The film star was sharing his thoughts on a recent speech by President Xi Jinping.
Jackie Chan has revealed that he is interested in joining the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).
During a symposium in Beijing on July 8, the 67-year-old actor shared his thoughts about a recent keynote speech that Chinese president, Xi Jinping, gave at the party’s centenary celebrations.
Global Times reports that the actor said he was proud to be Chinese, and expressed his support for the party.
“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. I want to become a CPC member.”
Chan was recently cast in the ‘Epic Journey’, a theatrical performance celebrating the founding of the CPC. As part of his performance, the Karate Kid star sang the song “Defend the Yellow River,” a song written during China’s war with Japan in 1939.
In 2008, Chan caused controversy after backing the China’s strict censorship policy and media controls.
He told the Boao Forum for Asia: “I’m not sure if it’s good to have freedom or not. I’m really confused now. If you’re too free, you’re like the way Hong Kong is now. It’s very chaotic. Taiwan is also chaotic.
“I’m gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we’re not being controlled, we’ll just do what we want.”
Hong Kong legislator Leung Kwok-hung responded to his comments, saying that he had “insulted the Chinese people” and that “Chinese people aren’t pets.”
Taiwanese legislator Huang Wei-cher added: “He himself has enjoyed freedom and democracy and has reaped the economic benefits of capitalism. But he has yet to grasp the true meaning of freedom and democracy.”
