Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the nation to "work together in unity" during a speech typically delivered by the Prime Minister, at a dinner event held on Thursday ahead of the 74th anniversary of modern China's founding. Xi addressed around 800 attendees, including some foreign diplomats, at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing, stating, "Our future is bright, but the road ahead will not be smooth."
At the beginning of Xi's third presidential term in 2023, the political landscape in China shifted dramatically, with two government ministers and high-ranking military leaders disappearing inexplicably. Such changes at the highest levels of the Chinese government have led to discussions among diplomats and researchers about potential political purges, increasing the uncertainty that may weaken forecasting abilities regarding policy-making and hinder dealings with foreign governments.
The most recent official to vanish is Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who was last seen in Beijing on August 29 delivering a keynote speech at a security forum with African nations. It remains unclear who will be the Defense Minister when China hosts its largest defense diplomatic engagement, the Xiangshan Forum, on October 29 and 31.
During the event held on Thursday, Xi told attendees that China must continue to overcome "obstacles" while current Prime Minister Li Keqiang listened attentively from his table, according to footage broadcast by China National Radio. Xi emphasized, "Our strength lies in our unity, and trust is worth more than gold."
