Understanding the Trust People Have in China's Ruling Party and Its Leadership

Understanding Trust in China's Ruling Party

In the heart of Changchun, a city located in northeastern China, a 66-year-old woman named Wu Yaqin stands as a symbol of trust within her community. For nearly three decades, she has been more than just a neighborhood custodian; she has been the caretaker of connections that bind her community together. From providing in-home hairstyling and delivering medications to launching initiatives enabling underprivileged students to attend university, Wu's efforts embody the spirit of service highly regarded within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Recently recognized during a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the party's founding, Wu was awarded the prestigious July 1 Medal, which honors exemplary CCP members for their dedication to the people. Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the CCP, emphasized that the pursuit of happiness for the Chinese populace and the rejuvenation of the nation lie at the core of the party's mission.

Xi highlighted that the CCP possesses unique abilities, unparalleled in any other political party or force, and that the party must always remember that the nation is its people. Members are encouraged to serve the populace wholeheartedly, and Wu's story reflects this ethos in action.

Across China, many other party members exemplify similar dedication. For instance, Ma Shanxiang in Chongqing has been instrumental in resolving over 2,500 local disputes over his three decades of service. Meanwhile, Li Liancheng, a village party secretary in rural Henan, has transformed a poverty-stricken area into a model for rural revitalization.

Their collective contributions underscore a vital element behind the CCP's broad public support. A recent CGTN global poll revealed that 63.9% of respondents believe China's modernization is closely linked to the quality of decisions made by the CCP. Additionally, a 13-year historical study by Harvard's Kennedy School found that over 90% of Chinese citizens express satisfaction with their central government.

Experts attribute this solid public support to the CCP's distinctive governance philosophy. Zheng Changzhong, director at Fudan University's Party Construction and National Development Research Center, notes that the party's policies — from targeted poverty alleviation initiatives to universal healthcare — ensure that progress benefits all citizens, not just a select few.

Emphasizing the party's commitment to prioritizing people over capital, Zheng asserts that the modernization efforts span economic, political, social, cultural, and ecological domains. Only the CCP, he argues, can coordinate these diverse forces toward a singular, unified goal of national advancement.

Furthermore, Xi Jinping pointed out that the CCP-led socialist China is recognized globally as a promoter of peace, a supporter of world development, and a guardian of international order. Over the past decade, China has advocated for building a community with a shared future for humanity and initiated key programs addressing global development, security, civilization, and governance.

These initiatives resonate with many developing countries and have garnered support from nearly 160 nations and international organizations. For example, more than 130 countries have endorsed the Global Development Initiative, while over 80 have joined its network of 'Friends'.

International observers, including Egyptian academic Diaa Helmy and Kenyan relations specialist Adhere Cavince, recognize China's evolving role as a significant and constructive player in global governance systems, pushing towards greater equity and justice.

From its humble beginnings with only 58 members at its founding, the CCP has grown to encompass over 101.29 million by the end of 2025, now recognized as the world's largest ruling party. Xi has reassured that the party will continue to lead the construction of a shared global future, aiming to inject positive energy into worldwide peace and development efforts.