China Marks 105th Anniversary of the Communist Party with Grand Ceremony
China held a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026, to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a major address reviewing the Party’s history, highlighting its achievements, and outlining requirements for the future, as reported by Xinhua News.
A Legacy of Transformation
Founded in 1921 amid a period of national decline following the Opium War, the CPC has led China through revolution, socialist construction, reform and opening-up, and into the era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Xi emphasized that the Party has “always adhered to its original aspiration and mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.”
The anniversary comes at a significant moment: 2026 marks the first year of China’s “15th Five-Year Plan” period (2026-2030), the 90th anniversary of the Red Army’s Long March, and the 20th anniversary of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. According to official statistics released on June 30, the CPC now has over 101.28 million members and 5.43 million grassroots organizations, reflecting steady growth.
Key Achievements and the “Five Musts”
Xi highlighted China’s transformation from a poor agricultural nation into the world’s largest manufacturing country, largest goods trading country, and largest holder of foreign exchange reserves. Per capita GDP has exceeded $13,000 for three consecutive years, average life expectancy has risen to 79.25 years, and China has built the world’s largest education, social security, and healthcare systems. The country has also eradicated absolute poverty, contributing over 70% to global poverty reduction.
In his speech, Xi put forward five requirements for the journey ahead: adhering to the Party’s basic theory, line, and policy; relying on the people to create historical achievements; actively responding to risks and challenges; continuing to promote a community with a shared future for mankind; and persistently advancing full and strict Party governance.
The “Six Incomparable Qualities”
Xi identified six qualities explaining “why the CPC can succeed”: pursuing truth and keeping the right direction; remaining rooted among the people; bearing historical missions; staying at the forefront of development trends; daring to struggle; and strengthening itself. These qualities, he argued, are what distinguish the CPC from other political forces globally.
The Global Times editorial noted that even Francis Fukuyama, who famously advanced the “end of history” thesis, recently acknowledged that China has created “a pretty impressive system” that could become “a real alternative” to Western democracy.
Ceremony and Honors
The ceremony featured the awarding of the “July 1 Medal” — the Party’s highest honor — to outstanding Party members including grassroots community worker Wu Yaqin and 85-year-old agricultural scientist Zhao Yafu. The state also recognized 141 National Outstanding CPC Members, 150 National Outstanding Party Workers, and 399 National Advanced Grassroots Party Organizations. A celebration concert titled “People First” was held on June 29 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
International Dimension
The anniversary highlighted China’s growing global influence. Xi called for building a community with a shared future for humanity and implementing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative. The Xinhua report noted a “wave of visits to China” by foreign leaders in 2026, including the presidents of Mozambique and Vietnam.
Looking Ahead
Xi urged the nation not to rest on its achievements: “The most solemn commemoration of history is to create new brilliance. The most sincere promise to the people is unremitting struggle.” He called on the Party to remain vigilant against risks, warning that the journey ahead will require crossing new “snowy mountains” and “grasslands” — a reference to the Long March’s challenges. “Time waits for no one! History waits for no one!” he declared.
As China embarks on the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the 105th anniversary serves both as a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for the challenges ahead, reinforcing the CPC’s central role in steering the nation toward its goal of becoming a modern socialist country by the mid-21st century.