China In Context

What’s the best term for China’s unique system of governance?

Jul 5, 2022

15:26

The international media uses strong words to describe China’s system of governance. American newspapers often inform their readers that China’s regime is “authoritarian” or “totalitarian”, or both. Yet supporters of the Communist Party say that China has developed a political system which perfectly suits its culture and that "socialism with Chinese characteristics” is a form of democracy, superior to that of the 'decadent west'. So what is the best terminology to properly describe the politics of contemporary China? Frank Tsai from China Crossroads in Shanghai discusses this issue with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.

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SOAS China Institute (SCI)

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Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0