The Communist Party of China (CPC) completed 100 years of its existence in July 2021, with the last 70 plus years spent as the ruling party in China. The centenary occasioned a fresh consideration by the CPC of the challenges to its identity, legitimacy and power. Using select speeches and commentaries produced by the CPC in the context of the centenary, this article analyses how the Party deploys discourses on its history to articulate its concerns and promote its interests today. It also looks at how these interpretations of the Party’s history and role in China translate into a growing sense of exceptionalism in the Party-state. The article argues that despite frequent calls to ‘seek truth from facts’, an overriding desire to retain power is once again pushing the CPC down the path towards dogmatism.
‘Buwang chuxin, laoji shiming’ Zhuti Jiaoyu Guanfang Wangzhan, Zhonggong Gongchandang Xinwen Wang (‘不忘初心, 牢记使命’主题教育官方网站, 中国共产党新闻网). 2020. ‘Xi Jinping: Yi zhuti jiaoyu wei xin de qidian chixu tuidong quan dang buwang chuxin laoji shiming (习近平:以主题教育为新的起点持续推动全党不忘初心牢记使命)’ [Xi Jinping: Take education as a new starting point, continue to push the Party to not forget the original intention and to firmly remember the mission]. 9January. http://chuxin.people.cn/n1/2020/0109/c428144-31540451.html
2.
CarterCindy. 2021. ‘Former Journalist Luo Changping Detained for Defaming “Heroes and Martyrs”’. China Digital Times, 14October. https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2021/10/former-journalist-luo-changping-detained-for-defaming-heroes-and-martyrs/.
3.
ChaiFangguo (柴方国). (2021). ‘Zai zongjie lishi jingyan zhong kaituo qianjin (在总结历史经验中开拓前进)’ [Forge ahead in summing up historical experiences]. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 21October. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/1021/c428053-32259891.html.
4.
ChangK. C.1981. ‘Archaeology and Chinese Historiography’. World Archaeology13 (2): 156–69.
5.
ChenJin (陈晋). 2021. ‘Zhongguo Gongchandang yu Zhongguo daolu (中国共产党与中国道路)’ [The Communist Party of China and the Chinese Way]. Hongqi Wengao (红旗文稿), 27September. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0927/c428053-32238448.html.
6.
China Digital Times. 2021a. ‘Caixin Removed from Cyberspace Administration of China’s “Whitelist”’. China Digital Times, 22October. https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2021/10/caixin-removed-from-cyberspace-administration-of-chinas-whitelist/.
7.
China Digital Times. 2021b. ‘Netizen Voices: Outrage over “Sissy Boy”Ban is Censored on Weibo’. China Digital Times, 21September. https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2021/09/netizen-voices-outrage-over-sissy-boy-ban-is-censored-on-weibo/.
8.
CowhigDavid. 2021. ‘PRC: Are Your Neighbors Distorting History or Spreading Politically Incorrect Ideas Online? Report Them!’. David Cowhig’s Translation Blog, 10April. https://gaodawei.wordpress.com/2021/04/10/prc-are-your-neighbors-distorting-history-or-spreading-politically-incorrect-ideas-online-report-them/.
9.
DengXiaoping. 1978. ‘Emancipate the Mind, Seek Truth From Facts and Unite as One in Looking to the Future’. Marxists.org, 13December. https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/deng-xiaoping/1978/110.htm
10.
DeshingkarG. D.1977. ‘The Fifth Volume of Mao’s Selected Works’. China Report13: 8–18. doi:10.1177/000944557701300402.
DollarDavid. 2020. ‘Seven Years into China’s Belt and Road’. Brookings Institution, 1October. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/10/01/seven-years-into-chinas-belt-and-road/.
13.
DotsonJohn. 2020. ‘Raiders of the Propaganda Arc: The CCP Touts Archaeology to Boost China’s “Cultural Self-Confidence”’. Center for Advanced China Research, 15December. https://www.ccpwatch.org/single-post/raiders-of-the-propaganda-arc-the-ccp-touts-archaeology-to-boost-china-s-cultural-self-confidence.
