<
https://theconversation.com/china-xis-new-years-address-wasnt-a-threat-against-taiwan-it-was-a-strategic-move-for-legitimacy-220685>
"In his new year address, Chinese president Xi Jinping claimed that Taiwan
would “surely be reunified” with China. Against the backdrop of increased
Chinese military posturing in the Taiwan Strait, some western journalists are
framing Xi’s remarks as an overt and direct threat against Taiwan. They argue
that Xi’s rhetoric validates concerns about a potential invasion.
This framing misses the point and overlooks the domestic political context of
Xi’s speech. Xi also celebrated the successes of the Chinese nation and
economy, while acknowledging the economic struggles of the Chinese people.
Rather than threatening Taiwan, this rhetoric is intended to protect Xi’s
regime.
Western governments draw their legitimacy from a popular mandate, which is
established through elections. The legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP) to govern China is also premised on a mandate. But instead of through
elections, this mandate is established through the party’s record on ensuring
continued economic prosperity and national success.
In this context, Xi’s emphasis on economic growth and the nation should be
considered performative – an example of political theatre portraying the CCP in
a carefully curated way for a Chinese audience."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
