How does the CPC implement a 'people-centered' philosophy?

Editor's Note: As the Communist Party of China (CPC) approaches the 105th anniversary of its founding, on July 1, CGTN presents "How the Communist Party of China Works," a special series of in-depth news analyses. This series offers a systematic analysis of the CPC's sustained effectiveness, examining its institutional resilience, people-centered philosophy and global significance.

At the beginning of 2026, the Communist Party of China (CPC) launched a Party-wide educational initiative focused on establishing and practicing a correct view of governance performance. 

At its core is a clear principle: putting the people first.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized at a meeting on February 5 that the CPC serves the public interest and governs for the people. "Only by continuously achieving sound performance that advances the cause of the Party and the country and benefits the people can we fulfill the Party's fundamental purpose and its historical mission."

From its earliest days, the CPC has bound its mission to serving the people and the nation. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, and through reform and opening up, China has transformed from a largely impoverished country into the world's second-largest economy. In 2021, the country eradicated absolute poverty and further advanced reforms to ensure that the benefits of development are shared more broadly and equitably. These milestones reflect a consistent governing philosophy: placing the people at the center of all policies.

Listening to the people

The people-centered approach is not only ideological, but also embedded in China's institutional system. The CPC has long followed the "mass line" – from the people, to the people – ensuring that the opinions of the public are collected, refined and translated into policy.

This principle is reflected in key political institutions, including the people's congress system and the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC. Together, these channels enable broad-based participation in governance.

During the annual Two Sessions, thousands of deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) gather in Beijing to deliberate on major national policies. These representatives come from all walks of life and maintain close ties with local communities, conducting grassroots research and bringing public concerns directly to policymakers.

According to the State Council Information Office, in 2025 alone, government departments handled 8,754 suggestions from NPC deputies and 4,868 proposals from CPPCC members. These proposals focused heavily on people's livelihoods and development priorities, including employment, income growth, elderly care, healthcare services, business environment improvement and social equity. In response, more than 4,900 suggestions were adopted and around 2,200 related policy measures were introduced to address people's needs.

This refers only to NPC deputies and CPPCC members at the national level. In fact, the People's Congress system operates across five levels – from the national level down to the township level – with a total of more than 2.5 million deputies. The CPPCC system also functions across four levels. Together, this multi-tiered structure helps ensure that voices from all levels of society are heard and reflected in policymaking.

Development for the people

In the new era, the CPC has further developed the concept of people-centered development. Xi has emphasized that development must be for the people, by the people and shared by the people. The ultimate goal is to continuously meet people's aspirations for a better life.

Environmental governance offers one of the clearest illustrations of this philosophy in practice. In recent years, as living standards improve, public expectations have shifted from basic needs to a higher quality of life, including cleaner air, greener cities and better living environments.

To meet these expectations, China launched the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan in 2013, marking a large-scale national effort to tackle PM2.5 pollution. Since then, the country has pursued a wide range of measures: upgrading public transportation, accelerating the adoption of new energy vehicles, reducing coal use in rural heating and implementing ultra-low emission standards in power plants. These efforts have helped build one of the world's largest clean coal power systems while significantly reducing emissions.

The results have been notable. By 2025, China's air quality had reached its best level on record, with the share of days with good air quality rising to 89.3%. Beijing, in particular, has seen dramatic improvements in its skies – an achievement widely recognized internationally and described by the UN Environment Programme as the "Beijing miracle."

Greening efforts have also accelerated. Forest coverage has increased from just 8.6% in 1949 to 24.02% today. Alongside large-scale afforestation, China has promoted the development of "pocket parks" in urban areas to bring green space closer to residents. By the end of June 2025, more than 54,000 pocket parks had been built nationwide, many equipped with children's playgrounds, barrier-free facilities and elderly-friendly seating areas, significantly improving everyday living conditions.

From historical legacy to modern governance, the CPC's people-centered philosophy is reflected in both long-term vision and concrete outcomes. It is a governance approach that translates public aspirations into policy priorities – and policy priorities into tangible improvements in everyday life.

Read more: 

How the CPC keeps reforming itself to break the rise-and-fall cycle

How does the CPC turn organizational strength into effective grassroots governance?

How CPC's long-term strategic vision drives China's sustainable development

How the CPC leads China's fight against poverty