Understanding the CPC's 105th anniversary message

Editor's note: Xia Lu, a research fellow at the National Academy for Development and Strategy and the Academy of Xi Jinping Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Renmin University of China, is deputy dean of the School of Marxism Studies at Xinjiang University, China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

When Chinese President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, spoke at the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC on July 1, it was not only a reflection on the Party's centennial history but also a forward-looking blueprint charting China's course for the decades ahead.

It spanned the two most critical milestones that define China's "Two Centenary Goals": the centenary of the CPC in 2021 and the centenary of the PRC coming up in 2049. Standing at the midway point between the two milestones, Xi's 105th anniversary speech carried a "profound sense of mission," anchoring the direction of the Party.

The blueprint drawn in the speech, to build a modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of this century, represents the historic commitment of the Chinese communists in the new era. The Party has adopted a systematic approach to governance and development guided by the "Five-in-One" plan and the "Four Comprehensives."

The first is a framework for China's domestic development across five spheres: economic, political, cultural, social and ecological development. The latter is an outline of operational and governance goals to ensure the success of the "Five-in-One" plan. They entail building a modern socialist country, deepening reform, rule of law and strict governance of the Party.

This approach reflects an exploration rooted in China's national conditions, no copy of Western modernization models. By advancing high-quality economic growth, whole-process people's democracy, cultural development, people's well-being and ecological progress in a coordinated manner, it provides a brand-new pathway for other developing countries to seek their own modernization paths.

How can a sense of mission be transformed into a strategic framework for governing the country? Xi called on Party members to remain steadfast in their convictions and work tirelessly to fulfill the Party's missions in the new era and on the new journey; to adhere to the Party's basic theory, basic line and basic policy; to rely closely on the people to create historic feats; to respond proactively to risks and challenges on the path ahead; to continue building a community with a shared future for humanity; and to persevere in full and vigorous Party self-governance to win "the tough, protracted and all-out battle against corruption."

The first three imperatives focused on China's domestic development, fully implementing the new development philosophy, and balancing development with security. Taken together, all these imperatives reflect an effort to align all major areas of governance systematically under China's mid-century goals, instead of isolated progress in individual sectors.

Xi argues that a strong country must have a strong military, as only then can it guarantee the security of the nation. On Taiwan, he says the Party's overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era will be implemented, adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, the political understanding that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to "One China." It means to resolutely strike at secessionists seeking "Taiwan independence," opposing external interference and advancing "the great cause of national reunification."

The external dimension is equally crucial. The fourth imperative – "continue building a community with a shared future for humanity" – is where the diplomatic architecture sits.

The speech diagnoses "four deficits" in the current international order, namely the deficits of development, security, trust and governance, forming a closed loop from concept to an action framework. It also incorporates the four global initiatives rolled out by China between 2021 and 2025: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. Their inclusion sends a clear signal: China is no longer focused solely on explaining its development path; it's increasingly seeking to give the world a real solution.

The key to development is the youth, a vital force in realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Xi calls for young people to run their leg of the historical relay well on the new journey.

From 2026 to the middle of this century, there are still 23 years to go. In this context, the "Three Musts" – staying true to the original aspiration and the founding mission; of the CPC, remaining modest, prudent and hard-working; and daring to fight while knowing how to fight well – are the principles that will make Party members more reliable and responsible.

Equally important are the Party's defining qualities – an unwavering commitment to truth, deep roots among the people, a strong sense of historical responsibility, the ability to adapt to the tide of the times, the courage and resolve to confront challenges, and a constant commitment to self-improvement.

The mission of the century-old Party must ultimately be passed down through the actual actions of every Party member. All Party members must anchor on long-term goals and embrace the conviction that they should not claim credit for success but must always contribute to its realization. They must carry forward this generational mission so that on the new journey they can deliver outstanding results, turning the grand blueprint of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation into reality. In this sense, the 105th anniversary is the midpoint of this generational relay.

For Party members, the message is clear: Remain steadfast on the chosen path and unwavering in the original aspiration. For others, it means the CPC is a mission-driven Party that is based on mid-century coordinates and using long-term determination to hedge against the uncertainty of a turbulent and transformative period.

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