China Association for Promoting Democracy
The China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) was founded in Shanghai on December 30, 1945. The organization is mainly composed of middle- and high-ranking intellectuals who are engaged in educational and cultural work. Major founders included Ma Xulun, Wang Shao'ao, Zhou Jianren and Xu Guangping.
During the Anti-Japanese War (1937-1945), intellectuals in some academic circles became stranded in Shanghai. With the help of the Communist Party of China (CPC), they carried out an unyielding fight against Japanese intruders and the puppet government. After winning the war, they campaigned against civil war and dictatorship to pursue peace and democracy. The intellectuals then decided to establish a political party aimed at “carrying forward democratic spirit and promoting realization of democratic politics in China,” forming the basic principles of CAPD. Ma Xulun, Chen Sisheng and Wang Shao'ao were elected as the leaders.
In September 1949, Ma Xulun, Xu Guangping, Zhou Jianren, Wang Shao'ao, Lei Jieqiong and other CAPD representatives attended the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and participated in the formulation of the Common Program. Some CAPD leaders assumed positions in the central government. Of them, Ma Xulun was appointed Minister of Education.
The original political guidance and allegation of CAPD during the Democratic Revolution (1919-1949) included ending one party dictatorship, returning political power to the people, stopping civil war immediately and protecting people’s free rights. After the founding of the PRC in 1949, the party took the Common Program as well as the general principles from the Articles of Association of the National Committee of the CPPCC as its guidelines. CAPD now conducts activities based on the Constitution of China and has helped to formulate the political route of accepting leadership within the CPC. CAPD branches at all levels actively participate in political events and make hard efforts to consolidate the people’s political power, build socialism and promote cultural and educational development.
CAPD members are mostly intellectuals engaged in cultural and educational work in medium- and large-sized cities. Most of them enjoy a high reputation in their respective circles. The magazine Democracy is sponsored by the CAPD Central Committee and is sold both in China and overseas. The Kaiming Press and Kaiming Culture and Education Audio-Video Press are affiliated with CAPD.
