By Anil Azad Pandey | Beijing
The Communist Party of China (CPC) marked its 105th anniversary on July 1, reflecting on its evolution from a political movement founded in 1921 with around 50 members to one of the world’s largest political parties, with more than 101 million members. The anniversary was observed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Chinese President and CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping addressed Party members and honoured outstanding individuals for their contributions.
Over the past several decades, China has undergone rapid economic and social transformation under the leadership of the CPC. The country has grown from a largely agrarian economy into the world’s second-largest economy and one of the leading manufacturing and exporting nations. According to official Chinese figures, more than 900 million people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, enabling China to achieve the United Nations’ poverty reduction target ahead of schedule.
China is now focusing on high-quality development, with greater emphasis on technological innovation, green energy, advanced manufacturing and domestic consumption. According to official Chinese data, the country’s Gross Domestic Product has exceeded 140 trillion yuan, while average life expectancy has risen to more than 79 years. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that per capita disposable income reached 43,377 yuan in 2025.
In his anniversary address, Xi Jinping said the CPC’s 105-year history should serve as a source of confidence while urging Party members to guard against complacency and remain committed to reform and national development. He reiterated China’s goal of becoming “a modern socialist country in all respects” by the middle of this century, in line with the country’s long-term development objectives.
China’s economic growth, infrastructure expansion and poverty alleviation programmes have drawn global attention over the years. While supporters cite these achievements as evidence of the country’s development model, critics continue to raise concerns over governance, transparency and political freedoms. As China advances its long-term development agenda, the Communist Party continues to play the central role in shaping the country’s political, economic and social policies.
*Anil Azad Pandey is a senior journalist based in China.
