The DUC was created in 1999, originally to serve as a group advocating for women's rights in Manchuria and in particular calling for the abolishment of the two-child policy. In 2002 it declared itself to be a social democratic party joining Socialist International whilst also campaigning against corruption. In 2014 alongside the NPP and the Greens it formed the Progressive Alliance where it endorsed Du Changhao for the position of Premier. In the 2015 election it entered the Supreme National Assembly for the first time as part of the Progressive Alliance, getting 10 seats.