The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was founded in 1921 and emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War in 1949, establishing the People's Republic of China. With over 98 million members, the CCP follows socialism with Chinese characteristics. The party is led by Xi Jinping, who holds key leadership positions.
Since its establishment, the Chinese Communist Party has overseen rapid economic growth in China, propelling the country to become a global economic powerhouse. This growth has been a key factor in the CCP's continued dominance.
In 1905, Zhu Zhixin published the first Chinese translation of The Communist Manifesto, promoting Marxist ideas in China.
Following the 1919 May Fourth Movement, communism began to gain traction in China, leading to the development of reading groups focused on Marxism.
On 5 July 1920, Grigori Voitinsky attended a meeting of Russian communists in China to promote the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party, marking a significant step in the party's formation.
The Chinese Communist Party was formally established on June 1, 1921, with its first congress marking the beginning of a new chapter in Chinese revolutionary history.
The first session of the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in Shanghai on 23 July 1921. Thirteen delegates, including Mao, attended the congress, which later moved to a boat on South Lake near Jiaxing, Zhejiang, to escape detection.
The CCP was officially founded on 23 July 1921 during the 1st National Congress of the CCP. The congress called for the establishment of a communist party as a branch of the Communist International (Comintern) and elected Chen Duxiu as its leader.
In August 1922, Sneevliet proposed that party members of the CCP join the Kuomintang, believing it was easier to transform the Nationalist Party from within rather than trying to replicate its success. This decision was met with opposition from some CCP members.
On 6 October 1923, the Comintern sent Mikhail Borodin to Guangzhou to establish friendly relations with the Kuomintang (KMT). This marked the beginning of cooperation between the CCP and KMT in China.
In 1924, the First United Front was formed as an alliance between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to combat warlords during the Northern Expedition campaign. Sun Yat-sen played a key role in orchestrating this alliance.
The May Thirtieth Movement in 1925 marked the CCP's first major involvement in large-scale urban worker militancy. This movement led to significant growth in the party's membership, increasing from 1,000 members to over 57,000 by 1927.
On July 15, 1927, the Wuhan government expelled all communists from the KMT, leading to the founding of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army of China by the CCP.
The Nanchang Uprising took place on August 1, 1927, when General Zhu De led a battalion to take the city of Nanchang in a battle against the KMT, marking the beginning of the Red Army's military actions.
In September 1927, Mao Zedong led an army against Changsha in the Autumn Harvest Uprising, aiming to spark peasant uprisings. Despite initial setbacks, Mao's forces marched to the Jinggang Mountains of Jiangxi.
On September 18th, 1931, the Mukden Incident occurred, leading to the Japanese military occupation of Manchuria and the establishment of a Japanese puppet regime in the region.
Japanese forces attack Shanghai in response to staged assaults on Japanese persons and property.
Jiang Jieshi initiates the Fifth Encirclement Campaign, recruiting warlord armies to increase Nationalist forces to more than one million men.
Jiang and his wife Soong Mei-ling initiate the New Life Movement, promoting Confucian and neo-fascist social values.
Mao Zedong's First Red Army breaks out of the Nationalist encirclement at Jiangxi and begins the Long March.
The Zunyi Conference led to a shift in power within the CCP, with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai taking command of the First Red Army.
During the Battle of Luding Bridge, the Red Army successfully secured a crucial river crossing in Sichuan province.
The Battle of Xiang River concluded with a devastating defeat for the Red Army, resulting in the loss of 40,000 soldiers.
During the Xi'an Incident, Jiang Jieshi was abducted by Zhang Xueliang and compelled to form an anti-Japanese military alliance with the CCP.
In 1937, a group of generals abducted Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek to force him to reconsider cooperation with the Communist army amidst the Japanese assault and internal threats.
Former Guomindang leader Wang Jingwei signs a secret deal with the Japanese and establishes a puppet government in Nanjing.
The CCP and Red Army launch the Hundred Regiments Offensive against the Japanese, a successful major campaign lasting almost four months.
Nationalist and CCP forces clash in Anhui, resulting in significant losses for the CCP and effectively ending the Second United Front.
The Central Politburo decreed the establishment of a sole official flag with a hammer and sickle symbol, representing the interests of the masses and the people.
On August 6th, the US Air Force drops an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
Soviet Russian troops enter Manchuria on August 9th to combat the Japanese.
Jiang Jieshi’s Nationalist government signs the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance with the USSR on August 14th. Moscow promises to stop supporting the CCP but does not adhere to this promise.
On August 15th, the US Air Force drops an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Nagasaki.
Mao Zedong arrives in Chongqing on August 28th for a series of peace talks with Jiang Jieshi, organized by the Americans.
Japanese forces in the Pacific and China sign the instruments of surrender on September 2nd, bringing World War II and the Sino-Japanese War to an end.
Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China in front of a large crowd at Tiananmen Square on October 1, 1949. This marked the end of the Chinese Civil War and the beginning of communist rule in mainland China.
After World War II, the civil war between Kuomintang and CCP resumed. In June 1946, the CCP was officially banned by the Nationalist government.
Mao Zedong established the People's Republic of China after defeating Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang forces. The new government implemented state-controlled economy, land reforms, and strict regulations on social behaviors.
Mao initiated a political campaign to eliminate perceived threats to the Communist regime, resulting in the arrest, imprisonment, and execution of millions of individuals, including former Kuomintang members, landlords, and criminals.
In January 2, 1952, the Reds identified their enemies as pariahs, marking them out for social exclusion and ostracism.
On January 6, 1953, China announced the initiation of its inaugural 5-Year Plan, a significant economic strategy for the country's development.
In 1954, the PRC constitution was enacted, shifting to a sole ruling system by the CCP.
A text on June 13, 1957, revealed that the Reds had executed around 800,000 individuals since 1949, showcasing the brutal actions taken by the Communist regime.
On June 19, 1957, Mao Zedong's theory proposed granting more freedoms to the people, albeit with certain restrictions and boundaries in place.
Reports indicate that dissent is widespread in Communist China.
Mao Zedong implements measures to control the 'Bloom-Contend' phase in China.
Efforts are made to organize a peasant force in China.
The establishment of communes in China surprises some Communist party members.
China reduces the pace of commune establishment while focusing on implementing reforms.
On December 25, 1958, officers were sent to assist in the reorganization of communes in China.
On May 17, 1959, China implemented measures to improve living conditions in communes in response to growing unrest.
On August 27, 1959, Peiping (Beijing) reduced the reported output figures for 1958, acknowledging a significant overstatement.
In 1960, Mao Zedong publicly acknowledged that the Great Leap Forward, an economic and social campaign, had resulted in a disaster.
In January 10, 1961, the 'Leap' movement in Red China faced obstacles and challenges, hindering its progress.
On February 12, 1961, conflicts between Khrushchev and Mao regarding party issues came to light, indicating tensions within the Communist leadership.
By March 11, 1961, Peiping (Beijing) showed signs of pulling back in the economic sector, suggesting setbacks or strategic changes in economic policies.
Reports in April 15, 1961, indicated that hunger issues in Red China were causing significant opposition and unrest among the population.
On April 16, 1961, the enduring influence and legacy of Mao Zedong continued to cast a significant impact on Chinese politics and society.
Chou quits negotiations with Communist leaders and goes back to China in October 24, 1961.
In 1965, Mao Zedong initiated the Cultural Revolution, a socio-political movement aimed at preserving communist ideology in China.
In August 16, 1966, it is observed that the Peking purge is driven by an attempt to radicalize and mobilize the youth.
The CCP CC issued public notices ordering mass factions to end armed conflicts immediately, while also allowing regional leaders to suppress rebels by armed force. This led to large-scale massacres in some provinces, followed by the establishment of revolutionary committees in all provinces of China.
The Ninth National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in 1969 issues a new Party Constitution that appoints Lin Biao as 'Comrade'. This event signifies a significant change in the leadership structure of the CCP.
On September 13, 1971, Lin Biao, Mao's anointed heir and party vice-chairman, died in a mysterious plane crash in Mongolia.
From February 21 to 28, 1972, US President Richard Nixon made a historic visit to Beijing, marking the beginning of improved relations between the United States and China.
Comrade Geng Biao of the CCP CC International Liaison Department delivers a speech at the Symposium on National Tourism Work.
Zhou Enlai passed away due to bladder cancer.
Deng Xiaoping was appointed as acting premier on February 7, with expectations that he would succeed Zhou Enlai.
The Gang of Four, led by Jiang Qing, ordered the crackdown on mourners of Zhou Enlai, resulting in the 'Tiananmen incident'.
A mass demonstration took place in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on April 5 over the removal of wreaths honoring Zhou Enlai.
The Politburo stripped Deng Xiaoping of all his posts on April 7 and named Hua Guofeng as full premier and first vice chairman of the CCP.
Zhu De, a prominent Chinese military leader and one of the founding fathers of the People's Republic of China, passed away on July 6.
Mao Zedong died due to motor neurone disease, marking the end of an era in Chinese history.
Mao Zedong, a prominent figure in Chinese history, is known as the Father of Chinese Revolution. He played a crucial role in shaping the modern history of China through his leadership and revolutionary ideologies.
Hua Guofeng is declared as the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party at a rally held in Peking. This event marked a significant political transition in China following the death of Mao Zedong.
The Party Chief of Peking makes a commitment to enhance the standard of living for the people. This pledge reflects the government's efforts to address socio-economic issues and improve the quality of life in the region.
On January 1, 1979, the United States shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, signaling a major shift in international relations. Beijing abandoned its military approach towards Taiwan in favor of peaceful reunification.
