Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping called on Party members to build on the organization’s legacy and continue striving toward national rejuvenation and modernization during a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on July 1 in Beijing.

Addressing approximately 3,000 attendees at the Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized that while the CPC’s history is a source of pride, the Party must avoid complacency and maintain its momentum as it advances toward the goal of fully realizing socialist modernization by the mid-21st century. He described the CPC’s 105-year trajectory as an epic journey that transformed China from a weakened country plagued by foreign incursions and poverty into the world’s largest governing party, with more than 101 million members.

Xi highlighted the Party’s adherence to its founding mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and national rejuvenation as the foundation for its historic achievements. He praised the CPC’s qualities, including its commitment to truth, close ties with the population, willingness to shoulder historic responsibilities, strategic initiative, adaptability to changing times, and capacity for self-improvement. According to Xi, these attributes have differentiated the CPC from other political forces and underpinned its continued success.

The leader underscored the importance of political continuity, urging members to adhere firmly to the Party’s basic theory, line, and policies. He called for resilience in the face of evolving challenges, describing China’s current development environment as one where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and where unpredictable factors are increasing. Xi warned of the need to prepare for significant tests, including “high winds and raging waves” as well as “violent storms,” signaling the necessity for readiness and adaptability.

Xi also called on the Party to deepen its reliance on the people as the driving force behind national progress, encouraging members to “further reinvigorate the enterprising spirit for getting things done.” He linked China’s modernization goals not only to economic growth but also to improving public well-being, expanding opportunities, and strengthening grassroots governance.

On the international front, Xi noted that the world is undergoing profound transformation and turbulence, with humanity facing critical choices. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting a community with a shared future for humanity, advocating multilateral cooperation and dialogue as essential for addressing global challenges.

The anniversary address also emphasized stringent Party self-governance and anti-corruption efforts, deemed vital for maintaining discipline, organizational vitality, and governance effectiveness. Xi stressed the necessity of continuous efforts in the “tough, protracted and all-out battle against corruption” to safeguard the Party’s integrity.

Additionally, Xi reaffirmed the Party’s absolute leadership over the people’s armed forces and outlined goals to develop a world-class military before the centenary of the People’s Liberation Army in 2027. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and reiterated that resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving national reunification remain historic missions of the Party.

During the event, the July 1 Medal, the highest honor of the CPC, was awarded to distinguished Party members whose contributions span scientific innovation, rural revitalization, public services, and community development, exemplifying dedication at the grassroots level.

Overall, the anniversary gathering framed China’s current development priorities as a combination of political continuity, people-centered development, resilience amid uncertainty, commitment to international cooperation, and strengthened Party governance. These elements were presented as key pillars supporting China’s path forward in its modernization journey.