The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the ruling political party in the People's Republic of China, established in 1921. It was founded with the aim of promoting Marxist-Leninist principles and has since evolved to incorporate elements of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The CPC plays a central role in the governance of China, controlling the state, military, and media. The party's leadership is organized hierarchically, with the General Secretary at the top, currently Xi Jinping. The CPC emphasizes economic development, social stability, and national unity, and it has led China through significant transformations, including the shift to a market-oriented economy since the late 1970s.