14.
GaoXiang (高翔). 2021. ‘Cong lishi zhong jiqu zouxiang weilai de zhihui (shenru xuexi guanche Xi Jinping xin shidai Zhongguo tese shehuizhuyi sixiang (从历史中汲取走向未来的智慧（深入学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想)) [Drawing wisdom from history for the future (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)]’. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院)’. 13October. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/1013/c428053-32251749.html.
15.
GuoJiping (国纪平). 2021. ‘Wei renlei heping yu fazhan de chonggao shiye er gongtong fendou—Zhongguo Gongchandang de shijie yanguang (为人类和平与发展的崇高事业而共同奋斗——中国共产党的世界眼光)’[Striving together for the noble cause of human peace and development—the global vision of the Communist Party of China]. Renmin Ribao (人民日报), 26June. http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2021-06/26/nw.D110000renmrb_20210626_7-01.htm.
HurleyJohn, ScottMorris, and GailynPortelance. 2018. ‘Examining the Debt Implications of the Belt and Road Initiative from a Policy Perspective’. CGD Policy Paper No. 121, Center for Global Development, March. https://www.cgdev.org/sites/default/files/examining-debt-implications-belt-and-road-initiative-policy-perspective.pdf.
18.
KratzAgatha, AllenFeng, and LoganWright. 2019. ‘New Data on the “Debt Trap” Question’. Note, Rhodium Group, 29April. https://rhg.com/research/new-data-on-the-debt-trap-question/.
19.
LiMin (李民). 2021. ‘Chuxin shiming yinling Zhongguo Gongchandang bainian jianshe’ (初心使命引领中国共产党百年建设) [The original mission has guided the construction of the Communist Party of China for a hundred years]. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 3September. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0903/c427152-32216707.html.
Marxists.org. n.d. ‘Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Our Party Since the Founding of the People’s Republic of China (Adopted by the Sixth Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on June 27, 1981)’. Chinese Communism Subject Archive. https://www.marxists.org/subject/china/documents/cpc/history/01.htm
22.
MohantyManoranjan. 1995. ‘Power of History: Mao Zedong Thought and Deng’s China’. China Report31(1): 1–13.
23.
Open Technology Fund. 2019. ‘Studying “Study the Great Nation”’. 12October. https://www.opentech.fund/news/studying-study-the-great-nation/
24.
QiuWei (邱巍). 2021. ‘Zhongguo daolu de lishi xuanze (中国道路的历史选择) [The historical choice of the Chinese Way]. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院). 7September. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0907/c427152-32220045.html.
25.
Renmin Ribao (人民日报). 2020a. ‘Bixu jiandingbuyi zou heping fazhan daolu gongtong chuangzao renlei meihao weilai—lun xuexi guanche Xi Jinping zongshuji zai jinian Zhongguo renmin Kang-Ri Zhanzheng ji Shijie Fan Faxisi Zhanzheng shengli 75 zhounian zuotanhui shang zhongyao jianghua (必须坚定不移走和平发展道路共同创造人类美好未来——论学习贯彻习近平总书记在纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利75周年座谈会上重要讲话)’ [Resolutely follow the path of peaceful development and jointly create a glorious future for mankind—on studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the symposium commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War]. 10September. http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2020-09/10/nw.D110000renmrb_20200910_1-04.htm
26.
Renmin Ribao2020b. ‘Wang Huning zai Makesizhuyi lilun yanjiu he jianshe gongcheng gongzuohui shang qiangdiao—shenru xuexi yanjiu xuanchuan Xi Jinping xin shidai Zhongguo tese shehuizhuyi sixiang zhashi tuijin Makesizhuyi lilun yanjiu he jianshe gongcheng (王沪宁在马克思主义理论研究和建设工程工作会议上强调--深入学习研究宣传习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想扎实推进马克思主义理论研究和建设工程)’ [At the work meeting of the Marxist theory research and construction project, Wang Huning stresses in-depth study, research and propagation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, solid promotion of the Marxist theory research and construction project]. 11December. http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2020-12/11/nw.D110000renmrb_20201211_4-01.htm
27.
