Hong Kong-based Hollywood star Jackie Chan, who in the past came under sharp criticism for backing Beijing’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests in the former British colony, has expressed interest to join the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC). Chan, 67, expressed his desire to join the CPC at a symposium held on Beijing on Thursday in which Chinese film insiders spoke and shared their thoughts regarding the keynote speech delivered by President Xi Jinping at the centenary celebrations of the party on July 1.
At the symposium, Chan, also the vice-chairman of the China Film Association, spoke about his interest to join CPC, state-run Global Times reported on Monday. “I can see the greatness of the CPC, and it will deliver what it says, and what it says, and what it promises in less than 100 years, but only a few decades,” Chan said. “I want to become a CPC member,” he added. Since 2013, Chan has served as a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the nation’s top advisory body that provides the mainland government with feedback and advice on key policy issues. At the event, Chan, also the vice chairman of the China Film Association, not only expressed his pride of being a Chinese, but also showed his longing for the CPC, state-run Global Times reported on Monday.
Chan said that he was impressed by the resilience and spirits of the Eighth Route Army, the military force that, under the leadership of the CPC, fought the Japanese invaders during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), and he was touched by the bravery of the soldiers.
