Thread by @jinpeili

CCTV FOLLIES 12.31 Xi Jinping congratulates himself.

His most august eminence gives his 2023 New Year's Speech from deep inside the sumptuous gilded palace of Zhongnanhai which is flanked by a gilded gate proclaiming: "Serve the People"

What follows is over ten-minutes of self-review by Xi of his own unassailable accomplishments, aphorisms and catchwords in every endeavor including peace, diplomacy, economic development and, of course, successful Zero Covid controls.

Xi's desk has two phones, a calendar and a pen holder.

Situated in front of the flag and Great Wall picture, the leader of China is flanked by historic photos of .....(drumroll)...himself!

"Since COVID-19 struck, we have put the people first and put life first all along. Following a science-based and targeted approach, we have adapted our COVID response in light of the evolving situation to protect the life and health of the people to the greatest extent possible."

"Officials and the general public, particularly medical professionals and community workers, have bravely stuck to their posts through it all. With extraordinary efforts, we have prevailed over unprecedented difficulties and challenges..."

"We have now entered a new phase of COVID response where tough challenges remain. Everyone is holding on with great fortitude, and the light of hope is right in front of us. Let's make an extra effort to pull through, as perseverance and solidarity mean victory..."

"Today's China is a country where dreams become reality. The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluded with a resounding success. Chinese winter sports athletes gave their all and achieved extraordinary results..."

"The people's armed forces marked the 95th birthday and all service members are marching confidently on the great journey of building a strong military..."

"China's third aircraft carrier Fujian was launched. C919, China's first large passenger aircraft, was delivered..."

"And the Baihetan hydropower station went into full operation... None of these achievements would have been possible without the sweat and toil of the numerous Chinese people..."

"Today's China is a country brimming with vigor and vitality. Various pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port are booming, innovations are gushing out in the coastal areas, development is picking up pace, the momentum for revitalization is building"

"With determined implementation of One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong and Macao will surely enjoy long-term prosperity and stability..."

"Today's China is a country that keeps to its national character..."

"Sparks of talent are coming together, and they are the strength of China!"

"...earthquakes, floods, droughts and wildfires and some workplace accidents. Amid those disconcerting and heartbreaking scenes, there are touching stories of people sticking together in face of adversity or even sacrificing their lives to help others in distress..."

"We stand firm on the right side of history and on the side of human civilization and progress. We work hard to contribute China's wisdom and solutions to the cause of peace and development for all humanity..."

"I visited Yan'an. We were there to relive the inspiring episode in which the Party's central leadership overcame extraordinary difficulties in the 1930s and 1940s, and to draw on the spiritual strength of the older generation of CPC members..."

"I often say, "Just as polishing makes jade finer, adversity makes one stronger."
Over the past 100 years, the CPC has braved wind and rain, and forged ahead against all odds..."

Here I want to quote Su Shi, a renowned Chinese poet, "Charge at the toughest and aim at the farthest." It means to take on the biggest challenges and go after the most ambitious goals. Long as the journey is, we will reach our destination if we stay the course;

"As long as we have the resolve to move mountains and the perseverance to plod on, as long as we keep our feet on the ground and forge ahead with our journey by making steady progress, we will turn our grand goals into reality..."

"The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are members of one and the same family. I sincerely hope that our compatriots on both sides of the Strait will work together with a unity of purpose to jointly foster lasting prosperity of the Chinese nation..."

"Youth is full of vigor and is a source of hope. Youngsters should keep their country in mind, cultivate keen enterprise, and live youth to the fullest with great drive, to prove worthy of the times and the splendor of youth..."

"We are about to ring in the New Year. Let us welcome the first ray of sunshine of 2023 with the best wishes for a brighter future..."

The camera pulls back from the gilded gate and then hovers above Tiananmen Square with symbolism befitting a sitting emperor.

Wow!
Wow!
The next two top stories are also about Xi Jinping!

The only international news is from Russia's Defense Ministry, showing off the shots they use to take aim at Ukraine.

Nice way to end the year, CCTV! Keeping it classy. Toeing the Kremlin line, green-lighting Russia carnage.

What was that about the "right side of history?"