#China #Chinese Modernization #Changchun #Communist Party #Wu Yaqin

Trust in China's Communist Party: A Community's Perspective

As China celebrates the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party, a closer look at local communities sheds light on the enduring public support for the ruling party. This support is not merely political but deeply rooted in the experiences and ongoing dedication of community leaders like Wu Yaqin, a 66-year-old woman recognized as a dependable ‘street manager’ in Changchun, northeastern China.

For nearly three decades, Wu has taken on a vital role in her neighborhood, handling essential everyday matters that foster community bonds. She has arranged everything from home haircuts to the delivery of medications and warm meals for seniors, and even launched initiatives that helped over 100 underprivileged students gain access to university education. Her community involvement has led her to mediate more than 1,000 disputes among neighbors, demonstrating her commitment to fostering harmony.

Recently, Wu was honored among exemplary members of the Communist Party during a ceremony led by General Secretary Xi Jinping, who presented her and others with the highest party honor. In his address, Xi emphasized that the pursuit of happiness for the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the nation has been a constant endeavor of the party over its 105-year history. He articulated the party’s superior attributes which set it apart among political entities.

Xi stressed the importance of remembering that the essence of the nation lies within its people, urging all party members to serve the public wholeheartedly.

Commitment to the People

The medal recipients, like Wu, exemplify ordinary communists deeply embedded in their communities, devoting their lives to altruistic service. For instance, Ma Shanxiang, after three decades in Chongqing, has successfully mediated over 2,500 local disputes, while village leader Li Liancheng transformed Si-sin-chuang, a rural village in Henan Province, lifting it out of poverty and into a nationally recognized success story.

Moreover, the 89-year-old academic Zhong Jue has played a crucial role in overcoming key technological obstacles in the aluminum processing industry, enhancing China's global manufacturing capabilities.

The unwavering dedication of these individuals underpins the widespread trust and support that the Communist Party enjoys from the public. Recent global surveys corroborate this trust; for example, 63.9% of international respondents agree that achievements in Chinese modernization are closely linked to the rational policies of the Communist Party. Furthermore, a groundbreaking thirteen-year study from the Harvard Kennedy School revealed that over 90% of the Chinese populace is satisfied with the central government.

Experts attribute this high level of public support to the party's inclusive governance philosophy. Zheng Changzhong, director of the Center for Party Building Studies at Fudan University, highlights that the Communist Party serves not just a narrow segment of the affluent but the entire population of 1.4 billion.

Zheng points out that policies like targeted poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and universal basic healthcare provide tangible benefits that resonate with citizens. He emphasizes the party's commitment to prioritizing people over capital, positing that this approach aligns with broader economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological modernization efforts. The Communist Party is uniquely capable of coordinating diverse forces to pursue cohesive national objectives.

Enhancing Global Governance

Moreover, China under the leadership of the Communist Party is recognized globally as a proponent of peace, development, and a guardian of international order. More than a decade ago, China proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, facilitating groundbreaking initiatives in global development, security, civilization, and governance.

These initiatives, tailored to the pressing priorities of developing nations, have resonated widely, receiving endorsement from nearly 160 countries and international organizations. More than 130 nations have joined the Global Development Initiative, with over 80 agreeing to be part of its Group of Friends.

International observers echo this support, with Egyptian scholar Diaa Helmy noting that China has become an indispensable actor in advocating for a more equitable and just global governance system, while Kenyan international relations expert Adhere Cavince commends the constructive and progressive role of the Communist Party in developing global governance practices.

From its humble beginnings with 58 members, the Communist Party has grown to approximately 101.29 million members by the end of 2025, becoming the largest ruling party globally in this dynamic international climate.

As Xi has committed, the Party will continue to promote the vision of a shared future for humanity, injecting further positive energy into the global quest for peace and development.