Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Dongshan County in Fujian province, a coastal region across from Taiwan, just a day after the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) concluded extensive military drills encircling Taiwan. Xi’s visit, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, focused on rural revitalisation, preserving Communist Party revolutionary traditions, and cultural heritage protection.
Strategic Location In Fujian
Dongshan County, located directly across the Taiwan Strait, has frequently served as a base for PLA exercises, making Xi’s visit particularly notable amid rising tensions with Taiwan. The CCTV report did not specify where Xi’s trip in Fujian began or when he would depart. This follows the PLA’s 13-hour “Joint Sword-2024B” drills, which focused on sea and air combat readiness, including the ability to blockade key Taiwanese ports.
Xi’s Focus On Rural Revitalisation And Military Modernisation
Although Xi’s visit to Dongshan County did not publicly involve military inspections, his leadership is deeply intertwined with China’s military strategy. During his trip, Xi visited Aojiao Village, Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall, and Guandi Cultural Industrial Park, where he was briefed on efforts to promote rural revitalisation and protect cultural heritage. However, it remains unclear whether Xi inspected any military divisions, a common practice during his domestic trips.
While Xi did not attend a recent high-level meeting of the Central Military Commission and senior PLA generals, he sent instructions emphasising the need for military modernisation. “There have been profound changes in China’s security and development needs, and the task of building a strong military has become even more urgent,” Xi said, calling for the advancement of military theories to adapt to evolving technologies and warfare.
Rising Tensions With Taiwan
The timing of Xi’s visit coincides with heightened military activity around Taiwan. The recent PLA drills, which included sea and air patrols, showcased China’s increasing military pressure on the island. The exercises come amid ongoing discussions about China’s military readiness, signalling that Taiwan remains a critical focus in Beijing’s broader security strategy.
