#china-s

[apcompgov2k15-blog]

Would a two-party system even work in China?

http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/imagining-china-under-a-two-party-system/\

Many in China’s CCP argue that the one-party system is necessary to retain efficiency, not only with a quickly developing economy, but the massive population straining at the seams of the state. Those in favor of the one-party system often cite the gridlock in the western world (particularly in the US and UK) as hindering progress and innovation. 

Those who oppose the one-party system argue that the status quo prohibits democracy and human rights, that valuing unity over dissent is a disregard for change and reform. Freedom of press and unrestricted access to outside information threatens the legitimacy of the One-Party rule, because they allow for people to share dissenting opinions and organize. 

[apcompgov2k15-blog]

China’s Political Reforms (or lack thereof)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/asia_pac/02/china_party_congress/china_ruling_party/problems_mount/html/political_reform.stm

With the ruling CPC still strongly interwoven in the government, there is little room for dissension or reformists in the ranks of the party. There are no checks or balances, neither from the legislative or the judiciary (there is no precedent for judicial review). The National People’s Congress consists of  2,987 members, and meets only once a year for 10-14 days, which allows for very little room for influence by minority members. In order to advance politically, one must prove their loyalty both to the party’s ideology and (more importantly) to the party’s elite, so even a slight hint of reformist would turn off anyone from advancement. 

[apcompgov2k15-blog]

China’s One Party System

http://www.forbes.com/2011/07/22/china-one-party-rule.html

As the Chinese move forward into the development of their state, the legitimacy of the ruling party, the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), is being threatened by more access to unrestricted information and accusations of corruption within the government. In order to reestablish legitimacy, the government has placed further restrictions upon internet access, as well as cracking down upon corruption within the party (especially at the local level). Unfortunately, the crackdowns on corruption seem to make themselves into opportunities for elected officials to eliminate their opposition by framing their opponents as guilty of corruption.