Xi Calls for ‘Indomitable Fighting Spirit,’ Praises China’s Tiananmen Crackdown

C

hinese President Xi Jinping called on China to maintain an “indomitable fighting spirit” in confronting challenges and defending the country’s interests, while praising the Communist Party’s handling of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

Xi made the remarks Monday during a major speech marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin, who led the country from 1993 to 2002 and died in 2022.

Speaking before thousands of officials and delegates at the Great Hall of the People, Xi portrayed China as facing difficult challenges but said the country would remain resilient.

“With an indomitable fighting spirit and exceptional capabilities, we will actively confront major challenges, whether they be rough seas or even raging storms,” Xi said.

He called for the defense of China’s sovereignty, security and development interests, saying the country would continue building on what he described as its achievements in economic development and social stability.

The speech was notable for its reference to the 1989 Tiananmen protests, a subject that remains highly sensitive in China. Xi praised Jiang for supporting the Communist Party leadership’s decision during the crisis and for helping maintain stability in Shanghai.

Xi highlights Jiang’s role in 1989 crackdown

The Tiananmen protests began in April 1989 following the death of former Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang, whose removal from power had been associated with a political shift away from liberalization.

Thousands of students and other protesters gathered in Beijing and called for political reforms and greater democracy. On June 4, Chinese troops moved into central Beijing and fired on protesters, bringing the demonstrations to an end.

Jiang rose rapidly within the Communist Party after the crackdown. He became party general secretary later that year and eventually China’s top leader in 1993.

Xi’s remarks represented a rare acknowledgment in official Chinese discourse of the political turmoil surrounding Tiananmen. Discussion of the crackdown remains heavily restricted in mainland China, while references to the deaths and images of the violence are subject to censorship.

State media also recently highlighted Jiang’s support for the party leadership’s response in a documentary series marking his life, although it did not show footage of the killings.

China faces economic and geopolitical challenges

Xi also praised Jiang’s broader legacy, including the economic reforms and opening to the outside world that accelerated during his leadership.

China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001 with strong support from the United States, helping fuel a period of rapid economic growth and deeper integration into global markets.

Relations between Beijing and Washington have since deteriorated, with trade disputes and broader geopolitical tensions increasingly shaping the relationship.

Xi is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in late September, with trade, artificial intelligence and Taiwan among the issues expected to feature in their discussions.

In Monday’s speech, Xi highlighted improvements in living standards and China’s economic achievements, while insisting that the country’s long-term prospects remained strong.

“The prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation are bright,” Xi said, adding that the goal pursued by generations of Chinese leaders was gradually becoming a reality.

(Source: CNN)