The Communist Party of China (CPC) expects its membership to reach 100 million around the end of 2024.

Only sixteen countries have populations larger than 100 million people. Numerically, CPC membership roughly equals 30% of the US population and about 7% of the PRC population.

Just as countries with large populations struggle to weigh the voices of their citizens, the CPC uses hierarchical structures to prioritize its people’s opinions. Most often, the CPC formally looks first, and above others, to the Central Committee for positions it holds. Personal relationships among CPC leaders and other factors can obviate this generally followed operational process.

Usually, Central Committee membership ranges from about 200 to 250 people. The CPC prioritizes these c.200+ voices. Again, numerically, 200 people of 100 million party members equals 0.0002%; 200 people of the PRC’s 1.4 billion population equals 0.000014%.

Why does this matter? US leaders can focus on the desires of just over 200 people to turn the course of history away from war in the South China Sea.

Forgive us please! On 7 August 2024, this commentary listed the wrong date of the Communist Party of China’s foundation. The correct date is 23 July 1923, and not 1929. The People’s Liberation Army claims 1 August 1927 as its formation date.