CHINESE leader Xi Jinping’s opening address to the Communist Party’s 20th congress in Beijing yesterday has been scrutinised and welcomed in this country. 

General secretary of the Communist Party of Britain Rob Griffiths told the Morning Star yesterday: ”I welcome President Xi’s recognition that building China into a modern socialist country, based on the unity of all ethnic groups, is the central task of the Communist Party of China. 

“Those in the West responsible for recent imperialist provocations on the Taiwan question should take heed of Xi’s warning that the reunification of the country is a matter to be determined by the Chinese people without external interference.”

China specialist Jenny Clegg, senior lecturer in international studies at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “Xi Jinping’s speech delivered an important message not only for the peoples of China but for the world.

“It set out the agenda for China over the next five years, striking a note of confidence and steady resolve despite difficult circumstances. 

“Wide-ranging  proposals, including to increase the income of low earners and narrow the wealth gap, maintain the dynamic zero-Covid policy, for green and core technology development, demonstrated a clear commitment to carrying the country and people forward along the path of socialism and national reunification while progressively reforming the international governance system,” she said.

Writer and China analyst Carlos Martinez tweeted: “Xi’s speech shows how the CPC represents the interests of the people.”

The support from activists for the path laid out by Mr Xi comes as a new strategic paper by the European Union says: “China has become an even stronger global competitor for the EU, the US and other like-minded partners.

“It is therefore essential to assess how best to respond to current and foreseeable challenges.”