In a speech delivered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) by highlighting the organization’s growing international impact.
Taking a more globalized tone than in previous anniversaries, which typically focused on domestic “national rejuvenation,” Xi asserted that the CPC has fundamentally altered the course of global development. Describing the CPC as “the world’s largest ruling party with significant global influence,” Xi noted that the party’s leadership enabled China to transition from feudalism and imperialism toward rapid industrialization.
The CPC, founded in 1921, led to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Following decades of gradual economic liberalization, China rose to become the world’s second-largest economy in 2010 and currently accounts for approximately 28% of global manufacturing output, even amidst ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and EU.
Addressing the current geopolitical climate, Xi invoked his frequent descriptor of “changes not seen in a century,” suggesting that these shifts are accelerating as the world enters an “era of turbulence and transformation.” He stated that China intends to “promote the building of a new type of international relations,” though he did not name specific partner nations.
The speech comes ahead of Xi’s scheduled visit to the United States in September, following President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing in May.
Regarding national security, Xi emphasized the necessity of military strength, stating, “A strong country must have a strong military, and only a strong military can ensure national security.” According to a March budget plan from the Ministry of Finance, China is set to increase its defense spending by 7% this year, representing its slowest growth rate since 2021. China currently maintains the world’s second-largest military budget.
During his third term in office, Xi also reaffirmed his commitment to long-term national objectives. He reiterated his stance against “Taiwan independence” and warned against “external interference,” asserting that the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland remains a core responsibility of the party. Additionally, he called for the continued prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau, emphasizing their integration into China’s broader developmental framework.