RenZhongping (任仲平). 2021. ‘Bainian huihuang, dili chuxin xiang fuxing--xie zai Zhongguo Gongchandang chengwei 100 zhounian zhiji (百年辉煌，砥砺初心向复兴——写在中国共产党成立100周年之际)’ [One hundred years of glory, honing the original intention towards rejuvenation - written on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China]. Renmin Ribao (人民日报), 28June. http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2021-06/28/nw.D110000renmrb_20210628_4-01.htm
28.
Reuters. 2021. ‘China’s Xi Faces Resistance to Property-Tax Plan—WSJ’. 19October. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-faces-resistance-property-tax-plan-wsj-2021-10-19/
29.
TiffertGlenn. 2017. ‘Peering Down the Memory Hole: History, Censorship and the Digital Turn’. The China Collection, 25August. https://thechinacollection.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tiffert-Peering-down-the-memory-hole-170827.pdf.
30.
WangJunwei (王均伟). 2021. ‘Jingti dangshi lingyu lishi xuwuzhuyi de weiha (警惕党史领域历史虚无主义的危害)’ [Beware of the dangers of historical nihilism in the field of Party history]. Zhongguo Dang-Zheng Ganbu Luntan (中国党政干部论坛). Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 26April. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0426/c428053-32088325.html
31.
WangWeiguang (王伟光). 2021. ‘Bixu jixu tuijin Makesizhuyi Zhongguohua (Qingzhu Zhongguo Gongchandang chengwei 100 zhounian zhuanlun) (必须继续推进马克思主义中国化 [庆祝中国共产党成立100周年专论])’ [We must continue to promote the Sinicization of Marxism (Monograph on celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China)]. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 19October. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/1019/c423712-32257431.html.
32.
WangXiaorong (王晓荣). 2021. ‘Yan’an zhengfeng yundong de lishi chuangzao yu shidai jiazhi (延安整风运动的历史创造与时代价值)’ [The historic outcomes and timeless value of the Yan’an Rectification Movement]. Aisixiang (爱思想), 20September. http://www.aisixiang.com/data/128670.html
33.
WangYeyang (王也扬). 2021. ‘Wang Ming yu Xin Minzhuzhuyi (王明与新民主主义)’ [Wang Ming and New Democracy]. Aisixiang (爱思想), 23September. http://www.aisixiang.com/data/128701.html
34.
WangZhimin (王志民). 2021. ‘Laogu shuli zhengque dangshiguan xuexi xuanchuan yanjiu hao dang delishi (牢固树立正确党史观学习宣传研究好党的历史)’ [Firmly establish the correct view of the Party’s history; study, propagate and research well the history of the Party]. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 28April. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0428/c427167-32090330.html.
35.
WeiHaisheng (魏海生). 2021. ‘Zhonghua minzu weida fuxing de lilun yuanquan he sixiang wuqi—shenke ganwu “Makesizhuyixing” de aomi. (中华民族伟大复兴的理论源泉和思想武器——深刻感悟’马克思主义行’的奥秘)’ [Theoretical sources and ideological weapons for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation—comprehending deeply the secret of ‘Marxist doctrine’]. Makesizhuyi yu Xianshi (马克思主义与现实). Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 21October. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/1021/c427153-32259743.html
36.
XiJinping (习近平). 2015. ‘Yongyuan shi Huang Tudi de erzi (永远是黄土地的儿子)’ [Always a son of the Yellow Earth]. Renmin Wang (人民网), 14February. http://politics.people.com.cn/n/2015/0214/c1001-26567403.html.
37.
XiJinping (习近平). 2017. ‘Secure a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Strive for the Great Success of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era’. 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Xinhuanet, 18October. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/download/Xi_Jinping’s_report_at_19th_CPC_National_Congress.pdf.
38.
