China’s communist party is composed of over 83 million people – more than the population of all but fifteen countries. Leslie Hook took a look at what it takes to get into the organization:

• Entry into the Chinese Communist Party is in part, done by invitation. The top students are asked to join and declining the invitation isn’t really an option.
• It is also possible to apply to join – but only if you have the right connections in the party.
• In 1956 rules were changed so that foreigners could no longer join the party. This put an end to odd quirks such as an American and a New Zealander joining the party of China’s ruling government.
• At the party’s annual Congress a delegation “from” Taiwan is always present – even though none of the people in the delegation live in Taiwan.

Read more about communist parties in Hong Kong, and the party’s attempt to expand diversity over here.

Source: Financial Times