China's success depends on the party: Hu Jintao

A giant hammer and sickle decorated the Great Hall of the People on Friday, July 1, as the leadership of the party marched to the tunes of the military band. Party veterans took their places in front of ten red pennants, after which came the former heads of China, Zhu Rongji and Li Peng. The front row was lined with members of the Politburo - the inner power circle, and the permanent Central Committee, led by Party chief Hu Jintao.

The quaint ways of the economic powerhouse

Official conferences of the Communist Party of China (CPC) always seem antiquated. The rituals, frozen in the past seemed to have nothing to do with the modern life that is lived in the high-rises of Beijing. Nonetheless, the concentrated political power of the world's second largest economy which even now, at least theoretically, adheres to the ideas of Marx and Mao.

The CPC has been ruling over China for the past 60 years. Party chief and China's President Hu Jintao praised what the country has achieved during this time, but he warned that the CPC could face massive problems in the future, mostly caused by corruption among its members.Addressing a crowd of 6,000 party members, party chief Hu Jintao said, "All our successes in the last 90 years are thanks to the iron-willed struggles of Chinese Communists and the people of several generations. The success of China depends on the party.” In his 90 minute speech, Hu quickly summarized the errors of the party: the radical campaigns which cost the lives of millions of people. As Hu put it, the party made mistakes but corrected them. However, Hu's speech did not leave out the challenges of the future:" If corruption is not repressed effectively, the party could lose the support and faith of the people."

Corruption is the bane of the CPC

Hu said it was more important than ever that party members brought discipline into their daily lives. He referred to the other problems of the People's Republic only in a very cursory manner. And although he mentioned the word democracy, his speech did not contain any inferences as to possible political reforms. On the contrary, the tone of the speech seemed to suggest that the party will continue down its current path.

Using party jubilee to consolidate its position as the exclusive authority, the Communist Party celebrated itself, though the people, by and large, were excluded from the ceremony. But attempts to promote patriotism and party loyalty are visible throughout the city. Beijing is now decorated with red flags and banners, and there is also a new movie out which commemorates the revolutionary legacy.

Report: Ruth Kirchner/mg
Editor: Sarah Berning