IN FOCUS
By Avishka Ashok
 
White Paper on China’s Democratic System: five takeaways
 
On 4 December, the State Council Information Office released a white paper on the Chinese model of Democracy. The paper titled “China: Democracy That Works” focused on China’s version of democracy that according to the paper provides complete institutional procedures. The paper comprises five sub-sections through which its highlights the CPC’s efforts to support democracy in the country, the foolproof institutional framework, the party’s concrete practices, and a new model of the system.
 
The paper says: “Democracy is a common value of humanity and an ideal that has always been cherished by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people.”
 
The CPC has strived to provide democratic values to its people
The paper explains in detail, China's journey from a monarchy to democracy and all the changes it has gone through along with the CPC’s accomplishments in bringing the country to its current economic and political stature. It credited the Communist Party of China and its establishment in 1921 for bringing about democratic changes in the country. The paper referred to the socialist revolution of 1949-78 and appreciated the era’s contribution to building and consolidating state power, completing the transition to socialism, creating the first constitution of China and establishing a system for democratic China. Moving forward to the 18th National Congress in 2012, the paper stressed the existence of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The paper put the spotlight on the achievements of President Xi Jinping. These achievements include: “strengthening the CPC’s overall leadership, modernizing China’s governance system and capacity, establishing and upholding the fundamental, basic, and important systems of Chinese socialism, consolidating the people’s principal position in the country’s political and social life, and promoting political stability, unity and vitality. The paper put emphasis on “whole-process democracy” and its use to realize and understand the true potential of democracy for the Chines people.
 
China defends its existing constitutional framework
While signifying the importance and need for complete institutional procedures, the paper brought to notice the many ways in which the CPC ensures the availability and accessibility of the democratic provisions. First, the paper provides that the people have a dictatorial hold over the nature of the state and calls them the masters of the country. Secondly, the people’s congresses guarantee the people the status of being the master of the country’s political system. The paper continues to explain the main functions and powers of the people’s congresses and their standing committees. The paper then cites the constitution and explains the significance of multiparty cooperation and political consultation for the CPC. It clarifies that the Chinese political system does not give space to other parties but also makes the existence of eight other political parties within the CPC that helps in the administrative affairs of the communist party. This section also explains the need to possess a broad patriotic front and have a united outlook in all issues and international platforms. The paper then proceeds to call China a “unified multi-ethnic state” and justifies the CPC’s policies that are aimed at building a unified national identity. Lastly, the paper explains China’s system of community-level self-governance, a system that was established to administer China’s vast territorial geography and populous demography. The paper says: “The system of community-level self-governance has strengthened the public’s ability to understand and practice democracy, demonstrating that China’s democracy is extensive and genuine.”
 
China exemplifies its party’s efficient style of functioning
The paper also sheds light on the instruments that assist the Chinese democracy in succeeding in its mission to provide for all its people. It explains that a combination of electoral and consultative democracy helps to cover the economic, political, cultural, social, eco-environmental, and other fields while also focusing on national development and social governance. Democratic election, Democratic Consultation, Democratic Decision-making, Democratic Management, Democratic Oversight. According to the White Paper, the elections in China are extensive and cover all concerns and issues. They are based on equality and are not manipulated by any financial or political interests. Consultations have been put in place after serious considerations to the cultural, theoretical, practical and institutional foundations.
 
The paper explains how the Chinese brand of democracy helps the Chinese state
The Chinese constitution provides extensive rights to the people and the political power is enjoyed by the people rather than the political and financial elites. The country effectively manages a socialist market economy that also incorporates public ownership. The country also believes in continuous political participation of the people that does not stop with just the elections and the voting responsibilities. The people are adequately involved in the management of state affairs, social affairs and economic and cultural affairs. They also take part in helping the CPC with suggesting changes, reforms and providing their opinions on matters of national importance. The paper also boasts of efficient national governance that promotes the development and increases the economic and financial capabilities of the state. Despite its complex national conditions, the country proudly acknowledges its capabilities of balancing and providing for its diverse populace. Finally, it sheds light on its constraining policies but also mentions that it will continue with those policies in order to protect the people. It refers to power as a double-edge sword that must restrict its use to only benefit the people and their requirements. Checks and supervision to fight corruption and corrupt citizens is also considered to be a part of the Chinese constitution.
 
The country aims to work towards new paths of democracy
The White Paper reveals that the government is now looking into new paths to modernize their version of democracy while also ensuring political stability and social progress. China clarifies that it has always steered away from the western ideologies and definitions of democracy and believes that the Chinese brand works best for the country and its people. The paper states: “China draws on each and every political achievement of other countries, but does not imitate any of their models of democracy. China welcomes all constructive suggestions and well-intentioned criticism, but rejects any form of an overbearing lecture.” The country also seeks to promote democracy in international relations and develop global partnerships. The paper refers to the Belt and Road Initiative as an effort to create beneficial and mutually rewarding friendships with other countries. Lastly, China urges the West to stop forcing its version of democracy on other developing and underdeveloped countries. It says: “There is no single road to democracy. The true barrier to democracy lies not in different models of democracy, but in arrogance, prejudice and hostility towards other countries’ attempts to explore their own paths to democracy, and in assumed superiority and the determination to impose one’s own model of democracy on others.”
 
