Strengthening China's Governance: The Role of Grassroots Party Organizations
In late October 2026, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) gathered for its fifth plenary session, emphasizing a key principle that underpins effective governance: strong grassroots organizations are essential for translating policy into action. This meeting reiterated that the strength of the CPC, the world’s largest Marxist governing party, not only relies on its vision and policies but fundamentally rests upon an extensive network of over 5 million primary-level organizations. These organizations are the very foundation of the Party's governance structure, operating within various sectors such as factories, farms, schools, and hospitals, as well as within community and commercial spheres.
The historical saying, "Those who wish to build a house must first lay a solid foundation" from New Discourses by Su Zhe, underscores the importance of establishing robust grassroots entities to achieve lasting successes. During a National Conference on Organizational Work, President Xi Jinping reiterated the necessity of strengthening these primary-level organizations, which are crucial for managing Party membership and ensuring that public interests are properly represented within the Party’s policies.
The CPC's primary organizations are not just administrative units; they are dynamic hubs through which the Party connects with the public, gauging community needs and addressing them effectively. These organizations have gained the trust and support of the people by aligning closely with their interests and actively engaging in local governance. For instance, during the campaign against extreme poverty, primary-level entities played a pivotal role in ensuring that aid reached those who needed it the most. They also contributed significantly to major scientific and technological initiatives, highlighting their commitment to national challenges.
Recognizing the contributions of these grassroots units, the CPC recently honored 399 of them as National Advanced Primary-Level Party Organizations, showcasing a broad spectrum of impactful work across public service, commerce, education, healthcare, and environmental protection. For example, the Party Branch of the Atmospheric Environment Division of the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau was noted for its efforts in air quality management, while the Party Committee of Diliubu Village transformed an underdeveloped area into a vibrant community attracting tourists.
As challenges at home and abroad continue to grow in complexity, the importance of these grassroots organizations becomes ever more pronounced. They serve as the vital links between the CPC and the citizenry, facilitating feedback that shapes policy-making and implementation. This grassroots engagement is critical as the Party strives for self-governance and self-reform, aiming to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation by mid-century.
The CPC recognizes that advancing full and rigorous self-governance demands a solid foundation at the grassroots level. In this regard, the ongoing commitment to strengthen these primary organizations is not merely an institutional goal but a fundamental aspect of ensuring that the Party remains responsive to the needs of the people. By cementing this foundation, the Party is positioned to navigate the uncertain terrain of global politics and domestic challenges, with an eye toward fostering a modern socialist state that is both strong and resilient. The future of governance in China, then, hinges on the effective functioning of these essential Party units, validating the age-old wisdom that true success is built upon solid ground.