The influence of the general secretary has waxed and waned over the decades as the leadership structure has changed.
The Communist Party influences and oversees almost every aspect of life in China, from the government to the army, society and business.
The party and the PLA are entwined and in the early years of its rule, all Communist Party leaders had military experience.
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Communist Party has closely overseen every aspect of life in the country.
Since its founding 100 years ago, China’s ruling party now has almost 92 million members.
Communist Youth League has a prominent place in party history, and recruiting young party members has been cited by leaders as vital to the nation’s prosperity.
Women remain underrepresented in the top ranks, with just one woman among the 25 members of the Politburo.
Central Committee’s International Department plays an active role in overseas engagement but is largely overlooked.
Provincial party chiefs have seen their power eroded through a series of sweeping reforms instituted by Beijing.
Their leaders are chosen by the Communist Party, and none has openly opposed the ruling party, but their status has its roots in the birth of the modern China.
Like others before him, president has popularised terms and phrases to sum up his ideology and policies.
Many of the seventh-generation contenders are experienced in specialised fields, including tourism promotion, port management, urban planning and development.
The party held its first national congress in July 1921 but the political confusion of the times left exact day unclear.
Across ‘five generations’ they all developed their own doctrines that have been enshrined in the party charter.
A special infographic showing 100 years of the party and its influence on China
