As the party departed from the orthodox communism it was founded upon , much of its attention was focused on the cultivation of nationalism as an alternative ideology . This policy largely succeeded in tying the party 's legitimacy to China 's " national pride " , turning domestic public opinion back in its favour . This is perhaps most prominently seen in May 1999 , when the United States bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade . The bombings saw an outpouring of nationalist sentiment and increased support for the party as the foremost advocate of China 's national interest
bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade
United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade
1989 Tiananmen Square protests