CPC should galvanize youth into action

As the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates its 90th anniversary, many Westerners must be marveling at its still expanding membership when political parties in the West have been struggling to retain their members and garner support, especially during elections.

By the end of 2010, the CPC had more than 80 million members after adding more than 2 million new members that year, or a growth rate of 3 percent.

The addition of more than 2 million new members, however, does not fully indicate the CPC's popularity. In fact, 20 million people had applied to join the CPC but about 10 percent were selected. Applicants for CPC membership need recommendations from existing members and their companies or work unit leaders to indicate their "good behavior" and loyalty to the CPC. They also need to submit essays expressing their support for the Party.