China's President Xi breaks convention, delivers National Day speech and vows to meet economic goals

Chinese President Xi Jinping broke with convention by delivering the National Day speech, usually given by the premier, at a dinner reception ahead of China's 74th anniversary. Xi emphasized the need for unity and overcoming obstacles, while the unexplained disappearances of cabinet ministers and military commanders have raised concerns about political purges and the unpredictability of China's government. The latest official to vanish is Defence Minister Li Shangfu, leaving uncertainty about China's military representation at upcoming events.