*Originally published in 2024 and preserved as part of our archive project.Get E-International Relations delivered to your inbox, free of charge. As you sign up, consider becoming a paid subscriber to support our work.

The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China states that the Chinese people move forward under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the guidance of Marxism-Leninism – as well as Chinese leaders’ thought including Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (Xi Jinping Thought). Xi himself always underlines the urgency to uphold Marxism-Leninism in creating national prosperity, resilience and progress. 21 January 2024 was the 100th anniversary of the death of Lenin. Yet, his anniversary went uncelebrated in China. This article aims to answer why the Chinese leadership keeps promoting Leninism without celebrating the figure behind the ideology?

Firstly, the Chinese Communist Party – like other communist powers – is obsessed with regime longevity. The corpses of Lenin, Mao Zedong, Kim Il Sung and Ho Chi Minh are mummified to assert communist eternal reign. Unlike Marx – the philosopher and thinker, Lenin was a political leader who founded........

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