The Communist Party of China (CPC) is a people-centered Party that is rooted in the people and not in special interests, Chen Xiaodong, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, said in his keynote speech at a webinar held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC on June 22.

"This has enabled it to eliminate poverty through the universal provision of essential services such as health and education, thus achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals a decade ahead of schedule," he stressed.

He said the CPC contributed to world peace by its participation in World War II fighting against oppressive nations, its support for national independence movements in Africa and contributions to global peacekeeping operations. He also highlighted the important role that China is playing in global development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative which has promoted infrastructure development in other developing countries.

This webinar was held by the University of Johannesburg Center for Africa-China Studies in partnership with the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg Tshilidzi Marwala congratulated the CPC on its 100th anniversary, which he said was a major milestone not only for China, but also for the whole world. He noted that the CPC has made remarkable achievements including transforming China into a global force for peace and progress and eliminating extreme poverty.

"Africa has a lot to learn from the CPC which stands as a role model and a source of inspiration for Africa and the wider developing world," he stressed.

Solly Mapaila, First Deputy Secretary General of the South African Communist Party (SACP), pointed out that other countries could learn from China's revolutionary reforms which have formed the basis of China's remarkable social and scientific development.

"The CPC has acted as a collective embodiment of the Chinese people by helping achieve peace both at home and abroad and eradicating poverty. It therefore stands as an example from which the SACP can draw lessons," Mapaila said.

Peng Yi, Co-Director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, emphasized the CPC's role in building and strengthening a socialist legal system which has enhanced law enforcement, the safety of Chinese citizens and protection of property rights.

A total of 14 scholars gave presentations at the webinar. They discussed the role of the CPC in China's poverty reduction, democratic credentials of the CPC, and how the CPC has promoted the rule of law and a strong legal system in China. All these elements have contributed to making the CPC a hugely successful governing party in China, they said.

(Reporting from Johannesburg, South Africa)

Copyedited by Madhusudan Chaubey

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