The political framework of China

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

General Secretary of the Communist Party: Xi Jinping
President: Xi Jinping (since 14 March 2013)
Vice President: Han Zheng (since 10 March 2023)
Head of government and leader of the State Council: Li Qiang (since 11 March 2023)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: March 2028
National People's Congress: March 2028

Current Political Context

China's current leader, Xi Jinping, holds a triple title as CCP general secretary, Central Military Commission chairman and state president. After assuming these functions in 2012-13, he was reappointed in 2017-18 and then again in 2022.
To strengthen technological export controls and safeguard important industries, the government unveiled new rules in March 2024. Following a string of data breaches that affected state-owned businesses, the National People's Congress authorized modifications to the cybersecurity law in April, indicating a more stringent regulatory approach. Moreover, a comprehensive multi-year strategy to promote sustainable growth in rural areas was launched by Premier Li Qiang in May, while high-profile investigations of former executives followed the Ministry of Public Security's announcement in August 2024 of a major crackdown on financial wrongdoing among state-owned banks.

Internationally, Beijing signed a bilateral agreement with Russia to expand cooperation on renewable energy and military technology transfers, attracting international attention. China increased its local production and tightened regulations after the U.S. placed export limits on key semiconductor technology in early 2024. Activities in the South China Sea and close to Taiwan escalated military tensions, and both sides engaged in acrimonious rhetoric over governance and human rights. Beijing's primary security concerns were further heightened by U.S. congressional actions to support Taiwan's defence. With planned high-level conferences in early 2025 failing to produce meaningful advances, diplomatic channels remained tense.

Main Political Parties

The only political party in the country is the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). There are eight other registered small parties, but they remain under control of the CCP.

Executive Power

The Chinese executive is supervised by the State Council (a collegial body with important powers and formally appointed by the National People's Congress) under which are government commissions, ministries, and other organizations with the rank of a ministry. According to the Constitution, the Council is 'the Supreme Administrative Body' of the Chinese Government, though in practice, the majority of important measures are decided by the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), particularly its Standing Committee. The Council plays an important role in the economic domain. The president is the head of state and is elected by the National People's Congress. In practice, he is generally also the general secretary of the Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission, representing China in international institutions. The premier directs and controls government action, assisted by four vice-premiers. The State Council also includes five state councillors, who, like vice-premiers, have jurisdiction over several ministerial departments or commissions. The Secretary-General of the Government is also a member of the State Council.

Legislative Power

The legislature is unicameral, composed of the National People's Congress (NPC). It is defined as the 'highest organ of state power' and meets once per year in a plenary session. Approximately 3,000 deputies are elected to the NPC every five years by indirect vote through local bodies. Since the 1980s, it has been influenced by local and sectional interests. Deputies represent 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, and four centrally-administered municipalities. The NPC also includes a delegation from the People's Liberation Army. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, formally elected by the NPC itself, functions in its place during recesses and exercises its powers. It is composed of a chairperson, vice-chairpersons, and several permanent members (currently 176). The Standing Committee meets regularly, but the NPC Presidium typically coordinates its daily functions during plenary sessions. Eligibility for deputies is controlled by the CCP, which supervises the appointment of executives and senior officials across different administrative units.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:

177/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Political Freedom:

7/7

Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House