As China's Communist Party turns 100, its members' 'red genes' matter more than ever to Beijing
CNN
For a decidedly atheist political organization, China's ruling Communist Party is fond of talking about its origins in religious terms.
In party literature and state media, former revolutionary bases are labeled "holy sites," and the almost obligatory visits to such locations by the rank and file are meant to "baptize" members in the Communist "faith." "Mao once said that the people are our God," Wang Dongcang, a professor at the Communist Party's China Executive Leadership Academy in Yan'an said on May 11. "We believe in leading the people to a better future."More Related News
When Kenyan President William Ruto touched down in Beijing seven months ago, he was welcomed on the tarmac with a red carpet and cordons of Chinese troops standing at attention. Among the goals of his three-day state visit in October: Securing another $1 billion in loans from China to help complete infrastructure projects.