General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party facts for kids

Quick facts for kids General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party
Flag of the Chinese Communist Party
Emblem of the Chinese Communist Party
Incumbent Xi Jinping since 15 November 2012
Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party
Style	General Secretary (总书记) (informal) Comrade (同志) (formal)
Member of	Politburo Standing Committee
Reports to	Central Committee
Residence	Qinzheng Hall, Zhongnanhai
Seat	Beijing
Nominator	Central Committee
Appointer	Central Committee
Term length	Five years, renewable
Constituting instrument	Party Constitution
Precursor	Chairman (1943–1976)
Inaugural holder	Chen Duxiu
Formation	23 July 1921; 104 years ago (1921-07-23)

The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (often called the General Secretary) is the main leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP is the only ruling political party in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Since 1989, the General Secretary has also been known as the paramount leader of China. This means they are the most powerful person in the country.

The role of General Secretary was first created in 1925. Chen Duxiu, one of the CCP's founders, was the first to hold this position. Later, the role was changed to "Chairman of the Central Committee," which Mao Zedong held until he passed away. The General Secretary position was brought back in 1982. It then became the highest leadership role in the CCP.

Since the 1990s, the General Secretary usually also holds two other important jobs. They are the president of China and the chairman of the Central Military Commission. This makes the General Secretary the head of state and the supreme commander of China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The current General Secretary is Xi Jinping. He took office on November 15, 2012. He was re-elected on October 25, 2017, and again on October 23, 2022.

History of the General Secretary Role

Early Leaders of the CCP

Chen Duxiu, a founder of the Chinese Communist Party, held several leadership roles. He was Secretary of the Central Bureau from 1921 to 1922. Then he was Chairman of the Central Executive Committee from 1922 to 1925. In 1925, he became the first General Secretary of the Central Committee.

Between 1928 and 1943, other leaders like Xiang Zhongfa and Zhang Wentian also served as General Secretaries. In March 1943, the Central Committee was reorganized. The position of Chairman of the Central Secretariat was created. Mao Zedong was elected Chairman of the Politburo and Chairman of the Central Secretariat. This gave him strong leadership over the party.

The Chairman Era

On June 19, 1945, the 7th Central Committee held its first meeting. At this meeting, Mao Zedong was elected Chairman of the Central Committee. The role of General Secretary was then removed. Mao Zedong held the Chairman position until his death in 1976.

Return of the General Secretary

The General Secretary position was brought back in 1982 by the 12th Central Committee. It replaced the Chairman role as the top office in the CCP. However, it did not become the most powerful job until Deng Xiaoping retired in 1990.

Since the mid-1990s, starting with Jiang Zemin, the General Secretary has also usually been the President of China. While the presidency is mostly a ceremonial role, it helps confirm the General Secretary's status as the country's head of state. The General Secretary also typically holds the title of chairman of the Central Military Commission. This makes them the supreme commander of the People's Liberation Army.

How the General Secretary is Chosen

The CCP General Secretary is officially elected by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. They are chosen from among the members of the Politburo Standing Committee. This committee is China's top decision-making group.

In reality, the way the General Secretary is chosen has changed over time. The two most recent General Secretaries, Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping, were first chosen as the top Secretary of the Secretariat. This happened during discussions among current and retired Politburo members before a major Party Congress. This top secretary would then become the next General Secretary at the following party congress.

Powers and Importance

The exact powers and duties of the General Secretary are not always clearly written down. There are no official term limits or rules for choosing a successor. However, because China is a one-party state, the General Secretary holds the most power and authority over the government. They are usually seen as the "paramount leader" of China. Since 1982, the General Secretary has been the highest-ranking official in China's political system.

According to the Constitution of the Chinese Communist Party, the General Secretary is automatically a member of the Politburo Standing Committee. The General Secretary is in charge of calling meetings of the Politburo and the Politburo Standing Committee. They also lead the work of the Secretariat. The General Secretary decides what topics will be discussed at meetings of the Central Committee, Politburo, and Politburo Standing Committee.

In October 2017, after a meeting of the 19th CCP Central Committee, it was decided that all Politburo members must give a written report each year to the General Secretary and the Central Committee. At the start of a CCP National Congress, the General Secretary gives a major speech. This speech talks about the Central Committee's work over the past five years and its goals for the future.

The General Secretary receives special treatment that shows their high status. For example, news reports about them can be very long. Live television broadcasts can be arranged, and there is no limit on how many reporters can go with them. When visiting other countries, the General Secretary can use a special plane. Reports on their foreign visits can include many details and summaries, with no word limit.

See also

In Spanish: Secretario general del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de China para niños

• Office of the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
• Leadership core
• Order of precedence in China