The event that marked the beginning of the rise of communism in China was the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) founding in 1921, followed by the successful culmination of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. After years of conflict between the CCP and the Kuomintang (KMT), the communist forces led by Mao Zedong ultimately gained the upper hand. In October 1949, Mao proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China, solidifying communist control over the country. This event marked a significant shift in Chinese domestic and foreign policy, leading to the implementation of socialist principles and aligning China with other communist nations.