Communist Party of China at 105: Journey of Hardships and Success

Communist Party of China (CPC) is celebrating its 105^th anniversary. The CPC deserves these celebrations because it has achieved many milestones one after another. Despite all the problems and hurdles, it continued to serve people and help them realize their dreams. The achievements are not limited to one or two sectors; every sector of the economy and each segment of society has stories to tell. The story of the CPC can be understood by dividing it into two parts: pre- and post-establishment of Modern China.

The pre-Modern China era was marked by hardships and sacrifices for the CPC. CPC started as a small group of like-minded people who believed in freedom, dignity, and sovereignty. Right after its establishment, it picked up fights against the occupying forces and feudal lords. The fight built the image of the CPC as a people-oriented party with the determination to win for its people. It attracted public attention, and the CPC grew rapidly, becoming a symbol of resistance, freedom, and national dignity. Peasants were the dominant members and comrades who fought for a cause and led China’s freedom movement.

CPC’s struggle to win national freedom was far from easy. It was full of hardships and sacrifices. It had to overcome multifaceted challenges and opponents. On the one hand, it had to fight against the Japanese occupation forces and those of some European countries. These forces had unleashed all types of atrocities on the common people of China. On the other hand, the CPC had to fight against the feudal lords, anti-resistance forces, and the forces of Chinese rulers. However, these challenges did not deter the determination of CPC leadership and members. They fought courageously and determinedly to overcome challenges and won freedom in 1949.

The post-establishment era started with another chapter of struggle to overcome problems and pave the way for the country’s rapid development. The era was again complicated and marked by challenges. The CPC had to fight on two fronts, external and internal. Externally, the CPC had to counter the USA and its allies, which had launched multifaceted campaigns and wars against China. They were not ready to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with China. Internally, the CPC had to fight against bureaucracy, feudal lords, poverty, food insecurity, health issues, educational challenges, and many other challenges.

Against this backdrop, China began its journey under the leadership of the CPC. CPC devised its own governance model, “People-centric Governance,” and its democratic system, “Whole Process People’s Democracy.” The CPC applied the principles of inclusivity, equality, fairness, and people-centric governance and development through these models. These helped China transform its status and the fate of its people. Although the list of achievements is very long, only a few are listed here. First, a poverty-ridden country becomes a poverty-free country. Second, a fringe economy has become the world’s second-largest economy, with an almost US$20 trillion GDP. It owns the highest foreign reserves. China’s banking system has the highest assets (476 trillion Yuan, 2024) and is the center of world trade.

Third, once a food-impoverished country, China is now the most food-secure country in the world, with 450 kg of food grain per capita, well above the global average of 400 kg. Grain production increased from 181MT in 1952 to 685MT in 2023. Fourth, China is a leading player in modern technology (currently leading in 37 of the 44 most critical technologies, such as AI and computing).

The story of achievements on the social front is more fabulous. First, people’s life expectancy increased from 35 to 77 due to the government’s dedicated efforts and focus on the people’s welfare. Second, China produces the highest number of STEM graduates, and almost 60 of the population is enrolled in or has graduated from higher education institutions. Third, it erected the world’s biggest social security program and network. Fourth, against all propaganda, China showed leadership in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change. For example, China increased forest area from 8.6% of the country’s total land in the 1950s to 24% in 2024.

On the other hand, China created many global success stories by sticking to principles of mutual respect, mutual development, and sharing prosperity. China negated the elements of hegemony, inequality, and self-assumed greatness and righteousness. China preferred to share its prosperity and development dividend to build relations rather than to create hegemony, and launched numerous initiatives to strengthen relationships.

First, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative by adhering to the Chinese philosophy of shared growth through discussion and collaboration. Second, the Global Development Initiative was introduced in line with the vision of shared prosperity. Third, the Global Security Initiative, which has been built on four pillars: common, comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable security, was presented. Fourth, the Global Civilization Initiative discussed harmony amid diversity and the negation of the clash of civilizations. Fifth, President Xi Jinping is promoting the construction of an ecological civilization, rooted in the philosophy of harmony between the planet and humans, and among humans. Sixth, China also launched 1) the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank and 2) the China International Import Expo to provide financial assistance and create market opportunities for the world. Most recently, China launched the Global Governance Initiative, which emphasizes the creation of a fair and just global governance order.

