Xi Jinping Calls for ‘Indomitable Fighting Spirit’ and Praises 1989 Tiananmen Crackdown During Jiang Zemin Centenary

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called on his country to show an “indomitable fighting spirit” in a bullish speech on Monday in which he also praised the ruling Communist Party’s decision to clamp down on the Tiananmen democracy protests.

Xi made the comments at a landmark speech marking the centenary of the birth of one of his predecessors – Jiang Zemin, who was China’s leader from 1993 to 2002 and died in 2022.

Addressing thousands of officials and delegates at the Great Hall of the People, Xi portrayed China as a country facing tough times but one that would emerge unscathed. “With an indomitable fighting spirit and exceptional capabilities, we will actively confront major challenges, whether they be rough seas or even raging storms,” he said.

In the 45-minute speech, Xi praised a long list of Jiang’s achievements, including a rare mention of the Tiananmen democracy protests, hailing the Communist Party’s ultimate decision to reject the protesters’ demands and clear the square using troops and tanks.

“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,” said Xi.

Jiang’s rise began amid the tumult of the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy protests, which were brutally crushed by Chinese troops. Jiang unexpectedly became General Secretary of the Communist Party shortly after the crackdown and by 1993 was the undisputed leader of China.

Jiang’s era saw China’s economy charge ahead and open up to the world, culminating with the country joining the World Trade Organization in 2001. However, in recent years bilateral ties have plunged, marred by frequent tit-for-tat trade tensions and growing geopolitical rivalries.

In his speech Monday, Xi talked up the nation’s accomplishments, saying that “people’s lives continue to improve,” even as data shows slowing economic growth.