Prof. Samitha Hettige

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently attended a grand event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi (capital of Xinjian). More than those who flag ‘Human Rights’ in Xinjiang (due to anti China politics), Sri Lankans thinking of the 76 year curse may read the Chinese story & especially the Xinjian story if they wish to change. The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) founded on 1^st October 1949 celebrates its 76^th anniversary on 1^st October 2025. Those who criticize China for not being democratic may also read about Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia & Tibet Autonomous Regions along with Hong Kong & Macao Special Administrative Regions. China is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to practice one country many systems of government. It is also the only UNSC permanent member who has unconditionally supported Sri Lanka at the UN & other international forums since 1949.

Xinjiang is special as it has more than 50 ethnic minorities from many religious beliefs living peacefully managing the eco environment supporting trade activities of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). Xinjiang has been a historic gateway to China during the ancient Silk Road which connected Great China with India, Central Asia & the Persian Empire.

Kung-Fu of Governance

In Chinese culture ‘Kung Fu’ means good. Hence, there can be Kung Fu; cooking, dancing, governance & even fighting. Looking back at 76 years, China seems to have practiced Kung Fu governance to build world’s 2^nd largest economy (Ref. WTO). Its Human Resource including those who constructed the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall & the Colombo Port City had been its core strength. The primary duty of a government is to ensure the ‘Right to Life’ of the population. Whilst ensuring that, China managed to employ the human resource to fuel economic growth since 1949. It has maintained a comparatively stable employment situation during the 14th Five Year Plan (FYP) period (2021- 25). In 1976 the total population of China was 800,000,000. By 2024 it reached approx 1.4 billion (approx 20% of world population). Ensuring the right to life for 20% of world’s population is not an easy task.

A lesson for the cursed

Employment generation therefore, is a huge challenge for a country of that magnitude. By August 2025, more than 59 million new urban jobs had been created since 2021 going beyond the planned target of 55 million. To face changing domestic & international conditions, China introduced a series of policies to stabilize employment. More than 66 billion USD in employment subsidies have been distributed. The average surveyed urban unemployment rate during 2021 – 24 was 5.3% which was lower than the control target of 5.5%. Thus it provided stable employment for maintaining overall economic & social stability. In addition China further reformed of the social security system with a comprehensive social protection mechanism. The number covered by national pension insurance passed 01 billion recording an increase of nearly 73 million in comparison to the 13th FYP. Pension coverage has increased from 91% to 95%. Vocational training including the 72 new occupations has been provided to 92 million people during the 14^th FYP. As of 2024, China has over 80 million professional technical personnel. Total number of skilled workers surpassed 220 million & includes more than 72 million high skilled professions. This talent pool must be providing a solid foundation to promote high level technological self reliance to build a modern industrial nation (Ref. Chinese Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security).

A curse is magical words that are said to cause trouble or bad luck for someone or the condition that results when such words are said (Ref. Britanica). Those who suspect a 76 year curse may analyze conflicts during the construction of the Sothern Expressway (including 1000 + cases filed against RDA Chairman Eng. Dixon Wijewardena in his official capacity), the Colombo Port City & the Central Expressway etc. It might help define new meanings after further analyzing the Chinese story as they believe that only hard work can convert an iron rod into a needle.

(Views expressed are personal/ Photo source: www)