Analysts Say Xi’s Emphasis on Mao Reflects His Determination to Pursue an Authoritarian Path

Beijing marked the anniversary of Mao Zedong’s birth, holding larger commemorative events than in previous years, possibly signaling a leftward shift in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). On the anniversary of Mao’s 130th birthday, on Dec. 26, a speech was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with Xi Jinping delivering a speech and the all seven members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau attending.
During his speech, Xi hailed Mao as a Marxist revolutionary who revolutionized China’s destiny and landscape and bestowed two new titles upon him as “the great founder of China’s modern socialist construction” and “a great internationalist.” This speech, in contrast to his speech ten years ago, did not cite Deng Xiaoping’s assessment of Mao, setting the tone for Mao’s historical status.
Xi’s speech echoed an article published earlier in Qiushi, touting Mao’s “great achievements” while shifting focus to Mr. Xi, suggesting the elevation of Mr. Xi using Mao as a pretext.
Prior to the symposium, Mr. Xi and other Politburo Standing Committee members and officials paid homage at the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. The commemorative activities this year have increased significantly compared to previous years.
During an interview, Li Yuanhua stated that Xi Jinping admires Mao and many of his practices imitate Mao, revealing the potential for Mr. Xi to potentially become the lifelong leader of the CCP. Lai Jianping echoed this sentiment and stated that the high-profile Mao tribute demonstrates that the CCP leadership, led by Mr. Xi, is committed to a full turn to the left, embracing Mao’s ultra-leftist line.
Lai noted that Mao’s rule brought misery to the Chinese people, and Xi Jinping’s push to continue Mao’s cause is to serve the high-ranking party cadres rather than the people’s welfare. The article also delved into Mr. Xi’s own suffering during the Cultural Revolution, where he was classified as a “gangster child” and imprisoned.
The experiences of Xi and his father prompted Lai to believe that Xi is using Mao to consolidate his own power.
In summary, the commemoration of Mao’s birthday this year has sparked widespread discussion regarding Xi Jinping’s potential political motives and the implications of a turn to the left in China. While honoring Mao holds significant historical and political implications, it remains to be seen how this turn further shapes China’s political future.