The abbreviation CCP could refer to several things depending on context, such as Community College of Philadelphia or Contra Costa County in California. However, the most commonly known meaning of CCP is the Chinese Communist Party, which has been in power in China since 1949. Some synonyms for CCP include the Chinese Communist regime, the CPC (Communist Party of China), the Red Party, or simply the Party. While the Party maintains a tight grip on the country's political, economic, and social sectors, it has been criticized by many for its human rights violations, suppression of dissent and free speech, and lack of transparency.