President Xi Jinping called on the Communist Party of China (CPC) to keep pace with evolving circumstances while preserving its achievements during celebrations for the party's 105th founding anniversary on Wednesday. Speaking for 40 minutes at the Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized the need for party cadres to actively recognize and adapt to change, promoting the party's work amid a mix of strategic opportunities, risks, and challenges.
Economic and Demographic Pressures
Although Xi did not specify particular risks, analysts point to slower economic growth and demographic decline as key challenges for the world's second-largest economy. China's development currently faces a period where strategic opportunities and risks coexist, Xi said, calling for better coordination to tackle domestic and international issues.
Party Growth and Ambitions
Founded by just dozens of revolutionaries in 1921, the CPC now boasts over 100 million members, representing 7.2% of China's population. The official Xinhua news agency noted the party's ambition to transform from the world's largest political party into the world's most powerful one. Xi urged members to eradicate harmful elements and "all viruses that erode the party's healthy body."
External Challenges and Internal Discipline
Faced with Western-led technology curbs, turbulent trade ties with the United States, and tensions over Taiwan, party leaders consider strengthening their grasp on all aspects of Chinese society a critical task. Since coming to power in 2012, Xi has reasserted the party's authority, demanding loyalty and discipline while launching a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that has investigated millions of officials and purged hundreds, including top generals.
Military Reforms and Taiwan
After a corruption purge of nearly all top military ranks, Xi sent senior officers on a 10-week political re-education course in April, urging loyalty to the party's beliefs, organization, and cause. On Wednesday, Xi reiterated the ambition to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan, calling for thorough implementation of the party's strategy on resolving the Taiwan issue. Beijing claims the democratically governed island as its territory, a stance Taipei rejects.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded that Xi was "basically repeating old talking points" and urged China to resolve differences through dialogue without preconditions. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and its military conducts daily operations around the island. Taiwan mounted combat-readiness drills last week in response.
