Future of the CPC

Facing corruption and a host of other challenges, can the CPC maintain the support of the nation? What is its future?

"Although the CPC has some defects and has inevitably made mistakes, it still has the support of the people," Zhang Manzhao affirmed. After all, Party members who have embezzled public funds only account for a small portion of the whole membership; the majority of Party members have withstood these and other types of temptations. In fighting floods and responding to the Wenchuan earthquake, Party members were out in front, playing exemplary roles. Moreover, the CPC's policies on economic development are viewed everywhere as a remarkable success, especially among ordinary people. The CPC has done things that benefit rural populations, the disaster-affected, and urban residents with low incomes. "No matter which party rules any country, mistakes are inevitable. In my opinion, the CPC's future is still bright. The party is capable of long-term governance and I expect it will lead China into an even more prosperous and harmonious future," he concluded.

Zhao Fengjun surmises that to address any shortcomings, the Party needs to carry forward its traditional "three styles of work," namely integrating theory with practice, maintaining close ties with the masses, and practicing criticism and self-criticism – all principles which have been cherished and emphasized by the CPC.

"Chinese society needs core leadership, and the flexibility of the Party to formulate policies, to self-adjust, self-correct and self-rehabilitate confer on it the capacity to deal with various challenges, which in turn entitles it to continue at the helm of the nation," remarked Zhao Zhongxiu. More than that, he adds, "The close integration of the Party with the country's development makes it a critical element of China's development model."

Li Maoru, a 50-year veteran of the Party, said, "The purpose of the CPC is still to serve the people, so the people support it. However, in future it is bound to go through trials and hardships, and if it fails to live up to people's expectations, to stop forging ahead, then a new force will emerge to take its place."

Zhang Yuxin, who joined the Party 15 years ago, agrees, "The CPC needs reform, a steadfast and orderly reform avoiding any chaos." He said the CPC's ruling party status means it still faces great difficulties. From the perspective of historical materialism, everything follows the order of emergence, growth and ending; internal factors play a key role in these transitions.

Following in the Family Footsteps

In spite of their optimistic attitudes about the CPC's prospects, the Party members we interviewed represent an array of opinions on the question of whether the offspring of members should be encouraged to join the CPC.

Veteran Party members without exception all support their offspring joining the CPC. Zhang Manzhao expressed his wishes, "I hope my children have the chance to join, as the experience would contribute to their development and personal growth." Li Maoru endorsed Zhang's stance, and indicated that he had been encouraging his offspring to be unselfish, upright citizens and endeavor to join the CPC without any mission to realize personal advancement. Zhao Fengjun noted, "My children are all Party members, and they have joined the CPC on their own merit and hard work."

Zhao Zhongxiu indicated he would respect his daughter's political choices, but at the same time introduce her to the CPC's role in China and its importance, and guide her in establishing how to evaluate political beliefs in general. Promoting the political life to her as she grows up includes suggesting she join the CPC, because it is an excellent organization in many respects, especially for aspiring young people. Membership and all it involves can integrate personal development goals with the Party's development and China's social development.

Zhang Yuxin said that the CPC is an excellent organization, and joining the CPC is a pursuit of excellence. The CPC is the ruling Party and a legal organization, therefore membership comes with many benefits and no drawbacks. But he indicated he would refrain from actively promoting membership for his daughter (one year old now) and respect her free will.