There is a hard date on China’s military plans and its approach to Taiwan. Xi has been at pains to tell the People’s Liberation Army to make 2027 count, all while reining in the party even more. The subtext is to get with the programme on modernisation, stand up to moves for independence in Taiwan and shore up authority before some very political moments come around.
He put this on the table at an event for the 105th birthday of the Communist Party of China, where he made a point of connecting the dots between national security and housekeeping. For him, it is only right to have an agenda that puts the country’s sovereignty, safety and interests first.
Why 2027 is the line in the sand
Xi has told the PLA to put the pedal to the metal on what was set for its centenary in 2027 and to up their game. Most would read that as a call to be on par with the U.S. when it comes to gear, weapons and how they are trained – something he deems necessary to keep core interests safe.
You can put a clock on it for everything from new hardware to doctrine. With his focus on pace and quality, Xi is saying the kind of overhaul the PLA is going through is no choice; it is part and parcel of where China is heading as a nation.
Taiwan is the issue here
To drive home the point, Xi has described nailing down the Taiwan situation as a ‘historic mission’ for the CPC, one you can’t waver on. He has put out word that there will be ‘resolute’ action for anyone after 'Taiwan independence‘, and that Beijing will not be cowed by outside meddling as it forges ahead with reunification under its ‘One China’ line.
What came out of the anniversary in a nutshell:
– Make the PLA modernisation happen
– Get to world-class in your capabilities
– Be unyielding in protecting our sovereignty and interests
– Push for a united nation
– Don’t let others interfere
– Put down those who want to secede in the name of ‘Taiwan independence’
A matter of discipline and legitimacy
But it wasn’t just about the military. Xi also had a political side to his remarks. He put the CPC’s 105 years in a good light, calling it the ‘most magnificent epic’ in the nation’s story – from a handful of 50-odd members in 1921 to the biggest party in the world with a say in global affairs.
Then there is the matter of keeping the party in order. He called for a ‘tough, protracted and all-out’ war on corruption. Since 2012, that has meant over a million officials, some of them in high places in the armed forces, have been dealt with. Some would argue it has been a way for him to cement his position.
What to expect at the next Congress
The whole affair was a run-up to the five-yearly CPC Congress next year, where new faces will be in the room. Xi is in his third term now, the only one since Mao to see off two terms and stay on.
You could call him ‘President for life’ and many figure he will be for a fourth term. So the mix of a stronger military and a more disciplined party is the backdrop for the road ahead.
Reading the room and beyond
Beijing is putting its cards on the table for everyone to see. By yoking the 2027 plan to the Taiwan file, Xi is telling the military to ‘resolutely safeguard’ sovereignty and do its part for peace and development in the world.
Now it is a case of can they deliver? The 2027 deadline is a test of whether they can turn those ambitions into reality. And for the rest of the world doing business with China on the ‘One China’ understanding, the speech makes it clear where the red lines are and how fast Beijing will cross them if you do.
