The China Association for Promoting Democracy (Minjin) was founded by progressive intellectuals from the cultural, educational, and publishing sectors, as well as patriotic figures from the business community who had remained in
Shanghai during the
War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Its principal founders included
Ma Xulun,
Wang Shao'ao,
Zhou Jianren,
Xu Guangping,
Lin Handong,
Xu Boxin,
Zhao Puchu,
Lei Jieqiong,
Zheng Zhenduo, and
Ke Ling. During the war, they worked alongside members of the Chinese Communist Party in sustained efforts to resist Japanese aggression and save the nation. After the victory of the War of Resistance, these figures actively participated in patriotic democratic movements opposing
Kuomintang dictatorship, advocating democracy, opposing civil war, and calling for peace. On 30 December 1945, they formally established a political organization in Shanghai dedicated to "promoting the spirit of democracy and advancing the practice of democratic politics in China," which was named the China Association for Promoting Democracy. Following its founding, Minjin issued a series of important political statements, including the Declaration on the Current Situation, calling for an immediate end to one-party dictatorship, the restoration of political power to the people, the cessation of civil war, and the protection of citizens’ freedoms and rights. In order to expand the forces supporting peace and democracy, Minjin coordinated and united 68 major mass organizations in Shanghai to form the
Shanghai Federation of People’s Organizations. On 23 June 1946, Minjin participated in initiating and organizing a mass rally of more than 100,000 people at
Shanghai North Railway Station to protest against civil war. Minjin leaders such as Ma Xulun and Lei Jieqiong also joined a peace petition delegation to
Nanjing. During the nationally shocking "
Xiaguan Incident," they faced violent attacks by Kuomintang assailants, demonstrating, through bloodshed and sacrifice, their steadfast loyalty to the country and the nation. On 30 April 1948, the
Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party issued the "
May Day Slogans," calling upon all democratic parties, people’s organizations, and prominent individuals to convene a political consultative conference, prepare for the convening of a people’s congress, and establish a democratic coalition government. Minjin firmly supported and responded to this call. Its main leaders successively moved from Shanghai and Hong Kong to the liberated areas, where they participated in preparations for the new
Political Consultative Conference. In September 1949, Minjin representatives—including Ma Xulun, Xu Guangping, Zhou Jianren, Wang Shao’ao, and Lei Jieqiong—attended the
First plenary session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and took part in drafting the
Common Program, making important contributions to the
founding of the People’s Republic of China. == Organization ==