Chinese president mentions US by name in speech: ‘Normally Xi is more cautious’

Xi said the West’s actions have created “challenges of unprecedented intensity for China’s development” at a time when the country was also grappling with repeated coronavirus outbreaks and economic difficulties.

Mainly general terms

The statements about the West and the United States are noteworthy, according to correspondent Smid. “Normally Xi is more cautious in his statements and mostly uses general terms.” In most of his speeches, he refers only to “certain countries” that oppose China, without specifically identifying the United States or even the West. At the same time, the Chinese president’s statements are also in line with the tensions between China and the United States, Smid believes.

According to the correspondent, there is no acute threat in the speech. “Experts are pretty positive. There are a lot of threats, but that’s it for now. An invasion of Taiwan or direct Chinese involvement in the war against Ukraine still seems unlikely.”

Largest item of expenditure for defense

Another striking conclusion of the congress is that the Chinese government will spend 7.2% more on the military. According to Smid, this increase is greater than in any other sector, including health, for example. “Under Xi, defense is important, but it is unclear at this time whether this is an indication of new tensions.”

The People’s Congress started last Sunday and will last about two weeks. The People’s Congress is held once a year. The 3,000 parliamentarians will meet in Beijing for this.