The General Program
The opening programme defines the Party’s identity, guiding theories and ultimate aim. It presents a historical account of the development of socialism in China through successive theoretical formulations, including Marxism-Leninism and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. These passages supply the institution’s own account of its political orientation and the relationship between its historical experience and contemporary responsibilities.
Membership and participation
The membership chapter covers admission, probation, obligations and rights, alongside withdrawal and removal. Participation in Party discussions, criticism and supervision is addressed within this organisational framework. The chapter concerns the relationship between a member and the Party. Its provisions differ in scope from the rights of citizens established by a national constitution or by legislation applying across society.
Democratic centralism and leading bodies
The organisational chapter specifies democratic centralism through the relationships between members and organisations, lower and higher bodies, election of leading organs, and collective leadership with individual responsibility. The National Congress is normally held every five years. Its listed functions include examining central reports, deciding major questions, revising the constitution and electing the Central Committee and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Separate chapters address local and primary organisations.
Discipline and organisational continuity
Later provisions concern officials, Party discipline, inspection bodies and leading Party members groups. A dedicated chapter addresses the relationship with the Communist Youth League of China; the final chapter defines the emblem and flag. The text therefore extends from the Party’s general programme to specific institutional responsibilities, procedures and symbols. Its organisational rules belong to the CPC itself.
Edition note: the official publication notice gives adoption on 22 October 2022 and publication on 26 October. The linked Word file’s title line instead says 23 October. This record follows the adoption date stated in the official publication notice. The document is distinct from the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China.
Original source: Communist Party of China; official English text published on the State Council website.
Related reading: Socialist Theory and Chinese Documents · China.