Xi Jinping calls for 'fighting spirit,' praises Tiananmen crackdown response

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has urged the nation to adopt an "indomitable fighting spirit" to overcome challenges, in a speech that also lauded the Communist Party's handling of the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy protests. The remarks were made during a major address commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin.

Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Xi Jinping portrayed China as a nation capable of weathering difficulties, stating, "With an indomitable fighting spirit and exceptional capabilities, we will actively confront major challenges, whether they be rough seas or even raging storms." He stressed the importance of defending national sovereignty, security, and development interests to achieve both economic growth and long-term social stability.

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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 included a rare reference to the Tiananmen Square crackdown, with Xi praising Jiang Zemin's role in implementing the party's decisions during the "serious political upheaval" of 1989. Xi stated that Jiang had "resolutely supported and implemented the Central Committee’s correct decisions, effectively maintaining stability in Shanghai." The 1989 protests, which began after the death of reform-minded leader Hu Yaobang, were brutally suppressed by the People's Liberation Army on June 4, leading to significant international condemnation. Jiang Zemin rose to prominence and became General Secretary of the Communist Party in the aftermath of the crackdown.

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In between of the spring and summer of 1989, China experienced a serious political upheaval, Comrade Jiang Zemin resolutely supported and implemented the Central Committee’s correct decisions, effectively maintaining stability in Shanghai.