The Intelligence from The Economist Party like it’s 1949: China’s National Day
Oct 1, 2019
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, and Fiametta Rocco, culture editor for The Economist, dive into the tension between China’s military might and Hong Kong’s vibrant protest culture. They discuss the striking military parade for China’s National Day, juxtaposed with burgeoning artistic expressions emerging from unrest in Hong Kong. Rocco highlights the poignant new protest art and music shaping the movement's identity. They also tackle the controversial effects of hot desking on employee dynamics, revealing how it can strain workplace relationships.
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China's Military Might on Display
- David Rennie witnessed the 70th anniversary parade in Tiananmen Square, observing a larger display of military hardware than 20 years prior.
- The parade celebrated China's might with new missiles, including the Dongfeng 41, capable of reaching the US.
A Sanitized History
- The 70th anniversary parade, unlike the 50th, focused solely on the Communist Party's successes, ignoring historical mistakes.
- The parade presented a sanitized version of history, omitting the Cultural Revolution and the Great Leap Forward's devastating impacts.
Hong Kong's Muted Presence
- Hong Kong's presence in the parade was minimal, reflecting the ongoing unrest.
- Mainland China's narrative blames foreign influence for the protests and portrays Hong Kong's desire for autonomy as insulting.