Muhammad Asif Noor
“The Ten Capabilities of the Communist Party of China,” written by Professor Dai Jianbing and translated by Professor Peng Luqian, is an intellectual exploration into the essence of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Published just last week, this book stands at the intersection of Chinese history, cultural tradition, and the Party’s remarkable resilience over the past century.
The book delves into the ideological backbone that has allowed the CPC to maintain its position as a political entity and an enduring force that continues to adapt, innovate, and lead China into a future defined by modernization and global engagement.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its ability to synthesize a broad sweep of history with specific ideological tools, which Dai Jianbing calls the “Ten Capabilities.”
These capabilities—from adhering to the Party’s leadership to daring to struggle and maintaining a united front—are presented not merely as abstract concepts but as living principles consistently tested and refined through history.
One cannot discuss the success of the CPC without recognizing that these capabilities are not fixed doctrines; they are dynamic principles, imbued with Chinese cultural wisdom and continually evolving to meet the challenges of the times.
For instance, Dai Jianbing’s emphasis on “the Party’s leadership” is particularly striking in how it connects Marxist theory with Chinese realities.
This is not a simplistic argument of Marxism transplanted to Chinese soil; rather, the author makes clear that the Party’s leadership, from the New Democratic Revolution to the current era of Chinese socialism, has been about continuous adaptation.
This flexibility is rooted in a deep understanding of Chinese history, culture, and the complex geopolitical landscape China has had to navigate.
By weaving in historical stories such as Shang Yang’s reform or the determination of Jingwei, who attempted to fill the sea with pebbles, Dai Jianbing doesn’t just provide a historical recount but illustrates how ancient Chinese thought deeply influences contemporary Chinese governance.
This synthesis of tradition and Marxism explains why the CPC has developed a political path distinct from any other socialist state and why it continues to be relevant both in China and on the global stage.
Dai Jianbing also provides a compelling case for the Party’s capability of putting the people first. This principle, often repeated in official Chinese discourse, is given new life in the book through the use of historical examples and stories that span the Party’s history.
The “half blanket” story from the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and Mao Zedong’s creation of revolutionary articles like “On Protracted War” in Yan’an’s caves, ground this capability in the lived experiences of the CPC’s leadership.
These anecdotes not only humanize the Party but also explain the deep-rooted connection it has with the Chinese people. The principle of “people first” is not just an electoral slogan or a political maneuver; it is a practical approach that has guided the CPC through its most difficult moments.
Where Dai Jianbing’s book also shines is in its ability to draw connections between historical events and their lasting ideological impacts.
The Bandung Conference, where Zhou Enlai presented China’s principle of “seeking common ground while reserving differences,” is highlighted not merely as a diplomatic success but as an embodiment of the Party’s global vision.
In a time when global power structures are shifting, this ability to “embrace the world” while staying true to one’s roots becomes one of the most significant of the ten capabilities.
The CPC, as described by Dai Jianbing, has always looked outward with an inclusive mindset while maintaining a firm grounding in its unique path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
This is a nuance that is often lost in Western analyses of the Party, where the CPC is either portrayed as overly rigid or overly pragmatic. Dai Jianbing offers a corrective, showing how both aspects are essential to understanding the Party’s longevity.
What adds a layer of intellectual richness to this book is how Dai Jianbing links the CPC’s internal capabilities with China’s broader goals of modernization and building a “community of shared future for mankind.”
The Party’s self-revolution is one of the most fascinating of the ten capabilities. While many political entities become calcified over time, the CPC’s ability to reflect, reform, and innovate from within is a critical factor in its survival and success.
This self-revolution is explored in relation to both historical shifts and contemporary challenges. For instance, the book’s discussion of China’s reform and opening-up under Deng Xiaoping illustrates that self-revolution is not just about correcting mistakes but about re-imagining possibilities.
Today, as China confronts new challenges in technology, global leadership, and environmental sustainability, this capability will be key to navigating an increasingly complex future.
Professor Peng Luqian’s translation deserves special mention, as it manages to retain the cultural and historical richness of the original text while making it accessible to a global audience.
This is not just a translation of words, but of ideas, philosophies, and historical experiences that are deeply rooted in Chinese tradition.
The Pakistan Research Center at Hebei Normal University has done an excellent service by facilitating this translation, as it opens up important dialogues between China and the rest of the world, particularly for scholars and policymakers in Pakistan and beyond.
As someone who closely follows the development of international political movements, it is evident to me that this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the unique characteristics that allow the CPC to continue evolving and thriving.
Its lessons extend beyond Chinese borders and offer universal insights into how political organizations can maintain relevance and effectiveness in rapidly changing environments.
Moreover, it invites readers to appreciate the depth of Chinese culture and its role in shaping modern governance.
This book comes at a time when China’s global influence is growing, and yet, there is still much misunderstanding about the ideological framework that supports its rise.
“The Ten Capabilities of the Communist Party of China” is not just a historical recount; it is a manual for how political theory, cultural wisdom, and pragmatic governance can combine to produce a resilient and forward-thinking political organization.
Through this book, Dai Jianbing and Peng Luqian offer more than just an analysis of the past—they provide a guide to understanding the future of the CPC and, by extension, China’s role in the world.
*The writer is Founder of Friends of BRI Forum, Senior Advisor to Pakistan Research Centre at Hebei Normal University in China, Co-Founder of the Alliance of China-Pakistan Research Centres, and Senior Fellow at the Centre for CPEC Studies at Kashi University in China.
