What happened?
On 1 July, the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrated its hundredth founding anniversary. President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at Beijing's Tiananmen Square and highlighted China's first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects was achieved. China is now marching towards its second centenary goal of building the country into a modern socialist state in all respects. Under the CPC leadership, the second centenary goal will be achieved, and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation will be realized. 

In order to continue on the path of development, Xi announced that the leadership of the party must be respected and enhanced. The party must be trusted uninhibitedly, and the people must be aligned with the party's leadership. He opinionated that, under the leadership of the Party, the Chinese nation had stood up from the humiliation and became prosperous and is now on the path of becoming stronger.

President Xi also announced that China is seeking a new type of international relations wherein China wants to share its developmental achievements with other countries through the Belt and Road Initiative. As a strong nation, the Chinese citizens must have a great sense of pride and confidence in their identity. He issued a warning against foreign states and cautioned them against bullying, oppressing, or subjugating China. 

What is the background?
First, the founding of the CPC. On 23 July 1921, 13 delegates, including Mao Tse Tung were scheduled to meet in a small room in Shanghai where the first session of the CPC National Congress was to be held. Fearing a police raid, the venue was later moved to a boat on Lake Nanhu in Jiaxing County, Zhejiang Province. It was in this meeting that CPC was formulated. In 1941, Chairman Mao was in Yan'an when the CPC marked twenty years of the party. Chairman Mao could only remember that it took place in July, and thus 1 July has since been celebrated as the foundation date of the party.

Second, the evolution of the CPC. According to the speech delivered by Xi Jinping, socialism with Chinese characteristics is the path to achieving national rejuvenation. The 180-year-old modern history of China, 100-year history of the CPC and 70 years of modern China indicates that the party is the lifeline of the Chinese nation. Xi reiterated that it was solely through the efforts of the CPC that the Chinese nation was able to achieve its independence and liberation for its people by overcoming imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat-capitalism. China's achievements in the past 100 years are attributed to the Chinese communists and is the basis for the CPC's reforms that helped transform China into the world's second-largest economy. 

Third, the CPC's future plans. President Xi Jinping further declared in the speech that China would not bow down to others who believed that they have the right to patronize the communist state. While referring to the military, Xi expressed that a strong country needs a strong military that will preserve its national dignity and maintain peace in the region. The aim is to create an army that will attain world-class standards and enhance its capacity. These acquired qualities would act as a guarantee in safeguarding Chinese sovereignty, security and back development in the country. 

Fourth, celebrations amidst hostility. The majestic celebrations took place amid growing global hostility towards China over the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic, China's assertive behaviour at the border with India in the Himalayas, allegations of human rights violations in Xinjiang, and the closing of Hong Kong's leading pro-democracy newspaper-Apple Daily. 

What does it mean?
The Communist Party of China remains strong as ever and is here to stay. The CPC will continue its authoritarianism with no near possibility of adopting a liberal stance. Authoritarian capitalism would remain the chosen path for the Chinese economy.

Preserving its virtues and values, China will continue to disregard its criticism from the international community. These actions are justified in China's eyes and are deemed to be a necessary phase in becoming a stronger and greater economic power in the global arena.