In a concise opening address at the Communist Party Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping defended the nation’s U.S. policy and reaffirmed the central importance of national security for social progress. The speech, notably shorter than his predecessors, underscored continuity as the guiding thread for what observers expect to be the framework of his third term as party chairman. Across the few minutes of remarks, Xi highlighted enduring achievements in environmental protection and anti-corruption while signaling that the United States remains a critical external factor in shaping China’s strategic outlook. The emphasis on policy consistency suggests a deliberate effort to project stability and resilience amid a challenging global environment.
Among the more than 2,000 delegates present at the Great Hall of the People, only a small group of Politburo members and several senior delegates did not wear masks, underscoring the ongoing sensitivity around public health controls. The congress has already taken a stance in favor of the zero-COVID stance, with Xi stating that the country has prioritized people and life through dynamic policy measures. He asserted that China achieved maximum results in epidemic prevention and control, as well as in social and economic development. Analysts note that while the government highlights a remarkably low toll in population terms, the policy has exacted economic costs, including reduced mobility and growth headwinds. The administration has warned of risks if the policy were loosened too quickly, emphasizing the trade-off between health and economic vitality. Some observers argue that this tension remains pronounced as domestic growth targets face potential shortfalls and youth unemployment has become a pressing concern.
Xi characterized the past five years as an era of unusual tempo, describing the period as exceptionally abnormal in the context of global upheavals, including pandemics and geopolitical conflicts. He recalled a 2017 pledge to open up to the world, acknowledging that the country’s path toward openness has been tempered by contemporary realities. Against this backdrop, he urged national resilience, urging the workforce to stay diligent, uphold party discipline, and prepare for challenges even during calmer times. The framing positions hard work and vigilance as core attributes of governance, with a focus on steering through uncertain times.
Common prosperity resurfaced as a central theme, with Xi reaffirming its link to alleviating extreme poverty and reducing social inequalities. While the objective remains on the policy agenda, critics note that the exact mix of economic tools is contested. Some argue that liberal-market mechanisms are being rebalanced in favor of stronger state influence, and questions persist about how to sustain growth without sacrificing strategic control over critical industries.
Regarding the international landscape, Xi acknowledged shifts driven in part by the U.S.-China trade dynamic and emphasized that a robust public sector serves as a guarantor of growth and resilience. He did not deny the private sector its role but signaled a preference for greater state-led leverage in pursuing national objectives. The past decade has seen a recalibration of the relationship between the state and markets, with ideological space expanded to support policy aims while limiting private sector influence in decision-making.
National security emerged as a recurring theme in a speech spanning thousands of words, with Xi arguing that a healthy party is essential to maintaining security and stability. He described a continuing anti-corruption campaign that has already punished a substantial portion of party members and stressed that the campaign will persist as a tool for safeguarding governance. Internationally, he framed China as opposing hegemonic behavior and power politics, rejecting interference in other countries’ internal affairs and condemning double standards. These points reflect a broader stance that seeks to defend China’s sovereign interests while projecting a disciplined and unified political voice on the world stage.
The congress environment also offered glimpses into internal symbolism and political dynamics. Observers noted the absence of several senior figures associated with past leaderships, while a few others facing scrutiny or controversy were conspicuously out of sight. The dialogue surrounding leadership transitions and the influence of various factions within the party continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny among analysts, reflecting the ongoing tension between modernization pressures and legacy power structures.