A view of Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province Photo: VCG

Editor's Note: 

July 1, 2025 marks the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Looking back on more than a century of striving for development, it is under the Party's strong leadership that the Chinese people have continuously turned the "impossible" into the "possible." In an exclusive interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Ma Ruiqian, Vinnie Molina (Molina), national president of the Communist Party of Australia, shared his insights on the exemplary role and achievements of the CPC from multiple perspectives, including the Party's leadership strengths, its people-centered philosophy, the integration of theoretical innovation with practical governance and its vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

GT: You once said that the CPC has given a strong leadership to the people of China in the development toward a socialist society. What do you think is the key advantage of the CPC's leadership? 

Molina: In my view, the CPC's leadership has three major advantages. First, it has the broad support of the masses. Second, its policymaking is long-term and highly coordinated at the state planning level, with a scientific approach. Third, there is a commitment to protecting the rights of both minorities and marginalized groups. 

One specific example that stands out is China's impressive push to decarbonize and build a green economy. In this area, China is far ahead of many countries. The concept of "ecological civilization" is a field in which China has made real progress. This approach integrates economic development with environmental goals, aiming to improve both the environment and the livelihoods of the people. By setting an example, China has shown the world that it can take the lead.

In contrast, Western-style democracies often fall short in these areas. The two-party model tends to prioritize short-term interests and often represents the views of a minority, rather than the broader public. Moreover, there is no coordinated or centralized long-term planning to resolve key issues which are of concern to the people. The government appears more aligned with private interests than with the needs of the population. In that sense, I see a big difference in how the CPC manages public issues in China.

GT: You mentioned that China's modernization is based on the development in the interest of its people which has led to strong public support for the CPC's initiatives and leadership. How do you understand the CPC's people-first governance philosophy?

Molina: I think that the CPC's people-first socialist governance model is one of its institutional strengths based on consensus. For example, in the National People's Congress (NPC), the sessions involve a consultative process that reflects socialist democracy. This process is reaching new levels, and it appears to be a kind of deep democracy, rather than the superficial or shallow democracy that is practiced in some of our Western countries. In the West, we change governments every three to five years, but in reality, very little changes in terms of the well-being of the people. By contrast, in the NPC, democracy is expressed in the administration of things - in economic democracy, and in the progressive development of the rights of the Chinese people, including minority nationalities, people with disabilities and women. These aspects were evident in the recent sessions of the NPC.

Another key point is that, in China, centralization goes hand in hand with consultation. Centralization and consultation are combined, reinforcing each other. This is what we the Communist Party refer to as "democratic centralism." Once a decision is made, it is binding on everyone in the interest of the collective.

Also, it is important to have not only democracy in the economic system but also to uplift the spiritual and cultural level of the people. Of course, that is impossible without first raising the material conditions of the people. There needs to be advancement in legal rights, economic rights and so on. And in this regard, I believe the Chinese leadership has shown a well-advanced model for others to follow.

GT: You once noted that, key to being able to make continuous progress, the CPC has always tried to resist dogmatism. How do you understand the CPC as "a party of reformers"?

Molina: One of the key reasons the CPC has demonstrated resilience and survived for over 100 years is its insistence on testing truth through practice. We must take theory to the people, and let the people tell us whether we're rising in their interest or not. That means resisting dogmatism - sticking to theory without testing it in real life will not yield the best outcomes. Marxism is not a set of rigid dogmas, but a guide to action that must evolve as society and conditions change. For Marxists, it's critical to understand and adapt to reality, to align theory with practice. 

We need to study Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as an advanced form of Marxism. It addresses many key areas: diplomacy, rule of law, ecological civilization. It offers an all-around Marxist framework, and a practical tool for socialist governance that we can all learn from.

GT: In March 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting. In your opinion, what significance do inter-party exchanges hold for countries? How does the CPC align China's national development strategies with global public interests?

Molina: I think it's a very good initiative to exchange ideas and perspectives, and to have the opportunity to participate in such exchanges. We've been fortunate to enjoy warm and fraternal relations with the CPC. This helps promote mutual understanding of different philosophies and approaches. When it comes to eliminating poverty, especially for developing countries, we need to work together. 

This represents a completely different approach to international solidarity compared to what is often offered by the West, where aid frequently comes with ties. They often engage in zero-sum games. Instead of respecting the diversity and flourishing of civilizations, they intervene in the internal affairs of other countries. 

China's cooperation with other countries, by contrast, is built on mutual interest. We can see this clearly in the Pacific and in other developing regions. China's approach considers not only material wellbeing but also cultural and national security. The idea of a community with a shared future for mankind is, in my view, a more responsible and hopeful approach to global governance - a force for human progress. It's a vision where all people can look forward to a better life, a beautiful future and truly enjoy it together.

GT: This year marks the 104th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. As China moves toward its second centenary goal under the Party's leadership, what are your expectations for the country's future? 

Molina: It is striking to remember that the CPC began with just 13 people coming together - likely never imagining that it would grow into the over 100 million-strong organization it is today. It is a story of survival. It's a story that we need to learn about. This history shows us that socialism is not only possible, but that it is being built, and that Marxism is here to stay. As a communist myself, I believe that communism is inevitable. But it will not arrive on its own - we need parties like the CPC that are able to put theory into practice. China's socialist system today is stronger than ever before, thanks to the leadership of the CPC and the support of the Chinese people. I believe that the majority of the working class stands united behind the Party and wants it to succeed because when the Party succeeds, the people succeed.

By 2049, on the centenary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, we will see China as an advanced socialist nation. People will be there to enjoy a society that is democratic, civilized, harmonious, strong and modern. On this occasion, I would like to extend my congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Long live the CPC. Long live socialist China.