The Central Advisory Commission of the Communist Party of China

An organ of the Party established in light of the circumstances of the CPC, it is an organizational form that will enable new cadres to succeed the old ones in the central leading organs of the Party. In the early stage of Reform and Opening-up, referred to as the “the Advisory Commission of the CPC”. The members of the Advisory Commission of the CPC are elected by the CPC National Congress. They must have a Party membership of more than 40 years, have made great contributions to the Party, have rich leadership experience, and have a high reputation both inside and outside the Party. In 1982, the 12th CPC National Congress announced its formal establishment as a “temporary form of organization”, and the 14th CPC National Congress in 1992 decided to cancel the Central Advisory Commission.

In 1980, Deng Xiaoping delivered an important speech on “Reform of the Party and State Leadership Systems”, which put forward the important argument on the implementation of the retiring and retirement system for veteran cadres and the abolition of the lifelong system of leadership positions. After repeated studies, the “Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Establishing a Retirement System for Veteran Cadres” was issued on February 20, 1982. It has become an important part of the fundamental reform of the Party and state’s cadre system in the new historical period. It is of great significance to properly arranging for new and old cadres to implement appropriate alternations in an orderly and step-by-step manner and forming a new situation in which the revolutionary cause has qualified successors and flourishes. In view of the aging Party cadres at that time, while considering that the veteran cadres were the backbone, Deng Xiaoping proposed to establish a transitional organization. He repeatedly emphasized that the establishment of the advisory committee is transitional. The connotation and significance of this transition refers to a transition of Party leading cadres from a life-long post holding- system to a retirement system. According to comprehensive and in-depth analysis, it was expected that after two CPC national congresses, that is, after 10 years, the Advisory Commission could be cancelled. The 12th CPC National Congress elected the Advisory Commission of the CPC Central Committee, with Deng Xiaoping serving as the Chairman and Bo Yibo serving as the Vice Chairman, presiding over the daily work of the Advisory Commission. The Party constitution adopted by the 12th CPC National Congress stipulated that the tasks of the Advisory Commission of the CPC Central Committee should be: to provide recommendations and receive consultations on the formulation and implementation of the Party’s guidelines and policies; assist the CPC Central Committee in investigating and handling certain important issues; publicize the Party’s major guidelines and policies both inside and outside the Party; and undertake other tasks entrusted by the CPC Central Committee. The 13th CPC National Congress elected a new Advisory Commission of the CPC Central Committee, with Chen Yun serving as the Chairman, Bo Yibo and Song Renqiong serving as the Vice Chairmen.

In view of the fact that the Party’s cadre retiring and retirement system had been fully established and was being implemented smoothly, the cooperation and replacement of new and old cadres had achieved the expected progress; in view of the fact that the Advisory Commission of the CPC had lasted for two sessions, basically completed its mission as a transitional organization and its members were in their great age, the 14th CPC National Congress agreed to cancel the advisory commission and expressed heartfelt thanks and high respect to the Advisory Commission of the CPC and the veteran comrades. So far, the Advisory Commission of the CPC completed its historical mission. Over the decade, it had played an important historical role in realizing the rejuvenation of the CPC Central Committee of the CPC, while allowing some old comrades to continue to play a certain role after leaving the front line and act as political aides and advisors to the CPC Central Committee.