How does Xi Jinping use history to boost legitimacy?

Question

Accepted Answer

Xi Jinping Leverages Historical Narratives to Enhance Communist Party Legitimacy

President Xi Jinping employs historical narratives, particularly concerning China's role in World War II, to bolster the legitimacy of the Communist Party and solidify his own position as a strong leader. The upcoming military parade, commemorating 70 years since Japan's defeat in the war, is a key event in this strategy. This orchestrated display of military might, featuring 12,000 troops, tanks, missiles, and fighter jets, is designed to emphasize the Communist Party's supposed leadership in the conflict, thereby reinforcing the idea that "without the Communist Party, there would be no new China." This approach aims to claim credit for vanquishing Japanese forces, even as historical accounts suggest the primary battles were fought by the Nationalist government.
Emphasis on Communist Party Leadership in WWII

Official materials and media portrayals, especially during the anniversary period, highlight the Communist Party as the central force in China's resistance against Japanese aggression. Beijing officially refers to the conflict as the “Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression,” and official narratives describe Communist guerrillas as having fought “the main form of the war against Japan.” This framing is amplified through dramas and public events, with the majority of war-themed productions focusing on the Communist struggle. This consistent emphasis serves to embed the idea of the Party's indispensable role in national salvation within the public consciousness.
Downplaying Nationalist Contributions

The historical narrative promoted by the Communist Party significantly downplays the crucial role played by the Nationalist government, led by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, in fighting the major battles against Japan. Following the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War in 1949 and Chiang's subsequent exile to Taiwan, the Nationalist government's contributions have been largely minimized in the official historical record. While there are some tentative acknowledgments, such as the renovation of Chiang Kai-shek's former residence in Chongqing, these are often viewed as serving the broader Communist propaganda agenda.
Historical Context and Allied Influence

Historians, such as Rana Mitter, estimate that between 15 to 20 million Chinese people perished during the conflict. Mitter also suggests that while joint efforts by the Communists and Nationalists were critical in preventing defeat, it was ultimately Allied assistance that tipped the balance towards victory. This perspective contrasts with the official narrative that centers solely on the Communist Party's leadership and actions, suggesting a more complex and internationally influenced outcome than is officially presented.
Xi Jinping's Consolidation of Power

The military parade is also interpreted as a symbolic "coronation" for President Xi Jinping, reinforcing his status as the undisputed party supremo. Since assuming power in 2012, Xi has concentrated authority and suppressed dissent. Holding such a significant political ritual, like a large-scale military parade, is considered a traditional marker for a leader to establish themselves as a strongman. This spectacle, therefore, serves a dual purpose: bolstering the Communist Party's historical legitimacy and projecting Xi Jinping's personal authority.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How does Xi Jinping use history to boost legitimacy?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends