The Fort Worth Press - Xi Jinping Urges Unity and Reunification at Sun Yat-sen Anniversary

President Xi Jinping called on Chinese people at home and abroad to unite more closely and carry forward the legacy of Sun Yat-sen during a significant commemorative gathering in Beijing on Thursday. Addressing approximately 3,000 attendees at the Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized the imperative of national reunification and the pursuit of common prosperity as central goals for the nation's future.

Xi, who serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made his remarks at an event marking the 160th anniversary of Sun’s birth. He urged participants on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Chinese people worldwide to join hands in opposing "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces while promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Sun Yat-sen, revered as one of China's revolutionary forefathers, was born in 1866 and led the Revolution of 1911, which ended thousands of years of imperial rule in the country. He died in 1925. Xi hailed Sun as a great national hero, patriot, and pioneer of China's democratic revolution who devoted his life to transforming the nation.

"Chinese communists are the most steadfast supporters, loyal collaborators and faithful successors to Sun's revolutionary cause," Xi said. He added that over the past century, the Communist Party has led the Chinese people in writing "the most magnificent chapter in the nation's history."

Xi noted that the infrastructure projects Sun had envisioned in his "Plans for National Reconstruction"—including railways, roads, communications networks, water conservancy projects, canals, ports, factories, and mines—have not only become reality but have been surpassed in scope and scale. China now ranks as the world's second-largest economy and has achieved moderate prosperity in all respects, Xi said, adding that these achievements would bring solace to Sun.

The president stressed that realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is an unwavering historical mission for the Communist Party, a shared aspiration of all Chinese people, and a natural requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He stated that Taiwan's realities, as well as the interests and feelings of Taiwan compatriots, would be fully taken into account, while stressing that no room would be left for "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities in any form.

"Taiwan's future lies in national reunification, and the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots are tied to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xi said. He highlighted Sun's consistent upholding of national unity and ethnic solidarity, noting that Sun resolutely opposed any word or act attempting to split the country.

Xi also called for carrying forward Sun's patriotism and lifelong dedication to building a strong and prosperous China. Praising Sun's devotion to the people, he stressed the need to put the people first, serve them wholeheartedly, and make solid progress toward well-rounded personal development and common prosperity for all.

Noting that Sun devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, Xi emphasized the need to learn from Sun's example, advance theoretical exploration and innovation with courage, and continue to write new chapters in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. He urged Chinese people to carry forward Sun's unyielding determination, rise to challenges, and break new ground in the country's development.

"We must carry forward the fighting spirit, build up our ability, be ready to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms, and overcome all the risks and challenges we face on the way forward," Xi said.

Highlighting Sun's commitment to unity, Xi stressed the need to unite all forces that can be united, consolidate and develop the broadest possible patriotic united front, and pool strength to advance Chinese modernization. He noted that Sun's vision extended beyond China's borders, believing that a stronger China would bear a major responsibility to the world and that its transformation would help bring a brighter future for humanity.

On Thursday morning, a ceremony to pay respect at a Sun Yat-sen cenotaph in Beijing's Biyun Temple was organized to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Sun's birth.

W.Knight--TFWP