Deng Xiaoping assumes the position of Premier of China in 1980. Known for his economic reforms and modernization policies, Deng played a crucial role in shaping China's development and global standing.
After Mao's death, Hua Guofeng became the party chairman until 1981.
The current Chinese constitution was established in 1982 and has undergone several revisions since then, guaranteeing civil rights such as free speech, press, worship, trial rights, and private property ownership.
On December 23, 1984, a Chinese leader expressed his desire to include Taiwan in his legacy.
On May 23, 1986, China made a significant move by reviving its test of capitalism.
In 1987, Zhao Ziyang succeeded Hu Yaobang as the party general secretary.
On April 10, 1988, China officially affirmed Li Peng as the Prime Minister.
On May 5, 1988, China announced a shift in policy by stating that the Dalai Lama can return to his home in Tibet.
The death of Hu Yaobang on April 15, 1989, triggered student-led pro-democracy protests centered around Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The protests were violently suppressed on June 4 by troops and tanks under Deng's orders.
The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, a student-led movement calling for political reform and democracy, were violently suppressed by the Chinese government, resulting in a tragic massacre.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered existential crises within the CCP, leading to a reevaluation of its mandate and the implementation of intraparty reforms.
In 1992, Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour reignited economic reforms that had stalled after the Tiananmen Square incident.
Since 1996, the relations between mainland China and Taiwan have been increasingly tense.
On February 19, 1997, Deng Xiaoping passed away, just over four months before the handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese rule on July 1.
Jiang Zemin introduced the ideological theory of the Three Represents, which some critics argue marked a departure from the CCP's formal commitment to Marxism-Leninism. However, party theorists like Leng Rong maintain that this move aimed to provide a modern interpretation of Marxism and socialism.
In 2002, Hu Jintao was elected as the general secretary of the CCP.
In 2003, the Chinese Communist Party ratified the Three Represents as a guiding ideology for the party, emphasizing the representation of advanced productive forces, China's culture, and the people's interests, allowing private business owners to join the party.
In 2006, the CCP invited then-WPK general secretary Kim Jong Il to Guangdong to showcase the success of economic reforms in China, in an effort to persuade North Korea to introduce similar reforms.
In 2007, Xi Jinping rose to the Politburo Standing Committee during the 17th party congress, solidifying his position as the heir apparent in the Chinese Communist Party. This marked a significant step in Xi's political career.
Around 2008, the CCP showed a keen interest in Latin America, particularly focusing on the 71-year rule of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in Mexico. The CCP analyzed the reasons for PRI's long reign and eventual downfall, attributing it to various factors such as the lack of inner-party democracy, political corruption, and American interference.
In July 2009, anti-Chinese rioting erupted in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, resulting in the deaths of nearly 200 people and injuries to over 1,700, primarily Han Chinese. The violence led to Beijing declaring a war on terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism.
In 2010, China surpassed Japan to become the world's second-largest economy, marking a significant milestone in its economic growth and global influence.
Xi Jinping was elected as the leader of the CCP at the 1st Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee in 2012, and has been reelected twice since then.
Since 2014, the Chinese Communist Party has been involved in repressive measures in Xinjiang, including the detention of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities, leading to accusations of genocide by some parties.
In November 2015, President Xi, also the CCP general-secretary, held a significant meeting with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou in Singapore. This encounter marked the highest level meeting between the two parties since 1949.
Since 2017, the Chinese government has detained over a million Muslims in reeducation camps in Xinjiang, subjecting them to rights abuses like forced labor and involuntary sterilizations.
In January 2019, President Xi declared that Taiwan 'must be and will be' reunified with China. Despite the statement, no specific timeline for reunification was provided.
In December 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak originated in China, leading to global repercussions. China faced criticism for its initial handling of the outbreak, including extreme measures like locking down an entire province.
The CCP's Central Military Commission, led by Xi Jinping, supervises both the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police. The PLA is considered a practical instrument of China's statecraft, actively involved in advancing the country's foreign policy.
People were observed viewing images of Mao Zedong at the Museum of the Communist Party of China in Beijing on June 25, 2021.
On July 1, 2021, the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking one of the Two Centenaries in the party's history.
On July 6, 2021, Xi Jinping chaired the Communist Party of China and World Political Parties Summit, urging global political parties to oppose 'technology blockades' and work towards a shared future for mankind.
Xi Jinping is anticipated to be granted a third five-year term as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party during the CCP's twentieth party congress in October 2022, deviating from the two-term tradition of recent leaders.
As of 2023, 29.30 million women are CCP members, representing 29.9% of the party. Women face underrepresentation in powerful political positions.
A Chinese general takes a tough stance on Taiwan and other disputes during an international naval gathering.
Xi Jinping envisions China to become a fully developed, rich, and powerful nation with significant international influence by 2049.