With China having become the world’s second largest economy, the country has many challenges to overcome, and the outcomes of which can affect the entire world. In terms of leading China to its current state of remarkable development and modernization, China’s ruling party, the Communist Party of China, or CPC, has played a major role. 

Achievements 

The CPC has ruled China since 1949. 

Under the leadership of the Communist Party, the Chinese people have overthrown the vestiges of colonialism and feudalism, defeated the Japanese invaders, founded the People’s Republic of China, carried out land reform, endured an extreme form of ideology and political mass movements, instituted reform and opening up, and established a powerful market-driven economy. 

Many people argue that the ability to keep up with the times and to correct mistakes has been a hallmark of the CPC’s achievements. 

Different levels of CPC authority 

Over the past 97 years, the number of CPC members has grown from 50 to nearly 90 million. 

In order for such a large organization to function effectively, the CPC is divided into several levels of authority. 

The highest are the National Party Congress (NPC), the CPC Central Committee, the Politburo and its Standing Committee, and the CPC Secretariat. 

Following this, there are lower CPC organizations, including party committees at the levels of provinces or autonomous regions, municipalities, counties, townships and villages. 

Although national-level decisions made centrally receive the majority of public attention, many decisions are made at the lower levels.

Party members listen to the work report of the previous party committee at the Ninth Party Congress of Zhongxing Township, Guzhen County, Bengbu City, Anhui Province, March 15, 2011. /CGTN Photo

Supervision system 

To establish sufficient checks and balances to prevent abuse of power in the one-party system, the CPC prioritizes supervision from both within and outside the party. 

Within the party, there is a comprehensive intra-party supervision system. Organizations like the party discipline inspection department are responsible for implementing disciplinary measures and guidelines, making suggestions, and supervising how party cadres and leaders are implementing rules in practice. 

Outside the party, there are forms of external supervision, such as legal supervision from the NPC, democratic supervision from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and other means. 

The CPC promotes political consultation for democratic supervision, whereby every party member participates in the administration of state affairs. 

So, no matter what policies the CPC wants to issue, democratic parties will be consulted for suggestions.

Moreover, supervision by the public is everywhere in modern society through the Internet, and within the NPC and the CPPCC.

Such extensive transparency and public supervision means corrupt officials have nowhere to hide. 

Mistakes 

Despite its accomplishments over the past 97 years, the Communist Party acknowledged it has made mistakes, particularly with regard to the Great Leap Forward in 1958, and the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s. 

It has also analyzed and corrected the mistakes made by itself and the leaders of the country, drawing lessons from both failures and successful experiences so as to keep up with the times and enhance political stability and unity.