China's Communist Party Expands Grassroots Organization to Gig Economy Workers

The Chinese Communist Party has issued new guidance aimed at extending Party building to emerging economic sectors, including online platform firms and "new employment groups" such as ride‑hailing drivers and food‑delivery couriers. The directive, released jointly by the CCP Central Committee and the State Council, seeks to achieve full Party coverage at the grassroots level as flexible gig work becomes increasingly common.

The policy follows the 2023 creation of the Central Social Work Department and builds on 2024 measures to strengthen community worker teams and professional social work. It calls for Party branches in private enterprises, internet platforms, tech innovation firms, small businesses and individual vendors, as well as improved algorithmic governance of online services. The document also stresses reforming grassroots political institutions and resolving public grievances before they escalate.

State news agency Xinhua reported that the new “Opinions on Strengthening Social Work in the New Era” position social work as vital to long‑term governance and national stability. The guidance was reported by Taiwan’s Central News Agency on July 23, 2026.