” through what he trumpeted as “Chinese-styled modernization.” He re-emphasized his blueprint to have China achieve a degree of “socialist modernization” by 2035 and become a “powerful modern socialist country” by mid-century.

The Communist Party congress will be held almost entirely behind closed doors until October 22, with a new leadership line-up to be revealed a day later. The party is expected to hand a third five-year term to Xi despite his controversial Covid policy that took a heavy toll on the country’s economy. It comes after China’s top legislature in 2018 approved the removal of a two-term limit on the presidency, effectively allowing Xi to remain in power for life.