References:
“White paper details complete system of whole-process people's democracy,” China.Org, 4 December 2021
“China issues white paper on its democracy,” The State Council, People’s Republic of China, 4 December 2021

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and  Dincy Adlakha

INTERNAL
President Xi Jinping claims China is at the stage towards achieving “national rejuvenation”
On 7 December, Chinese media reported on the remarks made by the Chinese President Xi Jinping at a group study of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. President Xi claimed that “China is now at a critical stage toward achieving national rejuvenation,” reported Xinhua. Xi who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee stressed “resolute adherence to the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, and advancing the development of such a system,” noted Global Times. In his speech Xi calls in for efforts to strengthen legislation in key areas such as national security, scientific and technological innovation, public health, biosafety and biosecurity, ecological conservation and risk prevention. (“Xi Focus: Xi stresses adherence to socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics,” Xinhua Net, 7 December 2021: “Xi stresses adherence to socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics,” Global Times, 7 December 2021) 

REGIONAL
Annual summit for mainland and Taiwanese entrepreneurs opens
On 7 December, the 2021 Zijinshan Summit for entrepreneurs from the Chinese mainland and Taiwanese Strait opened. The Summit is being conducted virtually and was held in Nanjing and Taipei through video links. China’s top political advisor Wang Yang sent a congratulatory letter to the summit on behalf of the party and the president. Xinhua reported that more than 500 business people from Taiwan attended the conference. The Summit emphasized the importance of mainland-Taiwanese trade despite the COVID-19 barriers. The letter from Wang Yang emphasized peaceful and integrated development, away from the secessionist forces of Taiwan, of the two sides. (“Mainland, Taiwan entrepreneurs hold annual summit,” Xinhua Net, 8 December 2021)

Australia diplomatically boycotts Beijing Winter Olympics joining the US
On 8 December, Australia announced that it will join the United States in the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, “Australian government officials (will), therefore, not be going to China for those Games. Australian athletes will, though.” Australia’s decision was made due to several factors starting with Canberra banning Huawei 5G Technologies, import bans, opening an independent investigation on COVID-19 origins in China, human rights issues in Xinjiang thus leading to the sour ties with China. Morrison said it was “no surprise” that Canberra joined the boycott with Washington and further added that “I'm doing it because it's in Australia's national interest” and “It's the right thing to do.” (“Australia will not send officials to Beijing Olympics, joining US diplomatic boycott,” South China Morning Post, 8 December 2021: “Australia joins diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Games,” Reuters, 8 December 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
Foreign Ministry lashes out at US for “diplomatic boycott” of Beijing Winter Olympics
On 7 December, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded to the “diplomatic boycott” made by the US to the Beijing Winter Olympics. He said: “China deplores and firmly opposes to the remarks of the U.S. side. China has lodged stern representations with the United States and will respond with firm countermeasures. The U.S. political agenda wins no supports and is doomed to fail.” He urged the US to stop politicizing sports and disrupting the Beijing Olympics as it may cause tensions in bilateral dialogue and cooperation. Reporting this response, Xinhua wrote that the US side was not even invited and is unnecessarily linking the presence of its officials with human rights abuses by distorting narratives. (“U.S. would "pay a price" for erroneous actions on Beijing Winter Olympics: FM spokesperson,” Xinhua Net, 7 December 2021)

Imports from Australia remain fast but growth rate declines
On 7 December, the General Administration of Customs in China released data that showed the imports from Australia and other countries. The data revealed that Australia has maintained a relatively fast pace in November however, its growth rate has slowed for the second consecutive month. The growth rate of Australian imports slowed for the first time in 2021 in October when it was down approximately two percent. The same trend has continued this time. The data also indicated that Australia is losing business from China to other countries, including its allies like the US. (“China’s imports from Australia slows for 2nd straight month in Nov,” Global Times, 7 December 2021)

Bilateral trade between China and the US remains stays strong
On 7 December, the General Administration of Customs in China released data and accounts of trade with different countries including the US. The data showed that bilateral trade between the two countries has remained robust in the 11 months of 2021. There have been continuous tensions in the relations between the two countries. However, according to the released data, their trade ties have reached a record high. Both countries have seen increased imports; the US purchased more Chinese manufactured products and CHina has imported energy products and airplanes from the US. (Xiong Xinyi, “China-US trade set to hit new record in 2021 after solid Jan-Nov data despite tension,” Global Times, 7 December 2021)

IOC fails to give any assurances on Peng Shuai’s safety
On 7 December, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that “we can’t provide you with absolute certainty on anything,” on the safety of tennis player Peng Shuai. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said, “all we can do is do the best we can in the process that we believe is in the best interests of the well-being of the athlete.” The IOC had held two video calls with Peng Shuai after she accused a former top Communist Party official of sexual assault. According to Associated Press (AP), the IOC with China is trying to cover up the story ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. (“IOC unable to give certainties amid concern for Peng Shuai,” AP News, 8 December 2021)

China’s ambassador to Canada warns Ottawa against banning Huawei 5G technologies
On 7 December, Cong Peiwu Chinese ambassador warned Canada on banning the Huawei Technologies from its 5G internet infrastructure. The ambassador was addressing the Centre for International Governance Innovation thinktank saying “he hoped Canada had learned a lesson from the outcome of the ‘Meng Wanzhou incident’.” Cong emphasized that Huawei’s presence in Canada is purely business and some are trying to overstretch and abuse the concept of national security and trying to politicize the issue. After winning the elections, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flagged a decision on Huawei. Cong urged Canada to provide a “just, fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese investors and companies.” (“China’s ambassador warns Canada against Huawei 5G ban, saying ‘Meng Wanzhou incident’ should be a lesson,” South China Morning Post, 8 December 2021)