A Criticism of China’s Communist Party
The article “Review of the History of the Twenty-Eight Years before the Founding of the People’s Republic” presents insightful information about the Communist Party of China (CPC) through its conception and development. Primarily, it is enlightening that the party, which has for a long time and is currently ruling the people of China, was formed in the early19th century. Markedly, evolutions in national and global politics in many regions have contributed to the change of political organizations and the development of new ones founded on emerging trends. In this regard, it is baffling how the communist party has managed to withstand all waves of change in the 1990s as well as the rise of millennials. Additionally, the author’s remark on the 28 years of struggle the party underwent before assuming power is new information. Such a claim is, however, supported by other historians who compare the party’s experiences to the Russian Bolshevik movement. Of interest is the argument that the CPC was championing for democracy, despite its evolution to an authoritative force resembling the system of monarchy it was fighting against.
Another informative sentiment provided by the author is about the fusion of Marxism and Leninism to form the CPC. Over the years, the complexity of the Party has been apparent. Its public support for the rights of peasants and industrial workers has been consistent. In contrast, the government has also been accused continuously of infringing on fundamental human rights, with privacy being a major concern. Democracy has also been questioned across platforms due to cases of mass incarceration and other alleged injustices. Such authoritative elements can be linked to the Leninism wing of the party. Additionally, it is perplexing how the founders combined such opposing perspectives and their ability to overcome the philosophical differences of each side to front a dominant force as CPC.
The author posits that CPC started with less than 60 associates. It is unbelievable how such a small number of people managed to grow in size to challenge Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the conqueror of the mighty and imperialistic Manchu dynasty, and become the significant force it is currently. Outstandingly, the expansion of CPC is attributed to the influence of workers, the same group in perpetual contention with the current regime over poor treatment.
While CPC is a global phenomenon due to its lengthy tenure and influence in the country, little is discussed about its formation and history in contemporary media. Consequently, much of the points presented by the author are informative. I agree with his arguments since other historians also support them. Two elements are particularly interesting in the history provided by the author. The first one is the conception of the party, precisely the fusion of divergent philosophies. This is because political parties are primarily founded on specific ideologies and rarely a mixture of two different ones. Secondly is the long struggle of 29 years the party launched in its development against the feudal leadership of the early 19th century. Without relevant information, one can be quick to assume the party emerged with significant potency to claim glory within a short period.
Work Cited
“Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Our Party since the Founding of the People’s Republic of China: Review of the History of the Twenty-Eight Years before the Founding of the People’s Republic.” (Adopted by the Sixth Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on June 27, 1981), 2017.