An advocate for China argues the party’s capacity for renewal has kept it at the vanguard of the nation’s youth.

The Chinese public had long been accustomed to Western criticisms about their country on many issues, ranging from corruption to human rights. In fact, such criticisms often had a degree of sympathy or even support within the Chinese public, especially among commercial and intellectual elites. But with this current wave, the demonization of China by Western politicians and in the media has been widely perceived as extreme and as attempts to contain Chinas further development.

Young people, in particular, see a portrayal of China in the West that doesnt necessarily match their lives. And many are reacting with incredulity and anger. On the two primary issues that are drawing Western attacks on China, Xinjiang and Hong Kong, the vast majority of the Chinese public in general, and youth in particular, agree with Beijing. Thats why online boycotts are regularly called by young netizens against Western brands and personalities.

Indeed, Chinese youth are on course to be the strongest supporters within Chinese society of the partys long held goal of pursuing Chinas own development path. The latest data from the Edelman Trust Barometer show the Chinese publicssatisfaction with the governments leadershiphas reached an astonishing 90 percent. Arecent surveyby University of California, San Diego show that support for the government jumped the most among younger respondents. In 2019, more than80 percent of new party memberswere under the age of 35, totaling almost 1.9 million. Nearly 80 percent of college students express interest in joining the party.

All this perhaps comes as a surprise to Western readers. But with Chinas young people so in synch with the raison detre_chu xin_of the party, the question is how the 100-year-old party can adapt to best serve (and lead) them. The party needs to steer the raw energy and aspirations of Chinas young toward productive socialism and away from excessive populism, toward healthy patriotism, and away from narrow nationalism. If it can do this, it will deliver on the material and spiritual aspirations of Chinas new generations and, as a result, stay in power for a long time to come. Success is not assured. But I wouldnt bet against it.

This excerpt has been republished from an article written by Eric Li on_Foreign Policy_2 July 2021. Click here to read the original article in its entirety.