The Chinese Communist Party celebrated its centennial in Beijing on July 1. Its leader Xi Jinping threatened to “bash the heads” of foreign forces if they attempt to bully China and to “smash” any attempts at formal independence from self-ruled Taiwan. In his hour-long address from Tiananmen Square, Xi vowed to bind the CCP to all Chinese people, pledged to strengthen China’s military, and sang high praises of Marxism. In the over 80-degree temperature outside, Xi was the only one who wore Mao Zedong-style grey tunic suit, while all the other male CCP leaders dressed in black suits with ties. During Xi’s speech, the about 70,000 selected audience members who sat at the square all applauded at the same time, at the same speed, and without enthusiasm. After Xi’s speech, it rained, an unlucky omen in Chinese culture. During the whole process, the CCP senior leaders and the audience kept …