Xi Jinping Speech at CPC 105th Anniversary Inspires China

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a landmark speech at the grand rally celebrating the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on July 1 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, outlining six “outstanding qualities” that explain the Party’s success and issuing a five-point call to action for the future. The approximately 40-minute address has generated widespread enthusiastic responses across the Party, military, and all ethnic groups nationwide, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Context and Significance

The speech marks the third major CPC anniversary address delivered by Xi, following the 95th anniversary in 2016 and the historic 100th anniversary in 2021, when he declared China had achieved a “moderately prosperous society” in all respects. The 105th anniversary falls during the “15th Five-Year Plan” period (2026-2030), a critical phase for China’s modernization drive, and comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, ongoing anti-corruption campaigns, and domestic economic challenges including slower growth and demographic decline.

Key Themes of the Address

Xi identified six “outstanding qualities” that he argued make the CPC unique: unwavering pursuit of truth and correct direction; deep roots among the people; shouldering historical missions with strategic initiative; keeping pace with the times; daring to struggle with confidence; and continuous self-improvement and vitality. “The fundamental reason why the CPC has been able to continuously achieve successes throughout its 105-year struggle and why history and the people have chosen the CPC is that the CPC boasts fine qualities with no parallel among other political parties or political forces,” Xi stated.

The president also outlined five requirements for future action: adherence to the Party’s basic theory, line, and policy; reliance on the people to create history; active response to risks and challenges; continued promotion of a community with a shared future for humanity; and persistent advancement of full and rigorous Party governance.

Warnings on Global Turbulence and Taiwan

Xi’s address included notable warnings about international instability, calling on the Party to prepare for “high winds, rough seas, even perilous storms.” He emphasized that “China’s development is in a period where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, and uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing,” urging the whole Party to “strengthen its sense of urgency, maintain bottom-line thinking, carry forward the spirit of struggle, and enhance its ability to fight.”

On Taiwan, Xi reaffirmed the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, calling for deepened cross-strait exchanges and cooperation while vowing to “resolutely combat ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces” and “oppose external interference.”

July 1 Medal Ceremony

A highlight of the rally was the presentation of the “July 1 Medal” — the highest honor in the CPC’s party honor system — to seven recipients: Ma Shanxiang, a “gold medal mediator” from Chongqing; Wang Yuchang, a war hero; Li Liancheng, a village Party secretary who led his community from poverty to prosperity; Wuhasi Sulaiman, a “horseback doctor” who served pastoral communities for over 40 years; Wu Yaqin, a community worker from Changchun; Zhao Yafu, an agricultural expert with 60 years of service; and Zhong Jue, a renowned mechanical engineering expert. Additionally, 141 individuals were named National Outstanding Communist Party Members, 150 as National Outstanding Party Workers, and 399 organizations as Advanced Primary Party Organizations.

Nationwide Response

State media coverage emphasized enthusiastic responses from across Chinese society. Li Liancheng, a July 1 Medal recipient, said: “The Party has united and led the people of all ethnic groups across the country in unremitting struggle, fundamentally changing the destiny of the Chinese people. The General Secretary’s words touched our hearts.” Dong Kai, Deputy Chief Designer of the Zhuque-3 carrier rocket, stated: “Serving the country through aerospace means adhering to independent innovation and continuously cultivating and developing new quality productive forces.”

Analysis and Implications

The speech serves multiple strategic purposes: reinforcing Party legitimacy and unity, signaling continuity in domestic and foreign policy, and preparing the public for challenges ahead. The emphasis on risk preparedness and “bottom-line thinking” reflects Beijing’s assessment of a more volatile international environment, while the focus on technological self-reliance and “new quality productive forces” underscores the priority on economic transformation amid external pressures.

What to Watch

Observers will be watching for concrete policy initiatives following the speech, particularly in areas of technological innovation, military modernization, and cross-strait relations. The “15th Five-Year Plan” implementation, ongoing anti-corruption efforts, and China’s response to global geopolitical shifts will be key indicators of how the vision outlined in Xi’s address translates into action.

“Time waits for no one! History waits for no one!” Xi declared in his closing remarks. “All Party comrades must never forget their original aspiration and mission, must remain modest, prudent, and hard-working, must dare to struggle and be good at struggle.”