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🇸🇬 Singapore /Elections & Politics

China's Communist Party marks 105 years, Xi stresses ideology and loyalty amid risks

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • China's Communist Party marked its 105th anniversary with President Xi Jinping emphasizing ideological loyalty and rigorous self-governance amid rising domestic and external challenges.
  • Xi called for preparedness against major tests and stressed the party's role in China's development while vowing a sustained battle against corruption.
  • The party is intensifying an anti-corruption drive and a study campaign on Xi Jinping Thought, with observers linking these moves to Xi's expected bid for a fourth term at the 2027 party congress.

President Xi Jinping urged the Communist Party of China (CPC) to maintain "full and rigorous self-governance" as the nation faces unpredictable factors and significant risks. Speaking at the party's 105th founding anniversary on July 1, Xi stressed the need for vigilance against "high winds and rough waves, or even stormy seas."

The party is reinforcing discipline and loyalty among its more than 101 million members. This push coincides with a broad anti-corruption campaign, which reported a record 983,000 officials disciplined in 2025. Recent cases include the stripping of posts for former Politburo member Ma Xingrui and financial regulator head Li Yunze, alongside investigations into military leaders like Zhang Youxia.

We must be prepared at all times to withstand major tests involving high winds and rough waves, or even stormy seas.

— Xi JinpingXi Jinping's speech during the celebrations marking the party's 105th founding anniversary.

These actions are seen by observers as a consolidation of Xi's power, potentially preparing for the 2027 party congress where he is expected to seek a fourth term as general secretary. Simultaneously, a campaign is underway to promote "Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building" among members, underscoring the emphasis on ideological adherence.

Thousands of officials gathered for the ceremony, where Xi awarded medals to eight members for outstanding contributions. The party, founded in 1921, is the world's second-largest by membership, trailing only India's Bharatiya Janata Party.

China’s development is currently at a stage where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges.

— Xi JinpingXi Jinping's speech during the celebrations marking the party's 105th founding anniversary.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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