CPC or CCP? : Historical Trajectories and International Comparisons in Translating zhongguo gongchandang

Debates over the English rendering of zhongguo gongchandang (中国共产党) as either 'the Communist Party of China' (CPC) or 'the Chinese Communist Party' (CCP) have gained renewed attention in both Chinese and international scholarship. Yet, a systematic, historically grounded explanation remains elusive. This article traces the evolution of English translations of zhongguo gongchandang in official Party and government documents over the past century, situating these choices within broader patterns of political party naming worldwide. It examines the historical, theoretical, and practical considerations that informed the adoption of 'the Communist Party of China' as the Party’s official English designation. While acknowledging that 'the Chinese Communist Party' does not inherently carry negative connotations, the article argues—drawing on the historical experience of the international communist movement—that a party name should be distinctive and definitive. On this basis, 'the Communist Party of China' emerges as the most appropriate English rendering of zhongguo gongchandang.