The Communist Party of China’s Self-Reform: Governance, Discipline, and Anti-Corruption

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Over the past century and more, the CPC has not only led the Chinese people through arduous struggles to achieve national liberation and found the People's Republic of China, but also delivered the country's dual miracle of sustained rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. This feat is all the more remarkable against the backdrop of growing global volatility and uncertainty.

The core secret to the CPC's longstanding success in governance lies in its unwavering commitment to self-reform: strengthening institutional frameworks, combating corruption, and enhancing governance capacity. These efforts have enabled the Party to respond more effectively to the people's needs, keep pace with the times, and steadily advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

I. Why Self-Reform Matters: Lessons from History

Self-reform is both a defining feature and a strategic necessity for the CPC. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has emphasized that corruption and internal weaknesses pose the greatest threat to long-term governance. To maintain public trust and avoid historical cycles of rise and fall in governance, the Party must continuously examine its practices, confront problems directly, and enforce rigorous self-governance.

The CPC's commitment to self-reform has deep historical roots. During the Yan'an period (1935–1948), Mao Zedong emphasized the importance of placing the Party under public supervision to prevent decline in governance. Xi Jinping has repeatedly cited this legacy to stress the ongoing need for vigilance and structural self-improvement.

Since 2012, the Party has introduced reforms such as the Eight Rules to curb formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism, and extravagance, launched nationwide anti-corruption campaigns, and strengthened internal supervision, establishing a long-lasting framework for institutional integrity.

II. How Self-Reform Works: Principles and Actions

Xi Jinping has articulated a comprehensive approach to self-reform, guided by several interrelated principles. At its core is the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, which ensures coherence and coordination across all levels of governance. The Party also emphasizes its role in guiding social transformation, using its leadership to shape policies that promote sustainable development and social stability.

This self-reform is anchored in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which provides a framework for governance and policy innovation. Through self-reform, the Party seeks to break free from historical cycles of political decline by continuously assessing risks and strengthening institutional resilience. This includes addressing the unique challenges faced by large, complex political organizations like the CPC—such as coordinating millions of members across diverse regions.

Practical measures focus on improving internal governance systems, ensuring that rules, processes, and oversight mechanisms are effective and enforceable. The Party also prioritizes building capable and committed organizations, fostering leadership and talent within its ranks. Central to the reform is correcting misconduct and combating corruption, with robust disciplinary and supervisory systems in place. Finally, self-reform integrates internal Party supervision with public oversight, reinforcing accountability and transparency at every level.

III. Impact and Global Significance: Results and Public Support

China's self-reform has yielded measurable results. Domestic surveys indicate that 94.9 percent of Chinese respondents approve of the Party's reforms, and over 93 percent express satisfaction with the central government. Internationally, nearly 70 percent of foreign respondents view the Party’s governance and disciplinary measures positively. These outcomes reflect the effectiveness of the Party's integrated approach that combines internal governance, legal enforcement, and public oversight.

China offers a good example of accountable governance where the political will, institutional reform, comprehensive anti-corruption strategies, and public engagement are all integral. By combining rigorous Party disciplines with national laws and public supervision, the CPC has navigated complex political systems toward effective and sustainable governance, a path other nations may find relevant in their own quest for good governance.

Zheng Yin is an international affairs observer.