Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday described the 105-year history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the “most magnificent epic” of the Chinese nation, urging Party members to remain steadfast in their convictions and press ahead with efforts to build China into a modern socialist country on schedule.
Speaking at a gathering commemorating the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on Party members to work tirelessly to fulfill the Party’s missions in the new era and on the new journey.
Founded in 1921 at a time when China faced foreign aggression, national weakness, and widespread poverty, the CPC has grown from just over 50 members into the world’s largest governing political party, with nearly 101.29 million members and more than 5.43 million primary-level Party organizations, according to the latest Party census.
Xi emphasized that the Party must remain committed to its basic theory, basic line, and fundamental policies while pursuing the goal of fully realizing socialist modernization by the middle of the century.
“Time stops for no one, and neither does history,” Xi said, urging Party members to “remain undaunted by passing clouds and stay on course through wind and waves.”
He stressed that the Party’s strength lies in its close ties with the people and called for renewed determination and enterprise in delivering on development goals.
“The whole Party must rely closely on the people to create new historical feats,” Xi said, encouraging members to “further reinvigorate the enterprising spirit for getting things done.”
Acknowledging the increasingly complex domestic and international environment, Xi warned that China must remain vigilant against growing risks and uncertainties.
“China’s development is now in a period where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, and where uncertain and unpredictable factors are on the rise. We must always be prepared to withstand major tests of high winds and raging waves, and even violent storms,” he said.
On the global stage, Xi noted that profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating, with the world entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity through greater international cooperation.
Xi also underscored the importance of advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance and sustaining the fight against corruption, describing it as a “tough, protracted and all-out battle.”
“It is imperative that all of us in the Party never forget our original aspiration and founding mission, that we always stay modest, prudent, and hard-working, and that we have the courage and ability to carry on our fight,” he said.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Xi presented the July 1 Medal, the Communist Party of China’s highest honor, to outstanding Party members in recognition of their exemplary contributions to the Party and the nation.
The event marked a significant milestone in the CPC’s history as it reaffirmed its commitment to national rejuvenation, modernization, and continued leadership in guiding China’s development amid evolving global challenges.