XiJinping (习近平). 2018. ‘Xi Jinping zai jinian Makesi danchen 200 zhounian dahui shang de jianghua (2018 nian 5 yue 4 ri) (习近平在纪念马克思诞辰200周年大会上的讲话 (2018年5月4日)’ [Xi Jinping’s speech at the conference commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Marx (May 4, 2018)]. Dangshi Xuexi Jiaoyu Guan Wang (党史学习教育官网), 5May. http://cpc.people.com.cn/n1/2018/0505/c64094-29966415.html.
39.
XiJinping (习近平). 2020. ‘Jianchi lishi weiwuzhuyi buduan kaipi dangdai Zhongguo Makesizhuyi fazhan xinjingjie (坚持历史唯物主义不断开辟当代中国马克思主义发展新境界)’ [Adherence to historical materialism continually opens up new frontiers in the development of contemporary Chinese Marxism]. Qiushi (求是), 15January. http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2020-01/15/c_1125465509.htm.
40.
XiJinping (习近平). 2021a. ‘Fayang yanjin qiushi jiankufendou jingye fengxian de youliang chuantong nuli jianshe Zhongguo tese Zhongguo fengge Zhongguo qipai de kaoguxue (发扬严谨求实艰苦奋斗敬业奉献的优良传统努力建设中国特色中国风格中国气派的考古学)’ [Carry forward the fine tradition of rigorous pragmatism, diligence in the face of difficulties, and dedication; strive to build an archaeology with Chinese characteristics, in the Chinese manner, in the grand Chinese style]. Zhongguo Gongchandang Xinwen Wang (中国共产党新闻网), 18October. http://jhsjk.people.cn/article/32256219.
41.
XiJinping (习近平). 2021b. ‘Speech at a Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the Communist Party of China’. Qiushi, 1July. http://en.qstheory.cn/2021-09/08/c_657713.htm.
42.
XiJinping (习近平). 2021c. ‘Zai dangshi xuexi jiaoyu dongyuan dahuishang de jianghua (2021 nian 2 yue 20 ri) (在党史学习教育动员大会上的讲话 [2021年2月20日])’ [Speech at the Party History Study and Education Mobilization Conference (February 20, 2021)]. Qiushi (求是), 31March. http://www.qstheory.cn/dukan/qs/2021-03/31/c_1127274518.htm.
43.
XiJinping (习近平). 2021d. ‘Zai qingzhu Zhongguo Gongchandang chengli 100 zhounian dahuishang de jianghua (在庆祝中国共产党成立100周年大会上的讲话)’ [(Speech at the Conference to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China)]. Zhongguo Gongchandang Xinwenwang (中国共产党新闻网), 1July. http://cpc.people.com.cn/n1/2021/0702/c64094-32146864.html.
Xinhua Wang (新华网). 2020. ‘Xi Jinping: Zai xin shidai jicheng he hongyang weida kang-Mei-yuan-Chao jingshen wei shixian Zhonghua minzu weida fuxing er fendou (习近平：在新时代继承和弘扬伟大抗美援朝精神为实现中华民族伟大复兴而奋斗)’ [Xi Jinping: Inherit and carry forward the great spirit of “Resist America Support Korea”, for realizing the great rejuvenation and struggle of the Chinese nation in the new era]. 19October. http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2020-10/19/c_1126631328.htm.
46.
Xinhua Wang (新华网). 2021a. ‘Xi Jinping zai Zhongguo Gongchandang yu shijie zhendang lingdaoren fenghui shang de zhuzhi jianghua (quanwen) (习近平在中国共产党与世界政党领导人峰会上的主旨讲话 [全文])’ [Xi Jinping’s keynote speech at the summit of the Communist Party of China and world political party leaders (full text)]. 6July. http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2021-07/06/c_1127628738.htm.
47.
