The Communist Party sees no reason why it cannot stay in power indefinitely, having turned the country into the envy of the world with its economic success, a top official party historian said.

Li Zhongjie, deputy head of the party's History Research Center, made it clear that China will use the impending 90th anniversary of the party's founding as a time for rousing pride, rather than reflection on a history of war, revolution, mass famine and deadly purges.

Under its rule, China has made leapfrog developments, Li said, adding that it would be foolish to expect any party to want to give up power.

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"Over the last 90 years, especially the last 30 years of reform and opening up, we have made major achievements. This is something the world basically recognizes," Li said, ahead of the anniversary of the party's 1921 founding on July 1.

"I could ask: [Barack] Obama, does your Democratic Party still want to contest the election? Do you still want to stay in power?' They would think that a weird question. Of course, our party hopes to remain in power.

"Objectively, the issue is rather: how is your rule, and how effective is it? Is it welcomed by the people? Are you running the country well, or into the ground? The Communist Party has built China to what it is today. Many countries in the world are extremely envious. So why can't we carry on?"

Li's impassioned remarks drew applause at a press conference, comprised mainly of state media and academics, with a smattering of foreign reporters.

While the party has seen China become the world's second-largest economy, lift millions out of poverty and put men in space, critics say it has come at the expense of individual freedoms, with the party brooking no dissent.