Only by affirming the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) can China overcome the punishing economic challenges -- especially Trump's trade war -- pounding its economy.
The declaration that a political solution is the only solution to China's economic woes was made perfectly clear by president Xi Jinping in his address to more than 3,000 officials and guests that gathered in Beijing to mark the 40th anniversary of China's economic renaissance.
In his 1-1/2 hour-long speech broadcast live nationwide, Xi argued that his recipe of command growth under strong Communist Party control must not waver. He emphasized that only the Communist Party's dominance will enable China to continue its historic transformation in the decades to come.
He declared that the first lesson from 40 years of reform is the need to maintain CPC leadership "over all tasks."
"It was precisely because we've adhered to the centralized and united leadership of the party that we were able to achieve this great historic transition," said Xi.
Xi said it is right for a country of China's size and influence to hold "lofty aspirations."
"China will never develop itself by sacrificing the interests of other countries," affirmed Xi in an apparent rebuke of Washington's call for structural changes to China's economy. He emphasized China won't "abandon its own legitimate rights and interests," which seemed to be an indirect reference to events in the South China Sea.
Xi warned the future facing China is fraught with "all kinds of risks and challenges." He did, however, repeatedly say that the CPC had expertly guided China thus far and must continue to do so. He emphasized CPC party had been "completely correct" in its embrace of economic overhauls.
Xi also called for revitalizing Marxist-Leninist doctrine, a reflection of the party's fears it could lose its control over a younger, increasingly connected and better-traveled generation.
"Let contemporary Chinese Marxism shine even more brilliant rays of truth," he declared.
Economic analysts, however, were disappointed Xi didn't reveal a clear economic roadmap out of the economic headwinds battering China's economy. They were also surprised Xi made only passing mention of the economic and political troubles harassing China.
Political pundits noted that Xi's speech gives Chinese officials no clear indication about his policy agenda at a time when relations with the United States are swiftly deteriorating.
They also described Xi's speech as the place where Xi will send a signal to Trump on his own terms about reforms on the horizon.
