Chongqing - In 2026, the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks its 105th anniversary. In China’s governance system, leadership at all levels is crucial for turning national strategies into concrete action. According to Zheng Changzhong, Professor at Fudan University, the system is often summarized as selecting the worthy and capable, those with moral integrity and professional competence. And it is embedded in the long traditions of the Chinese civilization.

"The fundamental question is whom those who hold power are supposed to serve," Zheng said.

In this framework, moral integrity refers to political conviction and value orientation. Zheng said the candidates are expected to remain loyal to the people, the CPC, and the public cause. In practical terms, this includes firm belief, service to the people, diligence, pragmatism, responsibility, and clean governance.

Professional competence is the other side of the standard. It refers to the capacity required by different posts, including professional expertise, governance capacity, and leadership skills. Such ability affects whether policies can be implemented, public concerns can be addressed, and local governance can be improved.

Zheng said the two must be viewed together. An official should have the right value orientation, but also the practical capacity to carry out policies, coordinate work, and solve problems. Selecting the right talent is a determinant to people's quality of life.

He noted that such standards are supported by institutional processes covering selection, assessment, training, supervision and accountability, forming a closed loop.

"Only when the value orientation is right does ability become meaningful," Zheng said.

In this sense, the CPC's selection system for officials focuses not only on whether a person is qualified or not, but also on whether the candidate can ultimately serve the public.

(Wanqing Lu, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)