Markham Deputy Mayor and former Ontario cabinet minister Michael Chan recently delivered a speech in celebration of the 75th anniversary of communist-led China. In his address, Chan praised key policy initiatives implemented by Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during their rule over China.
Speaking in Mandarin, Chan acknowledged China’s significant achievements over the past 75 years since the founding of “New China,” a term used by the CCP to describe the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). He highlighted how China has emerged as a global power through its commitment to reform and opening up.
Chan also made references to key policy items aimed at strengthening CCP’s power. While former leader Deng Xiaoping advocated for a low-profile approach, Xi Jinping has been vocal about his ambitions for China to become a central power by 2049.
However, it is worth noting that studies have shown that China’s acceptance into the World Trade Organization in 2001 has resulted in trade deficits and job losses for Western countries, including Canada.
Reflecting on PRC’s journey over the past 75 years, Chan remarked on how China has transformed from being nothing to becoming a strong nation. He expressed his desire for Canada and China to respect each other, progress together, and achieve mutually beneficial cooperation.
It is important to mention that Western leaders and NATO have raised concerns about China’s aggressive behavior on the global stage. Additionally, Chinese forces have directly engaged with Canadian armed forces in recent years. The infamous Tiananmen Square Massacre in Beijing in 1989 serves as a stark reminder of CCP’s brutal suppression of pro-democracy movements.
Michael Chan’s speech commemorating communist-led China’s anniversary sheds light on both its achievements and controversies while emphasizing hopes for positive relations between Canada and China.