The Chinese government is one of the most important actors in international affairs today. China’s global economic and diplomatic presence is challenging the earlier dominance by the Western powers. To thoroughly understand how the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has grown in power requires a careful analysis of its political system. What contribution has the political system and government activity made in respect to China’s economic transformation? What consequences will the economic modernisation and world-economic integration have on the political system? Is the political system able to adapt to changing economic, technological, and international conditions? Which potentials and risks will shape the mid-term development of the political system?
The book offers a differentiated understanding of the conditions, potentials and risks of the political development in China. It is based on a comprehensive of analysis of Chinese resources and gives readers the most current overview of international China research.
"China's political system" published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers is available on Amazon.
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Updates on China's Political System
We have updated all chapters until May 2018. You can browse all updates on China's Political System by key word or chapter of the book.
2.9 The cadre system and public administration
During the period from November 7 to December 6 2017, China solicited public comments on a draft of law that seeks to improve its anti-corruption system. The proposed law would establish a new “National Supervision Commission” as an overarching institution of supervisory bodies that operate alongside the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Under previous regulations, disciplinary organs of the Party may impose the system of “Shuanggui” (双规) as an internal disciplinary process only on members of the Party who are suspected of “violations of disciplines.” A new disciplinary system would replace Shuanggui and be applicable for investigating all civil servants and public service employees. Suggestions for revising the draft law can be made online via the homepage of the NPC (全国人大法律草案征求意见管理系统). Currently (30/11/2017), 11,191 people proposed changes or made comments.
2.10.2 The People’s Congresses
2.11.3 Courts and judges
On November 24, Zhou Qiang, president of the Supreme People’s Court, said it was important to use artificial intelligence in courts to enhance the quality of judicial work. In the past months, courts across China have started to use robots to give guidance or help writing indictments.
2.11.6 Criminal law and the penal system
2.12 The military and politics
On November 5, the Central Military Commission (CMC) issued a new guideline reaffirming the absolute leadership of the Party over the armed forces, and requiring that troops be loyal to Xi. The guideline called for the implementation of a chairman-responsibility system, by which the chairman of the CMC has overall responsibility for the military. This system was also added to the CCP Constitution during the 19th Party Congress.
4.4 The political initiation and implementation of economic reform
The National Development and Reform Commission published a three year action plan from 2018-2020 to boost the country’s Made in China 2025 strategy. The plan sets out priorities for key industries including high speed trains, special ocean going ships, industrial robots, new energy vehicles, new material as well as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
Faced with high levels of debt and the risk of financial meltdown the government has stepped up efforts to reign in credit and speculative investments. Following the 19th Party Congress numerous efforts by regulatory bodies including the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) and the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC). The latest efforts coincide with the official launch of the Financial Stability and Development Committee under the direct control of the State Council.
4.5 Government involvement in the Chinese economy
The Ministry of Science and Technology announced cooperation with privately owned technology leaders Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba and iFlyTek. The group should act as a kind of “national team” and boost the government’s ambition in increasing its technological capabilities. Pooling the companies abilities aims to expand development in areas including artificial intelligence, self-driving vehicles, and voice recognition.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced an action plan for the industrial sectors outlined within the Made in China 2025 strategy. Between 2018 and 2020 the NDRC aims to achieve key technological breakthroughs in these sectors. Although the plan remains vague on details it underlines the state driven ambitions for industrial upgrading.
4.6 The role of government in the banking and financial systems
The three banks, China Development Bank, Export-Import Bank of China, and the Agricultural Development Bank will face mechanisms intended to make sure they won’t lend more cash than they can afford.