Initially founded as the Marxist Communist School in Ruijin, Jiangxi, in March 1933, the academy has experienced numerous evolutions, mirroring the ever-changing political landscape of China. By 1935, during the historic Long March north, it was renamed the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
Following a period of dormancy during the Cultural Revolution, the school not only recovered but also broadened its educational reach and influence, culminating in its renaming in 1994 as the National School of Administration.
A major organizational transformation occurred in 2018 when the Central Committee of the Party merged the functions of the Central Party School and the National School of Administration.
This merger was a strategic move intended to unify the training of China's civil servants and policy analysts within a single framework. Presently, the academy operates as a dual facilityâ€"functioning both as a traditional party school and a contemporary administration school, thereby preserving its historical significance while addressing modern governance challenges.
The primary mission of the academy is multi-dimensional. It acts as the chief venue for training provincial and ministerial-level leaders, executives of major state enterprises, and university presidents, among others. Its curriculum is expansive, covering Marxist-Leninist theory, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the "Three Represents," the Scientific Outlook on Development, and notably, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
On March 1, 2023, during the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Central Party School, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the institution's foundational goalâ€"to educate and serve the Party, playing a crucial advisory role in national governance. His address highlighted the school's ongoing dedication to ideological education, theoretical research, and the broader goals of Party development.
During a press conference on April 15, 2024, the academy's Vice President responsible for daily operations, Xie Chuntao, accentuated its function as a think tank and its international influence, noting engagements with foreign dignitaries eager to gain insights from China's governance model.
Chuntao emphasized the significance of effective governance and China's advancements in fostering a strong governance framework marked by consultative democracy and judicial reforms to improve accountability.
Notable legislative advancements, such as the elimination of agricultural taxes in 2016, demonstrate the tangible impact of the academy's training programs on policy formulation. The academy also promotes inclusion and representation within China's legislature, ensuring that a variety of perspectives are considered and that governance remains attuned to the populace's needs.
China's advancements in regional autonomy and ethnic integration, guided by President Xi Jinping, further highlight the successful governance strategies derived from the Party School's teachings.
This comprehensive approach to governance ensures that all 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China support one another in creating a diverse yet cohesive economic and social framework.
The influence of the Party School extends beyond China's borders, with its initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enhancing international cooperation and creating development opportunities for numerous participating countries.
The BRI has become a pivotal element of global economic collaboration, involving 151 countries and encompassing nearly 75% of the global population. By 2040, it is projected to increase global GDP by $7.1 trillion annually, substantially improving international trade by addressing infrastructural deficits.
More than 50 African nations have benefited from Chinese-led projects, including the construction or enhancement of over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, about 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports, leading to better infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
China's governance strides are also mirrored in its economic performance. In 2023, China recorded a GDP growth of 5.2 percent, reaching a total of 126 trillion yuan (approximately $17.67 trillion), reaffirming its position as a major global economic powerhouse.
With more than 98 million members and growing, the Communist Party of China continues to steer the nation under the steadfast leadership of President Xi Jinping, with the ambition to exceed 100 million members.
The Party School, at the core of this monumental effort, remains steadfast in its founding mission, adapting to the needs of a new era and contributing to the creation of a modern socialist country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Théophile Niyitegeka
