XI JINPING’s SPEECH, FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Xi wants China to rise on the global stage

Xi made several pointed comments directed at the US president, casting himself as an anti-Donald Trump by denouncing isolationism and championing cooperation among nations.

“No country can retreat to their own island, we live in a shared world and face a shared destiny,” he said, making at least one indirect reference to the US leaving the Paris climate accord.

He also mapped out a long-term future for China’s rise on the global stage, predicting that by 2050 the country will “stand proudly among the nations of the world” and “become a leading global power”. Part of the plan is to build a “world-class” military that can fight and win wars.

2. China has no interest in systems of western democracy

Xi warned the Communist Party faced a variety of challenges, most notably corruption, but doubled down on the system, saying China would never copy political systems in other countries. His comments are a clear signal that China’s leaders have no interest in western notions of democracy.

Among the many slogans used by Mr Xi, one stood out. Time and again, Mr. Xi said China had entered a “new era” under his stewardship, and the phrase also featured in the long-winded title of his report: “Secure a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Strive for the Great Success of Socialism With Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.”

Mr. Xi also held out China as a model for the new era, saying his country had developed its economy without imitating Western values. “It offers a new option for other countries and nations who want to speed up their development while preserving their independence,” he said.

3. Beijing talks tough on regions eyeing independence

Mostly addressing Taiwan – whose government China does not recognise – but also Hong Kong, Xi became visibly animated and received the longest applause for his tough talk on regions with designs to declare formal independence.

“We will not tolerate anyone, using any means, at any time to separate one inch of land from China,” he said. “Blood is thicker than water.”

Distrust of China has been growing in both Taiwan and Hong Kong, and Xi announced propaganda pushes for the regions in order to “strengthen the ranks of patriot who love our country”. Similar overbearing attempts in the past have had little success in swaying the younger generation.

4. Xi seeks to calm fears over the economy

Xi worked to calm fear of rising home prices that have hit ordinary Chinese particularly hard. Real estate is a preferred investment in a country where the financial system is viewed with distrust.

“Houses are for living, not for speculating,” he said, coining a catchphrase that will no doubt become a mantra.

He also pledged to transform China into a “country of innovators”, focusing on aerospace, cyberspace, transportation. He promised to increase market access for foreign companies and also increase the markets’ role in the financial system and exchange rate, but it remains to be seen if this speech will translate into concrete policies.

5. The Communist Party wants a “Beautiful China”

As part of making China great, Xi spent a lot of time tackling environmental issues. He pledge to build a “beautiful China” with a clean environment, high-tech companies and responsive government.

The Communist party need to “meet people’s ever-growing demands for a beautiful environment”, Xi said. “Chinese people will enjoy greater happiness and well-being.”

He acknowledged that happiness was more than just material goods, long believed the key to winning the loyalty of the masses, and said the party would fix the toxic levels of air, water and soil pollution that have plagued China for years.