The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) held a grand ceremony in Beijing on July 1, 2026, to mark its 105th anniversary, attended by thousands of party members and officials [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. President Xi Jinping delivered a 40-minute speech praising the party’s historical achievements and its role in China’s development and growing global influence [1, 2, 3, 6]. Xi described the CCP as the world’s largest ruling party, with significant global influence and genuine popular support [1, 6].
Xi hailed the party as a creator of a new form of human civilization and a model offering new development paths for other countries, especially developing nations [1, 2]. He reiterated the CCP’s goal of national rejuvenation, emphasizing the resolution of the Taiwan issue and opposing Taiwan independence and external interference [2, 6]. The president said, “No matter how strong the enemy, how treacherous the path, and how severe the challenges may be, our party has remained dauntless and unyielding and inspired the people of the whole country to achieve one victory after another” [2].
Amid rising risks to China’s development, Xi stressed strict party discipline, self-governance, and loyalty. He introduced the new political doctrine "Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building" designed to deepen discipline and centralize leadership [3, 4, 5]. The party currently counts more than 101 million members, making it one of the largest political organizations globally [3, 4, 5]. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection reported disciplining a record 983,000 CCP members in 2025—a 10.6% increase from 2024 [3, 4, 5]. Xi said, "We must be prepared at all times to withstand major tests involving high winds and rough waves, or even stormy seas" [3].
Xi also pledged to bolster China’s military through reforms in science, technology, and training as part of safeguarding national security. China plans a 7% increase in defense spending for 2026, the slowest growth rate since 2021, but it remains the world’s second-largest military spender [2, 6].
Separately, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message reaffirming commitment to socialism and bilateral ties with China. He called Xi's June Pyongyang visit "a historic occasion of deepening the comradely friendship and trust between us," and said, "There is no new China without the Communist Party" [7, 8]. China remains North Korea’s largest economic partner, accounting for nearly 98% of its foreign trade in 2024 [7].
Xi’s speech at the anniversary ceremony outlined the CCP’s vision for maintaining control and influence domestically and globally amid complex challenges. The party will continue disciplinary efforts in 2026, following a record high in 2025, as it pursues national rejuvenation and military modernization [3, 6].
