Mass organizations in China have always been a bridge linking the CPC and government with the people. They are important social support for State power, playing a vital role in socialist democratic life.

All-China Federation of Trade Unions

Founded in May 1925, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) is the leading body of all local federations of trade unions and national industrial unions in China.

The major social functions of the Chinese trade unions are as follows: (1) to protect the legitimate interests and democratic rights of workers and staff members; (2) to mobilize and organize workers and staff members to take part in construction and reform, and accomplish tasks in economic and social development; (3) to represent and organize workers and staff members to take part in administration of State and social affairs and to participate in the democratic management of enterprises; and (4) to educate workers and staff members to constantly improve their ideological and moral qualities and raise their scientific and cultural levels.

Chinese trade unions have established relations with national trade union organizations of more than 140 countries.

ACFTU now has 90 million members and its current chairman is Wei Jianxing.

Communist Youth League of China

Founded in May 1922, the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) is a mass organization of advanced youth under the leadership of the CPC, with its Central Committee subject to the leadership of the CPC Central Committee.

The basic tasks of the CYLC are to imbue youth with communist spirit, help them arm themselves with Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and knowledge of modern science and culture, and guide them, during their participation in socialist construction, to temper themselves as successors to the cause of Communism, who are well educated and have lofty ideals, moral integrity and high sense of discipline. CYLC members are young people between 14 and 28 years of age.

The CYLC now has more than 69 million members and Zhou Qiang is the first secretary of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee.

All-China Women's Federation

Founded April 3, 1949, the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) is a mass organization under the leadership of the CPC for women workers and staff members of all ethnic groups, women farmers and intellectuals, and all patriotic Chinese women supporting socialism and reunification of the motherland.

The basic function of the ACWF is to represent and safeguard the interests of women, and promote equality between men and women.

In April 1994, UNICEF granted the Maurie Pate Award 1994 to the ACWF, and in 1995, UNESCO gave its International Literacy Award¨CKing Sejong Literacy Prizes¨Cof the year to ACWF.

Peng Peiyun is the chairwoman of the Executive Committee of the ACWF.

All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce

Founded in November 1953, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce is a non-governmental chamber of commerce under the leadership of the CPC. An organization of united front, it was formed by the CPPCC.

Its previous leaders were Chen Shutong, Hu Zi'ang and Rong Yiren. Its current honorary chairman is Wang Guangying, and its chairman is Jing Shuping.

All-China Taiwan Compatriots Association

Founded in Beijing December 27, 1981, the All-China Taiwan Compatriots Association is a patriotic mass organization for Taiwan compatriots of various ethnic groups.

Its president is Yang Guoqing.

All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese

Under the leadership of the CPC, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese is a mass organization devoted to uniting and contacting returned overseas Chinese, their relatives and Chinese residing abroad.

Its chairman is Lin Zhaoshu.

All-China Students' Federation

Founded in Shanghai in June 1919, the All-China Students' Federation is a mass organization of students in institutions of higher and secondary learning throughout the country.

Shen Yue (Manchu) is the chairwoman of the National Committee of the All-China Students' Federation.

All-China Youth Federation

This is a national federation of various youth organizations with the CYLC as the main body and a patriotic united front organization for youth of all ethnic groups.

Its chairman is Sun Jinlong.