The strategy adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) between 1921 and 1978 evolved in response to the changing socio-political and economic conditions of China, marked by foreign imperialism, internal fragmentation, and the need for revolutionary transformation. Initially influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology, the CPC gradually modified its approach to suit China’s predominantly agrarian society, thereby developing a distinct revolutionary strategy that ultimately led to its success in 1949 and shaped its governance thereafter. In its early years, the CPC followed the orthodox Marxist emphasis on urban proletariat revolution. Inspired by the Russian Revolution of 1917, the party sought to organize industrial workers in cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou. During the First United Front (1924–1927) with the Kuomintang (KMT), the CPC aimed to strengthen nationalist forces against warlords and imperialist powers. However, the collapse of this alliance following the Shanghai Massacre of 1927 forced the CPC to reconsider its strategy, as it faced brutal suppression by the KMT under Chiang Kai-shek. The failure of urban insurrections led to a strategic shift under the leadership of Mao Zedong, who emphasized the revolutionary potential of the peasantry. Recognizing that China was a predominantly rural society, Mao developed the concept of a peasant-based revolution. This marked a departure from classical Marxism and became a defining feature of the Chinese revolutionary strategy. The CPC began to establish rural base areas, particularly in Jiangxi and later in Yan’an, where it built support among peasants through land redistribution, reduction of rents, and mobilization against landlords. The strategy of protracted people’s war became central to the CPC’s approach. This involved three stages: strategic defensive, strategic stalemate, and strategic offensive. The Red Army, under Mao’s leadership, adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, avoiding direct confrontation with stronger enemy forces while gradually expanding its influence. The Long March (1934–1935), though a retreat, became a symbol of resilience and helped consolidate Mao’s leadership within the party. Another important aspect of the CPC’s strategy was the formation of united fronts. During the Second United Front (1937–1945) with the KMT against Japanese aggression, the CPC used