SHANGHAI: Wang Ying is young, educated and an unquestioning believer in the Communist Party's sole right to rule China - exactly what the increasingly conformist institution seeks as it enters a new century.

As the ruling body celebrates its 100th birthday on Jul 1, current members describe an increasingly cult-like atmosphere under leader Xi Jinping, propagandising successes such as its control of the coronavirus, and viewed as the only viable saviour for China.