The Communist Party of China (CPC) marked its 105th anniversary on Wednesday with a large gathering at the Great Hall of the People, reflecting on the party’s century-long history and ongoing role in Chinese society. Attendees wearing red rosettes and medals engaged in greetings and photo opportunities, underscoring the significance of the event.
Several participants shared insights into what has sustained the CPC’s vitality over more than a century. Wu Meili, a 69-year-old retired community mediator from Zhejiang province, attributed the party’s endurance to its unwavering commitment to serving the people. Drawing on her 42 years of experience resolving disputes at the community level, Wu emphasized the importance of dedication to even the smallest tasks and the satisfaction derived from helping individuals.
Chen Fenxin, a veteran party member and village Party chief from Shaanxi province, described the CPC’s strength in terms of faith and gratitude deeply rooted in local revolutionary traditions. Chen’s background in Shaanxi—a region central to the CPC’s early history—brings a tangible connection to the party’s founding principles. This connection recalls Yan’an, the northern Shaanxi city that served as a revolutionary base where Mao Zedong and other early leaders lived and worked under challenging conditions for 13 years.
More than eight decades ago, Mao delivered his famous “Serve the People” speech in Yan’an, articulating the party’s foundational mission to liberate the people and prioritize their interests. Though China has undergone profound changes since then, the CPC’s core principle of serving the people remains constant. This guiding mission has helped successive generations of party members unite with the population in efforts that have shaped modern China.
The event also highlighted the involvement of younger generations in sustaining the party’s work. Zhang Zixi, a 21-year-old trap shooter and recent Party membership applicant representing the sports community, cited General Secretary Xi Jinping’s encouragement for youth to actively engage in the “historic relay” of the CPC’s mission. Motivated by Xi’s message, Zhang has set goals to improve her athletic performance with the aim of raising China’s national flag at international competitions.
The gathering showcased the CPC’s ongoing emphasis on staying connected to the people, maintaining continuous effort, and fostering leadership succession as key factors in its longevity. This approach, attendees suggested, underpins the party’s ability to remain dynamic and forward-looking after 105 years.