Understanding the political achievements of a century-old party

Editor's note: Fan Peng, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the director of the Research Office of Contemporary Chinese Politics at the Institute of Political Science of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

Modern China faced many internal and external crises, and various political plans for saving the country were introduced one after another. They included imitations of Western political system models such as the parliamentary system, the multi-party system and the presidential system. However, these attempts ultimately ended in failure. In the end, the Communist Party of China(CPC) united China to find a socialist development path with Chinese characteristics.

For more than a century, the CPC's mission has been ensuring happiness for the people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and it has achieved original theoretical results and remarkable development goals. In addition to the widely recognized economic and social achievements, the political achievements of the century-old party are also remarkable. Looking back, the following historical experiences are the key to understanding the political achievements of the CPC.

Establishing China's political "backbone": The CPC is China's highest political force and backbone, trusted by the Chinese. Only the CPC has sufficient political prestige and organizational capabilities to run a vast country like China with a population of more than 1.4 billion. With more than 5 million grassroots organizations and over 99 million members, it can maximize the consensus and strength of entire society and lead the country towards a common goal. Outstanding talents from all walks of life can join the CPC's organizations and national governance, which ensures that the national leadership is always in the hands of those who are loyal to the people.

Implementing political reforms in line with China's historical national conditions: The CPC has always developed China's political system based on China's history and national conditions. It has ensured the correct direction of national development and adapted to the needs of a unified unitary state governance system. Democratic centralism, a product of the combination of imported systems and China's local political soil, is conducive to the efficient decision-making required for national development while ensuring Party unity and social democracy.

The People's Congress system, China's multi-tiered administrative and ultimately legislative system, adapts to China's basic national conditions of a vast territory and a large population, and ensures that state power is in the hands of the people. The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the highest political advisory body to the government, embodies "harmony in diversity," which is deeply rooted in China's historical and cultural traditions, and ensures stability and development. All these institutions demonstrate the wisdom and foresight of the CPC in governing the country.

Unswervingly pursuing the development of democracy: The people are the foundation of the country, and the country will be peaceful if the foundation is solid. "Serving the people wholeheartedly" has always been the fundamental purpose of the CPC. It insists on reflecting the will of the people, safeguarding the rights and interests of the people, and promoting the well-being of the people in China's political life.

The People's Congress system is a key part of socialist democracy. The people exercise state power through the congress. People's Congress deputies are selected from people of all ethnic groups, religious beliefs and classes. There are People's Congresses at the national, provincial, municipal, county and township levels. As of 2023, the total number of People's Congress deputies at all levels elected through democratic elections nationwide was 2.77 million.

Maintaining unity of good social order and vitality: Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China has created two "miracles" of rapid economic development and long-term social stability that are rare in the world. These two "miracles" should be attributed to China's political system.

Over the past decades, Chinese society has remained tremendously mobile, leading to social freedom and vitality. In 2023, the total number of migrant workers in China was almost 298 million. Hundreds of millions of Chinese farmers have created a "mobile China," a China full of prosperity and development vitality.

At the same time, in the process of modernization, China has maintained overall social stability and harmony. China's homicide rate is among the lowest in the world, not only much lower than in the United States, but also lower than in most European countries. China has successfully coped with major challenges such as the 1998 flood, the 2008 earthquake in Wenchuan, and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following core socialist values to regulate administration and legislation: Adhering to rule of law and rule of virtue, and integrating core socialist values into the construction of the rule of law, social development and daily life is an important feature of China's political construction. In 2001, the Chinese government issued the "Outline for the Establishment and Implementation of Citizen's Morality" and since 2019, implemented the "Outline on the Establishment and Implementation of Citizen Morality for the New Era," cultivating and practicing core socialist values, and promoting the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation.

In recent years, China has written "promoting core socialist values" into its Constitution and the newly revised Legislation Law, which has become the basis of legislative principles. China is a society with strong fundamental values, not one of moral nihilism or cultural relativism. Socialist values regulate legislation and administration, reflecting the lofty pursuit of the country, society and the Party.

The political achievements of the CPC have laid a solid political foundation for the development of Chinese society. Only by understanding the CPC can we understand China. With the clarion call for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization, the CPC will move towards a better tomorrow with more confident steps.

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