Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech on Thursday, emphasizing the need for a strong and united party leadership as China faces what he termed a ‘new Long March.’ This address coincided with the 90th anniversary of the Long March, a pivotal event in the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and comes just days before the important fifth plenum of the party, where significant policy discussions are expected to take place.

In his speech, Xi drew parallels between the historical endurance of the Red Army during the Long March and the current geopolitical challenges facing China. He highlighted that the party's ability to transform defeat into victory 90 years ago was largely due to its unity under the leadership of Mao Zedong. This historical reference serves as a rallying cry for the party, reinforcing the importance of collective strength in overcoming modern challenges.S1S2

Xi's remarks come at a crucial time as the Communist Party gears up for discussions that will shape its future direction and policies. The fifth plenum, which is set to convene shortly, will address key issues including economic strategies and national security, making Xi's call for unity particularly relevant. His speech not only commemorates a significant historical event but also seeks to galvanize party members as they prepare for the upcoming deliberations.S1S2