The Chinese Communist Party is intensifying grassroots governance efforts, recently issuing a directive to strengthen Party building within new economic organizations—including online platforms—and “new employment groups” such as ride-hailing drivers and food delivery couriers. As these flexible forms of employment become increasingly common, authorities aim to achieve full Party organizational coverage at the grassroots level.
Since establishing the Central Social Work Department in 2023, the CCP has continued pushing Party-led grassroots governance. This included 2024 guidance on strengthening community worker teams, and this year’s “Opinions on Advancing the Professional Social Work Workforce,” alongside measures on registering public petition visits that took effect July 1.
While the Party has long required Party branches within enterprises, the high mobility of gig workers like delivery couriers and ride-hailing drivers has made traditional grassroots Party structures difficult to apply—prompting the new policy focus.
State news agency Xinhua reported that the CCP Central Committee and State Council jointly issued “Opinions on Strengthening Social Work in the New Era,” describing social work as vital to the Party’s long-term governance and national stability. The document calls for comprehensive Party leadership over social work, adherence to a people-centered approach, and development of the “Fengqiao Experience” model for the new era, with emphasis on Party building in new economic organizations, social organizations, and employment groups.
Specific measures include improving Party building quality in private enterprises, targeting internet platform companies, exploring approaches for tech innovation firms, and extending efforts to small businesses and individual vendors. The document also calls for strengthening Party building in social organizations and foundations, improving algorithmic governance of online platforms, and building social security systems suited to new employment patterns. Additionally, it emphasizes reforming grassroots political institutions and resolving public grievances at their source, before conflicts escalate.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), July 23, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202607230334.aspx