For much of the past year since China reopened to the world following the Covid-19 pandemic, a pall has hung over large swathes of the country as its economy struggles to regain momentum.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) marked the People’s Republic of China’s 75th anniversary in a sombre ceremony as the government battled rising unemployment, economic challenges, and security threats.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his pledge to achieve “reunification” with Taiwan on the eve of Communist China’s 75th birthday, as Beijing flexed its military might in the run-up to the national holiday.