Xinhua Wang (新华网). 2021b. ‘Xi Jinping zhuchi zhaokai Zhongyang Caijing Weiyuanhui di shi ci huiyi qiangdiao zai gao zhiliang fazhanzhong cujin gongtong fuyu tongchou zuohao zhongda jinrong fengxian fangfanhua huajie gongzuo Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Han Zheng chuxi (习近平主持召开中央财经委员会第十次会议强调在高质量发展中促进共同富裕统筹做好重大金融风险防范化解工作李克强汪洋王沪宁韩正出席)’ [Xi Jinping presides over the 10th meeting of the Central Committee on Finance and Economics, stresses the promotion of common prosperity in high-quality development and coordinated efforts to prevent and resolve major financial risks. Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Han Zheng attend]. 17August. http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2021-08/17/c_1127770343.htm.
48.
Xinhuanet. 2017. ‘Full Text of Resolution on Amendment to CPC Constitution’. 24October. http://www.xinhuanet.com//english/2017-10/24/c_136702726.htm.
49.
Xinhuanet. 2021a. ‘China to Build Zhejiang into Demonstration Zone for Common Prosperity’. 10June. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-06/10/c_1310001320.htm.
50.
Xinhuanet. 2021b. ‘The CPC: Its Mission and Contributions’. The Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, 26August. http://www.news.cn/english/2021-08/26/c_1310149600.htm.
51.
YangShengqun (杨胜群). 2021. ‘Deng Xiaoping dui Zhongguo tese shehuizhuyi lilun yu shijian de kaichuangxing gongxian (邓小平对中国特色社会主义理论与实践的开创性贡献), [Deng Xiaoping’s seminal contribution to the theory and practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics]. Dang de Wenxian (党的文献). Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 22September. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0922/c219000-32233277.html.
52.
ZhangShujun (张树军). 2021. ‘Shenke renshi gaigekaifang de zhongda yiyi (深刻认识改革开放的重大意义)’ [Understand deeply the great significance of reform and opening up]. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 7May. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0507/c427167-32096516.html
53.
ZhangWanqing and LiuMengqiu. 2021. ‘Tired of Running in Place, Young Chinese “Lie Down”’. SixthTone, 27May. https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1007589/tired-of-going-against-the-grain%2C-youngchinese-lie-down
54.
Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (ZZDWY, 中共中央党史和文献研究院). 2021a. ‘Bixu jixu tuijin Makesizhuyi Zhongguohua (必须继续推进马克思主义中国化)’ [Continue to promote the Sinicization of Marxism]. 18October. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/1018/c423712-32256248.html.
55.
Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi. 2021b. ‘Gongtong chuangzao zuguo wanquan tongyi, minzu weida fuxing de guangrong weiye—lun xuexi guanche Xi Jinping zongshuji zai jinian Xinhai Geming 110 zhounian dahui shang zhongyao jianghua (共同创造祖国完全统一、民族伟大复兴的光荣伟业——论学习贯彻习近平总书记在纪念辛亥革命110周年大会上重要讲话)’ [Jointly bringing about the glorious achievement of complete unification of the motherland and great rejuvenation of the nation—On studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the conference commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution]. 12October. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/1012/c423712-32250443.html.
56.
Zhongguo Gongchandang Xinwen Wang (中国共产党新闻网). 2021. ‘Zhongguo Gongchandang de yi bainian da shiji, (1921 nian 7 yue －2021 nian 6 yue) (中国共产党一百年大事记, (1921年7月－2021年6月) [Chronicle of Major Events in the Communist Party of China’s 100 Years, July 1921-June 2021]. 28June. http://cpc.people.com.cn/n1/2021/0628/c64387-32142446.html.
57.
Zhongyang Dangxiao (Guojia Xingzheng Xueyuan) Caifang Zu (中央党校（国家行政学院）采访组). 2021. ‘Yongyuan mingji Mao Zedong de lishi gongxun—Pang Xianzhi fangtan lu (永远铭记毛泽东的历史功勋——逄先知访谈录)’ [Always remember Mao Zedong’s historic achievements——Interview with Pang Xianzhi]. Zhonggong Zhongyang Dangshi he Wenxian Yanjiuyuan (中共中央党史和文献研究院), 9September. http://www.dswxyjy.org.cn/n1/2021/0512/c219000-32101004.html.
