The Communist Party of China (CPC) is ready to hold its 19th National Congress this month, when new guidelines will be issued to further develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.[Special coverage]
Since its founding in 1921, the CPC has overcome great hardships. However, by remembering its roots and progressing with innovation, the Party has established China firmly on the world stage.
FAITH IN MARXISM
Political parties the world over have recognized the need for faithfulness to their spiritual foundations. The CPC is no different.
Ever since the Party's founding, Marxism has been its creed, communism its supreme ideal. Marxism, in particular, is the foundation of theories developed by Chinese communists to guide the cause of the CPC and the nation.
"Communists' faith in Marxism, socialism and communism is their political soul and sustains them in all tests," read the report of the CPC's 18th National Congress in 2012.
At the rally marking the 95th anniversary of the CPC in 2016, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, warned against "deviating from or abandoning Marxism," as without such a fundamental guiding theory the Party would "lose its soul and direction."
It is no surprise then, that a first edition Chinese translation of The Communist Manifesto, which is now exhibited at the 1st CPC National Congress Memorial, has been carefully preserved through times of war and revolution.
"The reason why the CPC could lead the nation and the people to historic achievements is that the Party has always been true to its founding mission," said Zhang Liming, head of the memorial.
"The CPC and socialism are becoming more dynamic, which is a result of Marxism's successful practice in China," said Huang Renwei, researcher with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.
PEOPLE-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
At the China Executive Leadership Academy of Jinggangshan, students get a chance to live in some of the villages that have been lifted out of poverty to experience the firsthand effects of poverty relief in an experiential course.
"The course aims to bring CPC officials closer to the people," said Mei Liming, executive vice president of the academy.
As the heartland of the early revolutionary activities of the CPC in east China's Jiangxi Province, it is symbolic that Jinggangshan has been officially taken off the list of impoverished areas.
The CPC comes from the people, therefore the people are seen as a source of strength and wisdom.
"To meet the people's desire for a happy life is our mission," said Xi Jinping when meeting the press after being elected as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in 2012.
Xi has repeatedly stressed that the success of the Party hinges on the support of the people.
The CPC and the Chinese government have been taking heed of the people's needs and formulating policies accordingly, which in turn helps promote social stability.
More than 700 million people have been lifted out of poverty since China's reform and opening-up policy was adopted in 1978. Currently, the goal is to eradicate poverty in the country by 2020.
Foreign analysts have pointed out that social problems can derive from a young population's diverse demands and their discontent. Therefore China is pushing innovation and entrepreneurship in order to boost employment, invigorate the economy and ensure social stability.
"The CPC and socialism have maintained their vitality mainly because seeking benefit for the people is at the center of the Party's values and cause," said Professor Dai Yanjun with the CPC Central Committee Party School.
