Takeaways of Xi's speech at CPC 105th founding anniversary

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As the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks its 105th anniversary, the milestone invites not only commemoration, but also reflection on one of the most consequential political transformations in modern history.

The endeavors over the past 105 years have fundamentally transformed the future of the Chinese people, opened up the right path for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and demonstrated the strong vitality of Marxism, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on Wednesday when addressing a gathering marking the 105th anniversary of the CPC in Beijing.

In the early 20th century, China was mired in internal strife, foreign encroachment, and institutional decay. The CPC's founding in 1949 marked a decisive break with that past and has led China to the world's second-largest economy.

In just a few decades, China has completed a process of industrialization that took developed countries centuries to achieve, achieving the dual miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, Xi said on Wednesday.

For decades, China delivered unprecedented enduring economic growth across major economies and transformed itself from a poor country into the world's second-largest economy. 

At the same time, China, under the CPC leadership, has managed to retain a level of social cohesion that many advanced economies have found difficult to sustain. In a country as vast and diverse as China, maintaining unity has been a persistent challenge. The CPC has positioned itself as the guarantor of order in a complex and rapidly changing society.

The CPC's endeavors over the past 105 years have also profoundly influenced the course of world history and made the CPC a powerful Communist Party, Xi said.

China has consistently been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. Chinese modernization is transforming the global landscape by presenting an alternative development model to the West that prioritizes cooperation, sustainability, and cultural continuity.

From the Belt and Road Initiative to expanded participation in multilateral institutions, China's growing presence reflects both its economic weight and its strategic wisdom. The CPC's approach to diplomacy has contributed to an evolving global discourse, particularly among developing countries seeking alternative models of governance and growth.

Just as Xi noted at the gathering, the reason why the CPC has been able to continuously achieve remarkable accomplishments over the past 105 years lies fundamentally in the advantages that set it apart from all other political parties.

Unlike political parties that mainly serve specific groups or interests, the CPC has consistently placed the people at the center – addressing their concerns, meeting their needs, and striving to enhance their well-being. Its deeply rooted and inseparable bond with the people serves as a constant source of strength. As a Party committed to serving the public, the CPC formulates its decisions and policies in line with the fundamental interests of the people.

Through decades of sustained efforts, China has accomplished the historic task of eliminating absolute poverty and achieving a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Improvements in public well-being are also evident in the creation of the world's largest education, social security, and healthcare systems. Meanwhile, significant advances in transportation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure have made everyday life far more convenient for both urban and rural residents.

In addition, the CPC's organizational, mobilization and executive capacities, its learning and innovation ability, its openness and vitality, and its commitment to self-reform also help explain the underlying logic of China's rise.

The 105th anniversary of the CPC is, ultimately, more than a political milestone. It is a lens through which to understand the profound transformation of a nation and its people – a transformation that continues to unfold, with implications far beyond China's borders.

The author Jianxi Liu is a Beijing-based political and international relations analyst. She writes on topics about the US, the EU, and the Middle East.

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