As the highest body of the Party for discipline inspection, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection carries out its work under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee. Its Standing Committee, Secretary and Deputy-Secretary elected at its plenary session must be reported to the CPC Central Committee for approval.

The commission was founded in 1949. Zhu De served as the secretary of the First Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. However, during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), the Party's institutions and work regarding discipline inspection were suspended.

It resumed work in 1978 when the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, held on December 18-22, 1978, elected Chen Yun secretary of the 100-member Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.