Speaking on March 6 to a federation of industrialists at the CPPCC conference, President Xi Jinping underlined the critical situation China is facing going forward. After outlining the successes the country has had in dealing with Covid and with the world economic slowdown, including China’s achievements in poverty reduction, Xi launched what was an unprecedented attack on U.S. policy against China.
“The external environment for my country’s development has changed rapidly, and uncertain and unpredictable factors have increased significantly,” Xi said. “In particular, Western countries led by the United States have implemented all-round containment, encirclement, and suppression of China, which has brought unprecedented severe challenges to the country’s development. At the same time, the country is also facing multiple difficulties, such as repeated new epidemic outbreaks and increasing downward pressure on the economy. We adhere to the approach of seeking progress while maintaining stability, face up to difficulties, respond calmly, do not believe in evil, are not afraid of pressure, and do not seek refuge.”
