Chinese President Xi Jinping has just concluded the National People’s Congress, which secured his third term in office, defying political norms. He has also outlined policies that will direct the world’s second-largest economy. In his final address, he reiterated the need for enhancing national security and opposed pro-independence and secessionist activities in Taiwan. He highlighted that China must resist external forces and support the country’s stability, and emphasized the importance of strengthening self-reliance.
Xi’s election has been the focus of the international media as he is now China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. The move could signify that China is looking to consolidate power and that Xi could continue to lead the country for an extended period. His continued tenure could prove crucial in China’s ongoing rivalry with the US.
On the same day, China appointed General Li Shangfu as the new Defense Minister, despite being sanctioned by the US. The appointment was unanimously confirmed by the National People’s Congress. General Li is a seasoned veteran of the People’s Liberation Army and is set to become the face of the PLA. His appointment is another sign that China is keen to maintain a strong military presence.
China’s President Xi Jinping addressed the country’s lawmakers on Monday, urging them to redouble efforts to ensure stability and bolstering self-reliance. The speech came as China’s parliament approved changes to a law that would allow it to pass emergency legislation more quickly, a move analysts say could give the Chinese government greater authority to suppress dissent.
In his speech, Xi also stressed the importance of enhancing national security and opposed pro-independence and secessionist activities in Taiwan, saying that China must oppose the interference of external forces in the region. This comes amid escalating tensions between China and the US over Taiwan, which Xi has increasingly prioritized as a historical imperative.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that a more assertive China presents a systemic challenge to the global order. Speaking to NBC News, Sunak made the comments in the context of the new AUKUS security pact between the UK, US and Australia, which aims to counter China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Sunak stated that the move is not about containing China, but rather ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. The UK’s criticism of China comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, including accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang and China’s increasingly aggressive stance on Taiwan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of bolstering the military and opposing pro-independence and secessionist activities in Taiwan in his first public address since being re-elected for a historic third term. Speaking to lawmakers during the National People’s Congress, Xi stressed the need to enhance national security and defend China’s territorial integrity.
Xi’s comments come amid growing tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as with the United States, which has expressed support for Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty. China views Taiwan as a renegade province and has vowed to use force if necessary to bring it under its control.
The Chinese government has also recently passed changes to a law that will allow it to pass emergency legislation more quickly, a move that analysts say could give the government more power to crackdown on dissent and opposition. This has raised concerns about the state of civil liberties in China.
At the same time, Xi’s emphasis on self-reliance reflects China’s desire to become less dependent on foreign technology and resources, a goal that has been highlighted in China’s recent push to ramp up lithium extraction. China’s efforts to increase its share of global lithium supply to nearly a third by the middle of the decade have been met with both excitement and concern, as some worry about the environmental impact of increased mining and extraction.
Xi’s re-election as president and his call for greater national security also come at a time when China’s economic growth is slowing. Premier Li Keqiang warned that the country’s five percent growth target for 2023 will not be easy to achieve, highlighting the challenges China faces as it seeks to maintain its economic momentum in the face of global uncertainty and increasing competition.
China’s aim to become a major player in the global supply of lithium has been given a boost by its efforts to ramp up lithium extraction. According to UBS AG, China’s share of the world’s supply of lithium could rise to nearly a third by the middle of the decade. The increasing demand for electric vehicles and other renewable energy technologies has created a surge in the need for lithium, which is a key component in rechargeable batteries.
However, achieving this target will not be easy, according to China’s new premier, who has warned that the country’s five percent growth target for 2023 will be a challenging task.
Despite these challenges, China has appointed General Li Shangfu as its new Defense Minister. Li Shangfu, who is a seasoned veteran of the People’s Liberation Army, was unanimously confirmed by China’s legislative body, known for its symbolic rather than substantive role. His appointment is significant, as he will be the face of the PLA and oversee its ongoing modernization efforts.
Overall, China’s ambitions for increased global influence are clear, with its efforts to secure a steady supply of lithium, strengthen its military capabilities, and maintain its stance on Taiwan. As China continues to navigate the complexities of these issues, the world will be closely watching to see how the country’s decisions and actions will impact the global economy and international relations.