Hong Kong-based Hollywood action movie star Jackie Chan, who had earlier been criticised for supporting China’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests in the former British colony, has expressed willingness to join the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).
The 67-year-old actor expressed his desire to join the CPC at a symposium held last week, where Chinese film insiders had shared their thoughts on the keynote speech delivered by President Xi Jinping on July 1 at the centenary celebrations of the party.
At the symposium, Jackie Chan, who is also the vice-chairman of the China Film Association, spoke about his interest to join the CPC.
“I can see the greatness of the CPC, and it will deliver 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.
According to the Global Times report, this behaviour reflects a growing trend among the elites of Hong Kong to adopt a more rational approach towards understanding the CPC “amid the city’s reflection on its position and search for its future development”.
However, Jackie Chan’s support for the CPC is not new. He has supported the party for years and served as a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - an advisory body of professionals nominated by the party.
Chan had earlier said in 2019: “I have visited many countries, and I can say, our country has been rapidly developing in recent years. I feel pride in being Chinese wherever I go, and the Five-starred Red Flag is respected everywhere around the world.”
“Hong Kong and China are my birthplaces and my home. China is my country, I love my country, I love my home. I hope that Hong Kong can return to peace soon.”
(With PTI inputs)