Xi highlights Communist Party’s global influence in anniversary speech

Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the 105th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party with a speech in Beijing that emphasized the party’s global influence and China’s role in world affairs. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said the party had helped reshape the world through decades of struggle and described it as the world’s largest ruling party with significant international influence. The speech was more outwardlooking than his earlier anniversary remarks, which had focused more on domestic development and national rejuvenation. Xi also linked China’s longterm goals to military strength, saying national security depends on a strong military. He reiterated Beijing’s opposition to Taiwan independence and external interference, and called for continued prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macau.