Politics & Political System

As one of the few remaining socialist countries in the world, China does have quite a few prominent features in its political realm. China's unique style of democracy, strict censorship and its centralized control over media have raised great controversy; Taiwan issue and ethnic minority issue are another source of heated debate in recent years. Chairman Mao's image more or less points back to the China some decades ago in its political zeal as well as social unrest, whereas the issue of China's stated strategy of peaceful rise is indicating China's future. Undoubtedly, understanding China's politics sheds light on understanding the contemporary China: where it comes from and where it is heading to.

There are six sub-topics:

1. Chinese-style Democracy: Losses and Gains of Democratic Centralism

Chinese-style democracy is based on power-concentrated single-party system, and thus differs from the democracy dominant in western countries. It enables the government to make decisions and take measures in an efficient and timely manner, but its centralization of power also triggers corruption and hinders the development of the civic awareness among citizens.

2. One country with two systems: Taiwan issue

After the Chinese revolution in 1949 the defeated nationalists went to the Chinese island of Taiwan where they established control and a separate government. Since then, the issue of Taiwan has been a question of territorial and sovereign rights. It also influences the balance and development of the Asian-Pacific region. While seeking a best way to handle this issue, the idea of one country with two systems is taken into consideration.

3. China’s policy on ethnic affairs: What is beyond the media coverage?

It is again a heated issue owing to the riots in Tibet and Xinjiang in recent years. Knowing China’s ethnic policies and how they were established will be helpful to understand the underlying causes of these incidents.

4. Chinese Prominent Figure--Mao Zedong: Domestic vs. International Image

As ruler of China from 1949 until his death in 1976, Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung) was one of the most influential world figures of the twentieth century. He was the one who led the Chinese Communist Party and the Red Army to win the Anti-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War, and who founded the People’s Republic of China. Also he was the one who persecuted dissidents and set the country into a chaos during the 60s and 70s. In spite of the many mistakes he made, he retains a mostly positive image in most Chinese people’s mind, as he is the main founder of the New China. Outside China, Mao also has a presence around the world, but his image seems to have grown more negative over time.

5. Can China rise up in peace?

The rise of China caused certain panic to some people, especially as the military force of China is getting better-equipped. In history, the rise of a country usually brings war and seldom ends in peace. Can China arise in a peaceful way? What role do you expect China to play on the international stage?

6. Censorship and public credibility of media in China

In many incidents and mass incidents, Chinese media is losing its public credibility. Many people would rather choose to get information from international media. The government is taking actions to re-establish and enhance the credibility of China. How is the censorship in China related to this issue?