Dates with destiny for cpc

From its early beginnings, as a party with 50-odd members, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has weathered the storms of the 20th Century to become an 80-million-strong leader of the nation.

1949: Founding of the People's Republic of China

From Sept 21 to 30, 1949, various political parties, popular organizations, personages without party affiliation and representatives attend the first Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). It elects the Central People's Government Council, with Mao Zedong as chairman, and appoints Zhou Enlai as premier of the Government Administration Council. After decades of warfare and social conflicts and an economy ravaged by high inflation, Mao proclaims the founding of the People's Republic of China on the Tian'anmen Rostrum on Oct 1, 1949. "The Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China was founded today!" declares Mao. More than 300,000 people hail the moment in the Tian'anmen Square. Fifty-four guns fire a salute 28 times, marking the CPC's 28-year history. China entered a new chapter. Oct 1 is declared National Day.