Chinese President Xi Jinping is defending his controversial zero-covid strategy after opening a historic Communist Party congress in Beijing.
In a break from decades-long tradition, delegates are expected to hand Mr. Xi a third term as party chief.
He said Zero-Covid was a “people’s war to stop the spread of the virus”.
This policy has saved lives, but it has also taken a toll on the Chinese people and economy.
Lockdown and travel restrictions are increasing fatigue among the public.
Beijing has come under tighter security measures ahead of the congress, which sparked frustration in the city on Thursday with a rare and dramatic public protest criticizing Mr. XI and Zero Covid.
Mr Xi also addressed the issue of Taiwan – which China claims as part of its territory. Self-governing Taiwan considers itself separate from the mainland.
Speaking slowly and deliberately, he said Beijing would “never promise to renounce the use of force” and that “full reunification of our country is necessary and will be achieved”. , which drew sustained applause from the delegates.
As for Hong Kong, Mr Xi said Beijing had taken control there, turning the situation from “chaotic to governance”. Beijing imposed a major national security law on the mainland in 2019 following pro-democracy protests.
Mr Xi cited divisions within China’s political establishment, saying his rule had “removed serious dangers lurking in the party”.
Since rising to the top post, he has overseen a crackdown on corruption that ran deep into the highest ranks of the party. But critics have portrayed it as a political purge.
He also said China would speed up its military buildup, citing the terms “defense” or “security” about 73 times.
The speech, which lasted less than two hours, was significantly shorter than his speech at the previous Congress in 2017.
His remarks were likely worded over months and will be watched by analysts for any sign of a change in policy.
A third term as leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would pave the way for him to become the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
About 2,300 delegates are meeting to elect party leaders and discuss key policies.
During the congress, delegates are also expected to elect various leaders, including the Standing Committee of the Politburo – China’s equivalent of the presidential cabinet – who will present themselves to the media after the congress.
In the past, the twice-a-decade congresses were seen as an opportunity for leaders to galvanize their supporters, as they sought to increase the power of their factions within the party.
But observers say only one faction is visible at the 20th Party Congress these days – Mr Xi’s.
In a clear sign of this consolidation of power, top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) issued a declaration a few days ago endorsing it as the “core” of the party and leadership. He called for the party to unite even more closely behind him.
Mr Xi currently holds three of the most powerful positions in China – general secretary of the CCP, chairman of the country’s armed forces and president. He is expected to renew his term for the first two titles in Congress.
CCP does not set any time limit. But apart from Mao, the founder of Communist China, no other leader has served a third term.
