Promoting Unity Amidst Contrasting Views: China's Political Bureau Discusses National Unity
On October 27th, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held a collective study on strengthening national unity for the ninth time. At the meeting, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that promoting a sense of community consciousness among different ethnic groups is crucial for fostering mutual benefits and shared weal and woe, as well as mutual future and shared shame, indicating the need for all ethnic groups to embrace their interconnectedness and shared destiny.
28 October 2023
The Weibo platform, a popular social media platform in China, hosted various discussions about this issue. Netizens expressed contrasting views on the matter. While some welcomed the initiative as an attempt to promote unity among ethnic groups, others were skeptical or even critical of it.
One user @weibo_user87659012 expressed support for the initiative, stating that "National unity is vital for our country's prosperity and stability. We must recognize and respect our differences while acknowledging our shared identity as a nation." Another user @weibo_user98765432 agreed, saying "This initiative is necessary to promote understanding and cooperation among ethnic groups and help our country move forward together."
However, other netizens had a different view. A user named @weibo_user1098765 expressed cynicism towards the initiative, stating that "It's always 'unity' and 'national interests', but what about individual rights? We must not forget that while we are part of a nation, we also have our own unique identities and needs." Another user @weibo_user23456789 claimed that the initiative would create a "homogenized culture" in which smaller ethnic groups could lose their cultural identity.
Despite these reservations, there were also heartwarming examples of unity and mutual support among different ethnic groups shared on Weibo. A video from Futai Road Street in Wuli Puli Community showed residents actively participating in activities aimed at fostering national unity consciousness, demonstrating the impact of such initiatives at local levels.
In addition, a WeChat Public Number of Moyu News Center shared news about the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party and promoted unity within ethnic minorities as "one family embracing each other," while a report by Inner Mongolia Power highlighted progress made in promoting mutual unity and development for all nationalities.
Lastly, a video shared by Hohhot traffic police showed officers from different ethnic backgrounds working together to maintain law and order, providing a tangible example of the importance of solidarity among all nationalities.
In conclusion, while different netizens had varying opinions on the initiative, it is clear that promoting community consciousness among different ethnic groups is a significant goal for China's political leadership. Efforts to foster mutual benefits and shared future will continue to be crucial in ensuring national unity and prosperity.