Economist Podcasts Party piece: China’s Communists at 100
Jul 1, 2021
David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, and James Miles, its China editor, offer a deep dive into the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party. They recount the grand celebrations, marked by a blend of state-sponsored exuberance and underlying paranoia. The discussion includes Xi Jinping's speech merging tradition with a modern narrative, and even explores how hip-hop is repurposed as a tool for propaganda, reflecting national pride over social struggles. Their insights reveal the complexities of governance and control in contemporary China.
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CCP's 100th Anniversary Celebration
- David Rennie attended the CCP's 100th anniversary in Tiananmen Square.
- The crowd, mainly party members, sang communist songs, demonstrating the party's control.
CCP's Paranoia
- Despite the CCP's confidence, paranoia and control were evident.
- Attendees underwent multiple security and COVID checks, highlighting the party's anxieties.
Xi Jinping's Speech
- Xi Jinping's speech blended old and new narratives.
- He emphasized China's regained pride and the CCP's superior governance compared to the West.