On July 1, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China.
Eunice Yoon | CNBC
BEIJING—Chinese President Xi Jinping took a more outward-looking tone Wednesday than in previous speeches, emphasizing the global influence of the Chinese Communist Party as the country marks its 105th anniversary.
The remarks, which lasted about 40 minutes, contrasted with Xi’s previous speeches on similar occasions, which focused domestically on China’s “national rejuvenation.”
According to CNBC’s translation from Mandarin, Xi said the Chinese Communist Party “has significantly changed the trend and trajectory of world development through constant struggle.”
Mr. Xi, who is also party general secretary, described the Chinese Communist Party as “the world’s largest ruling party with significant global influence.” He said that thanks to the Chinese Communist Party, China was able to overthrow imperialism, feudalism and bureaucratic capitalism and pave the way for industrialization.
The Communist Party of China was founded on July 1, 1921, and established the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. It is only in recent decades that the economy has gradually begun to open up to foreign investment and trade, and in 2010 it became the world’s second-largest economy.
Despite US and EU tariffs, China currently accounts for about 28% of goods manufactured worldwide.
Building on his frequently used phrase “changes not seen in 100 years,” President Xi said on Wednesday that these changes were accelerating and that “the world has entered a new era of upheaval and transformation.”
Against this backdrop, Mr. Xi said that China would “promote the building of a new type of international relations,” but he did not specify specific countries.
Mr. Xi is scheduled to visit the United States in September, following President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing in May.
“A strong country needs a strong army, and only a strong army can ensure national security,” Xi said on Wednesday.
China will increase its defense spending by 7% this year, according to a budget proposal released by the Ministry of Finance in March, which would be the slowest annual military spending growth since 2021. The country is second only to the United States in military spending.
Mr. Xi, now serving an unprecedented third term as president, also used the speech to boost confidence in the country’s long-term goals.
The Chinese leader reiterated his stance against efforts for “Taiwan independence” and “external interference” in the issue, adding that “resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving complete reunification with the motherland is the party’s unwavering historical responsibility.”
Regarding Hong Kong and Macau, President Xi called for “promoting long-term prosperity and stability,” while pointing out the need to support the integration of both regions to contribute to China’s overall development.
