Political parties play a critical role in addressing development challenges, improving livelihoods, and ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared broadly, according to discussions at a recent forum focused on the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) influence. Participants highlighted the CPC’s longstanding history and expanding global initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation among political organizations worldwide.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, emphasized that over its 105-year history, the CPC has positioned itself against aggression, oppression, and hegemony, consistently working to uphold global peace. He outlined four major initiatives proposed by China: advancing modernization, strengthening common security, promoting the diversity of world civilizations, and broadening the framework for building a community with a shared future for humanity. Qu said these efforts underscore the CPC’s growing role in encouraging political parties around the world to collaborate in governance, share experiences, and advance human civilization.

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group, identified three pillars underpinning CPC governance: innovation in theory, a people-centered approach, and openness with win-win cooperation. He stressed that political parties’ values, leadership, and governance abilities directly impact a country’s modernization trajectory. As the ruling party of the world’s largest developing nation, the CPC places great importance on friendly ties, particularly with parties from developing countries, Chang added.

Several international figures also spoke on the evolving responsibilities of political parties. Tamara Duisenova, director of Kazakhstan’s Academy of Political Management and former deputy prime minister, stated that political parties’ missions extend beyond elections to building social consensus on future development. She noted that contemporary parties increasingly act as instruments of public diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding and trust between nations.

Jose Luis Centella, chairman of Spain’s Communist Party, called for equal dialogue between countries in the Global South and Global North, urging rejection of zero-sum mentalities and colonial thinking in favor of multilateral, cooperative relations. He pointed to China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a vital platform supporting the execution of the four global initiatives and facilitating effective governance in developing countries.

Erik Solheim, chair of the Europe-Asia Center and former United Nations undersecretary-general, highlighted China’s simultaneous economic expansion and poverty eradication, while noting environmental improvements as a significant economic asset. He underscored the role of China’s special economic zones in fostering industrial clusters where innovation and collective development flourish.

Ong Tee Keat, former Malaysian parliament deputy speaker and transport minister, praised the CPC’s dynamic evolution from a grassroots revolutionary party to a contemporary governing force noted for innovation. He also supported China’s leadership in global artificial intelligence governance, which aims to address the digital divide affecting many countries in the Global South.

Collectively, the participants portrayed the CPC as a key actor shaping global political dialogue, with its initiatives serving as practical frameworks for enhancing governance, cooperation, and sustainable development worldwide.