The Tribune

SINCE I came to The Bahamas almost two years ago, I have often been asked by local friends: How does China, a country with over 1.4 billion people, a land area of more than 9.6 million square kilometers, and 56 ethnic groups, stay stable and keep growing so quickly? I take the question in short: who governs China?

This question is especially important as July 1 marks the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the ruling party. To understand China’s progress over recent decades, we must understand the CPC. It has been the key force shaping the country’s path and governance.

Political parties influence policy everywhere, in China and in The Bahamas. When the CPC was founded in 1921, China had many political parties and tried different systems, including constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, multi-party politics, and presidential rule. None of these stopped the country from being divided, invaded, or poor. It was CPC that brought the Chinese people together, ended the old semi-colonial and semi-feudal society, and founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This allowed the Chinese people to become masters of their own country.

Since then, the CPC has been China’s ruling party. This is the choice of history and the Chinese people. Research by Harvard University has long found that 90% of Chinese people are satisfied with their government—one of the highest rates in the world. So, to understand China today, we need to know the CPC: its role, its beliefs, and its principles.

Putting People First

One key feature of China’s governance is that it puts the people first. An old Chinese saying goes, “Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.” This means that any government’s future depends on people’s support. Throughout its history, the CPC has sought to place people’s interests at the center of national development.

At its core, China’s development is about making daily life better. It means children get better education, the elderly have better healthcare, families live in nicer homes, travel becomes easier, and young people have more chances to achieve their dreams.

The results are clear. Since reform and opening up began, over 800 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty. According to the World Bank, China accounts for more than 70% of global poverty reduction in that time. Today, over 60% of young people enter higher education, average life expectancy is about 79 years, and basic medical insurance covers over 1.3 billion people.

These improvements show in everyday life. People enjoy healthier and more varied diets, live in better homes, and enjoy one of the world’s best transport systems. All this has made people feel more fulfilled, happy, and secure.

Long-Term Planning

Another key feature is China’s ability to pursue long-term goals steadily. In many countries, big projects or policies often change when governments change. In China, long-term political stability allows national plans to be carried out consistently, while also being updated to meet new needs.

China has completed 14 Five-Year Plans and is now starting the 15th. Each plan builds on the last, ensuring continuity while adapting to new challenges. This long-term approach has turned national goals into real results.

Today, China is the world’s second-largest economy. Its manufacturing has been number one globally for 15 years. China has over 48,000 kilometers of high-speed rail and over 190,000 kilometers of expressways—both among the largest networks in the world. These achievements were not made by one government or in one five-year period. They are the result of decades of planning, steady work, and sustained effort.

Reform and Innovation

Long-term planning does not mean standing still. China has kept growing rapidly because the CPC is determined to reform and innovate. At every stage, new challenges have emerged, and China has responded with reform, not with complacency, and with innovation, not with stagnation.

This has allowed China to go from following others in many industries to competing globally, and increasingly leading in areas of technology. Reform has brought new energy, and innovation has become a major driver of high-quality development.

In 2025, China’s spending on research and development reached over 3.9 trillion yuan. The country ranked tenth in the Global Innovation Index. China has been the world’s largest producer and market for electric vehicles for several years. More than 4.9 million 5G base stations are now operating across the country. China’s domestically made C919 passenger aircraft is now in commercial service, and sectors like spaceflight, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology are advancing quickly.

Contributing to the World

As China has developed, it has also tried to contribute to the development of the wider world. The CPC believes that China’s future is tied to the international community’s future and China’s development should create opportunities not just for its own people, but for others as well.

In a time of growing global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and economic difficulties, China has promoted building a community with a shared future for mankind. It has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, reflecting its commitment to working with other countries to tackle common challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

While protectionism and unilateralism have grown in some places, China has continued to open up. It has decided to grant  zero-tariff treatment to all products from the 53 African countries it has diplomatic relations with. China  continues to host major events like the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services. China remains committed to creating new opportunities for global trade and investment.

China is also an active contributor to peace and security. It has sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to UN missions, making it the largest contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. China will continue to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.

China and The Bahamas

China and The Bahamas are both members of the Global South. Both countries are committed to safeguarding their sovereignty and independence, while pursuing economic development and improving the well-being of their people. Guided by the principles of mutual respect and mutually beneficial  cooperation, our two countries have achieved great results in trade, infrastructure, climate action, healthcare, culture, and education. Most recently, the new specialty hospital project in Nassau has become a flagship project of our practical cooperation.

A defining feature of such  cooperation is mutual respect, friendly consultation, and win-win outcomes. China’s investment and assistance always respect the wishes and priorities of The Bahamas. There has not been a issue between us that could not be solved through friendly consultation and negotiation.

As fellow members of the Global South, China stands ready to work with The Bahamas to deepen exchanges, share governance experience, expand cooperation, and achieve more mutual benefits. Together, we can move forward with our modernization efforts and bring more tangible benefits to our peoples.

So, the answer to “Who governs China?” is, of course, the Communist Party of China. But perhaps just as important is how China is governed.