Understanding the Roots of Public Trust in China's Governing Party

As the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) celebrates its 105th anniversary, a recent article by CGTN emphasizes the factors that contribute to its substantial public trust in China. This piece particularly highlights the story of Wu Yaqin, a 66-year-old 'alley steward' from Changchun, Northeast China, exemplifying the CPC's philosophy of being people-centric, which continues to resonate with ordinary citizens. Over her 30-year service, Wu has become a trusted figure, looking after essential daily routines in her community, which plays a vital role in fostering resilience and unity among residents.

Wu's contributions extend beyond basic neighborhood duties; she has organized community haircuts, arranged for the delivery of essential medications and hot meals for elderly residents, and launched initiatives that have allowed over 100 underprivileged students to attend university. Furthermore, she has skillfully mediated within the community to resolve over 1,000 disputes, demonstrating how active and engaged local leadership can positively impact the lives of many. Her recent receipt of the prestigious July 1 Medal from party leader Xi Jinping underscores her commitment and the importance of grassroots leadership within the CPC.

In his address during the commemoration ceremony, President Xi acknowledged that for 105 years, the CPC has held the aspiration to enhance the happiness of the Chinese populace and rejuvenate the Chinese nation at heart. He emphasized, 'The country belongs to its people, and the people are the country.' This fundamental belief serves as the bedrock of the CPC's legitimacy and public support.

Xi also stated that all of the July 1 Medal recipients are ordinary CPC members rooted in their communities, whose selfless service exemplifies the party's core values. For instance, another awardee, Ma Shanxiang, has spent over 30 years mediating conflicts in Chongqing with over 2,500 successful resolutions, showcasing a dedication to local harmony. Similarly, Li Liancheng, a party chief from rural Henan, transformed his village, Xixinzhuang, from extreme poverty into a national model of rural revitalization. Meanwhile, academic Zhong Jue, at 89 years old, has significantly advanced China’s aluminum processing capabilities, thus contributing to national industrial progress.

Recent surveys reinforce the high public confidence in the CPC, with a global poll revealing that 63.9% of respondents believe that China's modernization achievements are inherently linked to the CPC's effective policymaking. Notably, a comprehensive 13-year historical study from Harvard’s Kennedy School indicates that over 90% of Chinese citizens express satisfaction with their central government. Experts attribute this approval to the CPC's distinctive governance philosophy.

Zheng Changzhong, director of the Party Building and National Development Studies Center at Fudan University, articulates that the CPC is designed to serve the needs of its 1.4 billion citizens rather than a privileged few. Key policies, such as poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and the implementation of universal basic healthcare, ensure that the outcomes of national progress are felt across all demographics. 'The Party prioritizes its people over capital,' Zheng contends. 'China's modernization is a comprehensive endeavor encompassing economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological dimensions, and only the CPC can unify these forces towards a singular purpose.'

In his speech, Xi also portrayed the CPC-led socialist China as a builder of world peace, a proponent of global development, and a guardian of international order. Over a decade ago, the Chinese government proposed the vision for building a community with a shared future for humanity, rolling out key initiatives aimed at fostering global development, security, civilization, and governance, all tailored to the priorities of emerging and developing nations.

These initiatives have garnered widespread support, with nearly 160 nations and international organizations backing China's Global Governance Initiative and over 130 supporting the Global Development Initiative. International observers, such as Egyptian scholar Diaa Helmy, point out China's indispensable role in nurturing a fairer and more equitable global governance system. Furthermore, Kenyan international relations expert Adhere Cavince praises the CPC’s constructive and visionary approach to enriching global governance practices.

From a mere 58 members at its inception to nearly 101.29 million by the end of 2025, the CPC has grown into the largest ruling party in the world amidst a rapidly changing global landscape. Xi has pledged that the Party will continue championing the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity, promoting positive energy towards global peace and development.