Xi Jinping warns no one can ‘dictate’ China’s path, 40 years on from reforms

President Xi Jinping warned Tuesday (Dec 18) that no one can “dictate” China’s economic development path as the Communist Party marked 40 years of its historic “reform and opening up” policy amid a stern challenge from the United States.

“We will resolutely uphold the authoritative and centralised leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and ensure that party leadership is implemented and reflected in reform, development, stability, domestic and foreign affairs, national defence, party, state, military and other fields,” he said.

“China is moving closer to the centre of the world stage and has become recognised by the international community as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order,” he said.

“No one is in the position to dictate to the Chinese people what should be done.”

President Xi also said that the country's anti-corruption campaign had achieved overwhelming victory.