The presence of President Xi Jinping in the grand parade held at Tiananmen Chowk in Beijing was equally symbolic. His apparel was the most discussed in this entire event. Let us tell you that Mao Tse Tung style gray suit, which was not only matching his white hair, but was completely different from the traditional black suit worn by him in the last decade. The choice of this suit was not just fashion, but a planned message. Mao’s uniform has been a symbol of revolution, self -reliance and national pride in China. Xi Jinping, who is now in the third term and wants to prove himself the most powerful leader after Mao, has revived the this tradition and indicated to the public and the party that he is not only leading the present, but also the successor of the past “revolutionary heritage”.
This apparel also strengthens the political story that Xi has been constantly firing. She has been saying that the power of China is not in Western democratic values, but in its socialist tradition and nationalist pride. In addition, in the era of economic lethargy and social dissatisfaction, conveying the message to the public that “we are on Mao’s path”, in a way, there is an attempt to suppress dissatisfaction by wearing a sheet of nationalism. Also, the choice of this dress gives a message on the international stage. When leaders like Putin and Kim appeared in modern black suits, Xi’s gray suit kept showing that China is not an adoption of any western format, but stands with its own identity. This further strengthens the concept of China’s ‘civilized self -reliance’.
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But this symbolism also raises a question: will we only wear Mao’s dress to give Xi a historical status like Mao? Mao’s time was of revolution and turmoil, while today’s China is bound in the web of global trade, technology and diplomacy. In such a situation, this dress is echoing the past, but there is no option to solve the challenges of the present. Therefore, this suit of Xi Jinping is a clear indication for the public and the world that he wants to present himself as a symbol of China’s continuity, revolutionary heritage and future power. The question is whether this symbolism will be able to distract attention from real economic and social crises, or history will record this dress only as a political dramaticness.
At the same time, when we look at the 80th anniversary parade of the end of World War II held at Tianmanmen Chowk in Beijing, it was not just a formal event. It was China’s diplomatic power, geopolitical ambition and a well-planned performance of President Xi Jinping’s personal image. Let us remind you that in 2015, ten years ago, Xi gave a message of respect and continuity by standing her predecessors together. But this time the picture was different – Vladimir Putin of Russia and Kim Jong Un of North Korea were present next to Xi Jinping. This scene was not only a symbol of China’s strategic alliance, but also a clear indication towards Western countries- especially America.
Let us tell you that Xi Jinping has completely eliminated domestic opposition during his reign and now he is in the third term. He is trying to cover the economic recession, unemployment, falling real estate prices and dissatisfaction arising from stagnant salary with nationalism and diplomatic aggression. This is the reason that steps like meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visit to Tibet at the recent SCO conference are being considered as part of a comprehensive geopolitical strategy.
It was also interesting that a part of Xi and Putin’s conversation became public in which he was discussing the possibilities of longevity and organ transplant. This scene was symbolic because while insecurity and conflict are increasing in the world, the leaders of the superpowers want to look confident about their long -term dominance. Xi has also limited the roles of her colleagues. Let us tell you that Prime Minister Lee Kiang was kept busy with small level meetings, while party secretariat chief Kai Chhi took care of important leaders.
By the way, it is also true that the policies of America are playing a big role in shaping this solidarity. Business sanctions and pressures have forced India, Russia, Iran and other countries to bow down to China. During the parade, it was an important scene to interact with Modi and Putin’s hand, which further exposed the failures of Washington. If seen, China is now trying to tell itself the trusted partner of developing countries and the stable option of America. The promise of the new development bank and investment opportunities can attract countries whose youth population is looking for employment and better future. But the challenges are also no less, India’s deep mistrust, regional disputes and criticisms on cheap exports will create conflicts.
If seen, it is clear that Xi Jinping has decided to prove himself the most powerful leader after Mao. Given the possibilities of the fourth term in 2027, this parade and recent diplomatic activities are not only a glimpse of their long -term political agenda. The question is whether this performance will really be able to lay the foundation of the new China-led world system, or it will prove to be a temporary strategy to divert attention only from economic challenges.
However, this week’s successful diplomatic activities in China clearly shows that Xi is still fully controlling the top politics of the Communist Party. SI is trying to help all the challenges, looking at the fourth term in 2027, to make himself the most powerful Chinese leader after Mao.
-Niraj Kumar Dubey