China also focused on building partnerships based on equality and respect for countries’ sovereignty and dignity. A few important partnerships and forums include the Bao Forum, Macau Forum, China-Africa Cooperation, China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development & Cooperation Forum, Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and China-CEEC “17+1 cooperation, etc. However, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is one of China’s best models of partnership philosophy.

Besides, President Xi’s vision of a Community with a Shared Future further strengthens China’s status and role on the global stage. The achievements of China at the global level can be summarized as;

First, China has established its credentials as a “Non-Coercive Power” through GSI and other initiatives that advocate non-interference and discourage bullying. China treats everyone equally and with dignity, irrespective of their level of development or military status.

Second, China established itself as a responsible and “Common Good” provider by investing in the environment, reducing poverty, and so on. It also established China as a people-oriented/centric global power. According to data, China contributed more than US$23 billion through the GDI to global development.

Third, the world believes that China fulfills its promises. It promotes the philosophy of sharing prosperity through practical action rather than slogans, and BRI, CIIE, AIIB, GDI, etc., can serve as concrete examples.

Fourth, China is making harmony in diversity a new normal. The Global Civilization Initiative is expected to pave the way for dialogue among civilizations rather than clashes.

Fifth, China promotes “Harmony between Humans and Nature” by constructing an Ecological Civilization. China is convinced that the successful construction of ecological civilization would make a significant contribution to the welfare of the global community, as the world faces the existential threats of climate change, environmental degradation, and deep development challenges.

Now, China is embarking on a new journey to achieve the second-century goal and national rejuvenation. President Xi’s thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics will be the guiding philosophy for leading China into the 100. China has devised a comprehensive policy and implementation framework to achieve the set goals. First, China will be pursuing the goal of inclusive modernization. For that purpose, China will work on five modernizations: Agriculture, Industry, Defense, Science and Technology, and Governance. Second, innovation and technological development will be new drivers of growth and development. Green growth, environment, and climate-friendly economic development policies and actions will guide the way. For that purpose, China will invest in education, produce STEM graduates, build quality R&D infrastructure, and attract world talent.

Third, the primary focus of all interventions would be to create a prosperous, peaceful, and beautiful society and China through people-centric governance.

On the global stage, President Xi’s vision of a Community with a Shared Future will guide China’s policies and actions to contribute to global prosperity. China will reject notions of world domination, superiority, and hegemonic aspirations. China will promote win-win cooperation, cooperative coexistence, and respect for diversity and sovereignty.

In conclusion, from the above discussion, it can be inferred that the CPC faced numerous hardships, including fighting against tyrants and occupiers, Western opposition, higher poverty, lower technological development, and malicious propaganda, in its efforts to gain freedom and advance on the path of development. Despite all such challenges, the CPC never lost hope or backed down in front of problems. The CPC and its leadership kept people’s dreams alive and inspired them to achieve higher goals. It led to glorious success, and China has become a beacon of hope and prosperity in a troubled world.

Lastly, the CPC and its leadership achieved these miracles for four reasons. First, the CPC and its leadership ensured the strict implementation of merit, regardless of status or connections. Second, the CPC ensured the strict application of core socialist values and served the nation with extreme dedication and determination, ensuring that China continues to progress. Third, the CPC leadership led the nation with high morals, undisputed integrity, and adherence to socialist values. Fourth, the CPC leadership devised a unique model of democracy and people-centric governance, which paved the way for China’s miraculous development and the prosperity of the people.

Now, under the leadership of President Xi, the CPC is undergoing deep reforms to prepare to govern the country in line with present and future requirements. President Xi is convinced that to sustain its position, the CPC and its leadership must adhere to socialist values, high moral ground, and selflessness. The Party must be corruption-free, and the focus of policies and governance must be the people and their prosperity. The Party must uphold the rule of law, and everyone must submit to it.