‘Prepare for Dangerous Storms’: Xi Warns China of Tough Road Ahead Amid Economic Pressures

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a “New Long March”, invoking one of the most defining episodes in the history of the Communist Party as China grapples with slowing economic growth, rising global uncertainties and mounting internal disciplinary challenges.

Addressing a gathering in Beijing on Thursday to mark the 90th anniversary of the Long March, Xi warned that the road ahead would be difficult and urged the ruling Communist Party, the military and the public to prepare for severe external pressures.

The historic Long March, undertaken by Communist forces between 1934 and 1936, helped Mao Zedong consolidate his leadership and preserve the Communist movement before its eventual victory in 1949. Xi described the episode as a landmark in China's revolutionary history, stressing that strong Party leadership and Mao's central position had been decisive in the Red Army's survival.

Drawing parallels with the present, Xi said China must remain committed to the Party's ideals and strengthen its connection with the people. He called for greater unity, political discipline and readiness to confront challenges, insisting that the military must remain firmly under the Party's leadership.

“On the new journey, facing complex international and domestic situations, we must dare to fight and be good at fighting,” Xi said, urging the country to brace for “high winds, raging waves and even dangerous storms”. He also stressed the need to balance economic development with national security.

His remarks come as China's economic outlook weakens amid sluggish domestic consumption, subdued investment and persistent problems in the property sector. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its 2026 growth forecast for China to 4.5 per cent, from 4.6 per cent, warning that strong exports are no longer enough to fully compensate for weak domestic demand. Higher global oil prices and continuing uncertainty are also expected to weigh on economic activity.

Xi's call for renewed discipline comes ahead of a key Communist Party Central Committee plenary session scheduled for October 26-29. The meeting is expected to focus on tightening Party governance, enforcing internal discipline and reinforcing political loyalty.

The 205-member Central Committee has also faced extensive anti-corruption scrutiny. According to calculations by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, 35 full members have either come under investigation or lost their legislative seats, highlighting the scale of the internal challenges confronting the Party.