Historic Speech in Beijing: China Sets Its Sights on a New-Era Military and a New World Order

Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined his vision for China’s future, which calls for strengthening military power, expanding international influence, and shaping a new architecture of the world order.

The speech was delivered on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

In his speech, the Chinese leader described the world as entering a period of widespread instability and strategic uncertainty.

“The world has entered a new period of upheaval and transformation,” Xi Jinping stated.

The leader of China once again called for the creation of a “new type of international relations” and the promotion of the concept of a “community with a shared future for mankind.”

Military strength was a central theme of the speech. The Chinese leader directly linked the country’s future to the development of its military.

“A strong nation needs a strong military, and a strong military ensures the country’s security,” he said.

Xi Jinping called for accelerating military modernization and building a “world-class military.”

This involved not only rearmament but also a comprehensive transformation of the military system — from technology to management and personnel training.

According to the Chinese leader, China must strengthen political leadership over the military, carry out military reforms, develop defense technologies, bolster personnel capabilities, and improve the military command system.

“In this new phase, we must fully implement the ideas for strengthening the military in the new era and the new military strategy,” Xi Jinping stated.

Focus on Taiwan

The most forceful part of the speech concerned the island of Taiwan — a territory that the PRC considers its own.

Xi Jinping reaffirmed the “One China” policy and pledged to continue fighting against any attempts at Taiwanese independence.

“We must resolutely combat separatist forces advocating for Taiwan’s independence, counter external interference, and steadfastly advance the cause of national reunification,” he said.

Such statements are traditionally seen as a signal primarily to the United States and its allies that support Taiwan.

The speech also contained several indirect references that may pertain to a broader geopolitical context, including Russia’s war against Ukraine.

References in the speech to a “global security initiative,” a “community with a shared future for mankind,” and “peace, development, and mutual benefit” are elements of Beijing’s foreign policy concept that China has also used in relation to the Russia-Ukraine war while promoting its own peace proposals.

In February 2023, China unveiled its so-called “peace plan” for Ukraine.