National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party

Let’s Get This Party Started: 21st National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, 2027

Imagine, for a second, the world’s largest General Assembly committee: 2,296 delegates converging for 7 frenzied days of bloc-ing and bloodthirsty backroom deals, before then having to present a completely unanimous front to the outside world. Welcome to the National Congresses of the Chinese Communist Party. Held every 5 years, the Congresses (called dàhuì 大会 because of their immense size) are truly the room where everything happens in China. Through intense partisan politics between different factions, delegates negotiate a party platform that determines the country’s direction, and elect the nation’s leaders—a 7-member Politburo, and a General Secretary to lead them. This VICS committee will simulate the 2027 iteration of this political thunderdome, as China confronts geopolitical and economic issues on scales never seen before. It will be up to delegates to decide if the 21st century is truly the Chinese Century, or another Century of Humiliation.

Chair - Calvin Pan

Calvin Pan is a third-year from McLean, VA, completing his Bachelor’s in Foreign Affairs with minors in French and Data Science in 2026 before completing his Master’s in Public Policy in 2027. This will be Calvin’s third time crisis directing a VICS committee! Having lived in Shanghai for 9 years, Calvin is excited to run a committee about a subject that was on the news constantly when he was growing up, and hopes to inspire delegates to learn more about the black box that is Chinese politics. Calvin was the President of the International Relations Organization, VICS’ parent organization, and competes regularly with UVA’s MUN travel team. Outside of MUN, Calvin is a representative (judge) on the University Judiciary Committee, loves to run/hike/bike around Charlottesville, and plays keyboard in a rock band – follow @namegamebandd on Instagram!

chair - Lily Durden

Lily Durden is a third-year Foreign Affairs major from Charlottesville, VA. She joined Model UN in her first year of college and has been passionate about it ever since! This will be Lily’s third time chairing a committee, and she is looking forward to discussing Chinese politics. Outside of IRO, she enjoys baking, reading, and hanging with friends. She is so excited to chair and to meet all of the delegates!