Here they met, back in 1929
Communist anniversary: China celebrates the party's first 75 years but few in ruling elite pay attention to founders' dreams
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shanghai (Reuter) - Few visitors made the pilgrimage yesterday to the house in the former French Concession in Shanghai where, officially 75 years ago, the Chinese Communist Party was born.
It was in the back room of the black and red brick building that is now a museum, and in a nearby girls' school, that 12 Chinese communists and a Dutch member of the international communist organisation Comintern met in secret in 1921.
A few visitors, some foreign tourists mingling with local Chinese, gazed at the table and stools, laid with a tea service.
"I came today because it's the 75th anniversary of the Party," said one old man, adding that he was a party member. "This is a sacred spot for the Party."
"I brought my son to see the house because it's also his birthday today," one woman said.
The table and chairs are not the original furniture, but then the meeting was not held on 1 July either - it took place from 15-23 July, and it broke up when a suspected spy from the French authorities came to visit.
The participants, including the future Chairman Mao Tse-tung, decamped in haste and concluded what came to be called the First Congress in a houseboat on a lake.
"The day has no significance for me whatsoever," a young businesswoman said. "I don't read any of the articles, I just don't care."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments