The General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the highest-ranking official within the party and plays a crucial role in shaping national policies. This position is often seen as the most powerful in China, as the General Secretary leads the party's Central Committee and is responsible for guiding the country's political direction. Since the establishment of the CPC in 1921, there have been several General Secretaries, each contributing to the party's evolution. Notable figures include Deng Xiaoping, who initiated economic reforms, and Xi Jinping, who has emphasized a strong centralized leadership and the party's role in governance.