October 23: In 1936, American journalist Edgar Snow introduced the Communist Party of China (CPC) to the world through his celebrated book Red Star Over China. Drawing upon his firsthand experiences and observations, Snow sought to unravel the question: “Why is the Communist Party of China successful?” As China commemorates the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army in the historic Long March, a new generation of international observers is actively seeking answers to that very question.
A public opinion survey conducted by China Global Television Network (CGTN) of China Media Group (CMG)—spanning 12,000 respondents across 41 countries—has unveiled broad international perceptions on this subject.
Among respondents, the most widely recognized attribute of the CPC is “strong and capable leadership,” followed closely by its role as a “positive force for global stability” and a “representative of the interests of developing countries.”
The Long March was far more than an epic geographical expedition; it was a testament to unyielding faith, profound ideals, and resolute purpose. Despite staggering perils and hardships, the Red Army soldiers pressed forward because they viewed their personal struggles as part of a mission far greater than themselves.
Placing “people’s interests above all else” continues to serve as an enduring foundation of the CPC’s identity to this day.
The CGTN poll revealed that respondents in 30 out of the 41 surveyed nations believe the CPC is better positioned to defend overall national and long-term interests compared to Western political parties. In Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Indonesia, and Pakistan, more than half of respondents concurred with this assessment.
Survey findings indicate that prioritizing national interests and maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals are perceived by international respondents as defining hallmarks of the CPC’s governance capabilities.
A pivotal milestone in the history of the Long March was the Zunyi Conference of 1935. Through this watershed meeting, the CPC leadership evaluated military and political realities and charted a strategic new direction. This shift placed paramount emphasis on resolving practical revolutionary challenges rooted in China’s domestic conditions and empirical realities. Grounding decisions in empirical reality and proactively recalibrating operational methods as circumstances dictate remain prominent features of the party’s governing philosophy today.
According to the CGTN survey, 63.7 percent of respondents from Global South nations believe the CPC exemplifies a model of governance distinctly different from Western political parties. In Kenya, Pakistan, India, Nigeria, South Africa, and Indonesia, approval ratings for this view exceeded 70 percent. The survey data reflects broad recognition of the CPC’s governance approach—characterized by autonomous decision-making, responsiveness to domestic realities, and the agility to adapt policies and working methods when necessary.
Prioritizing overarching goals, enforcing strict discipline, and forging unified solidarity played indispensable roles in the ultimate victory of the Long March. These enduring qualities consolidated the organizational vitality of the Red Army.
Today, the CPC continues to view discipline, internal cohesion, and the decisive capacity to execute policies as core elements of its organizational strength. According to the party, these traits are vital for navigating multifaceted challenges and realizing long-range national development blueprints.
The survey also mirrored public perceptions regarding the link between China’s overall development and the party’s leadership. Globally, 63.9 percent of respondents closely associate China’s developmental triumphs with the leadership of the CPC. Among respondents in Global South countries, this figure rises to 71.4 percent.
When asked to characterize their impression of the CPC, the descriptors most frequently cited by respondents were “strong,” “visionary,” and “efficient.”
While the Long March unfolded on Chinese soil, discussions surrounding its strategic significance have long transcended national boundaries. British scholar Martin Jacques once characterized the Long March as having “sown the seeds of China’s subsequent development.”
The enduring perseverance and resolve forged through prolonged struggle have woven themselves inextricably into the narrative of China’s modern transformation.
Ninety years on, the saga of the Long March stands as an enduring reminder of human resilience, pragmatic leadership, and shared purpose—a narrative that an increasingly receptive global audience is now listening to and comprehending with greater clarity.
Source: Shishir, Faisal, Akash | China Media Group (CMG)