China’s ruling Communist Party will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Thursday and President Xi Jinping is expected to give an “important” speech in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
Gatekeepers News reports that Xi, in a ceremony honouring exemplary party members on Tuesday, said the party has in the last 100 years “written a splendid chapter in the history of the Chinese nation’s development and that of humanity’s progress.”
The party’s ranks rose by 2.43 million members in 2020, the biggest annual increase since Xi became president, and now has 95.15 million members, according to data released on Wednesday.
The party gained more strength under Xi as many Chinese express pride in the country’s accomplishments under Xi leadership and the party.
Fu Yangen, a Beijing resident, gave a resounding “Yes!” when asked if she would like the party to stay in power for another 100 years.
“It has enabled us, ordinary people, to achieve happiness in our lives,” a 27-year-old Fu said.
Despite the party’s accomplishments, not everyone recognises its pervasive presence.
“I recently came to realise that everything we see and the education we receive is related to the party, and has subtly transformed the state of our lives,” said a 21-year-old undergraduate surnamed Liu.
A flyby of fighter jets and helicopters is expected at the event amid heightened security and secrecy in Beijing.
Gatekeepers News gathered that Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam and other officials have been invited to Beijing to celebrate the Communist Party centenary.
