Ljiljana Stevic

 

 

China's annual meetings of its top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), and the top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), known as the national Two Sessions, have convened in Beijing this week.

Against the backdrop of this highly-anticipated event on China's political agenda, the nation's whole-process people's democracy, garners renewed attention around the world.

Aimed at ensuring democratic practices are not merely procedural but embedded in everyday governance, this governing philosophy has been ingrained in the latest series of targets announced in the government work report. From taking solid steps to advance rural reform and development, ensuring personal income growth remains in step with economic expansion, to maintaining consumer inflation within a reasonable range, China has put people's interests high on the list in almost every aspect of governance, integrate public participation at all stages, and thereby ensures the benefits of development can be shared by everyone.

For good measure, the Resolution on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization adopted in 2024 designates "advancing whole-process people's democracy" as one of the seven key areas essential for driving forward Chinese modernization. This highlights the fundamental role of whole-process people's democracy in delivering inclusive and effective governance aligned with China's modernization goals. By doing so, China reinforces its vision of a democracy that is both dynamic and uniquely suited to its national context.

Interestingly, the essence of whole-process people's democracy is deeply seated in China's historical and cultural contexts. Drawing from classical Chinese philosophy, the governance model reflects the nation's enduring spirit.

As articulated in the "Book of Changes," "the heavens move with unyielding vigor; thus, noble people should ceaselessly strive to better themselves." This proverb encapsulates the pursuit of progress and self-improvement, principles that are mirrored in China's approach to governance. Confucianism emphasizes that a ruler should care for the well-being of the people and implement benevolent policies through continuous self-cultivation and moral practice with "Ren," which means benevolence in Chinese, as the core principle, so that the country can be governed in a long-lasting manner.

Unlike traditional electoral democracies that may grapple with political gridlock and polarization, China's whole-process people's democracy offers a distinctive model. It seamlessly integrates consultative democracy, grassroots participation and centralized efficiency, which guarantees inclusive, responsive and forward-looking governance.

 

 

To break the term down, "whole-process" signifies that democracy in China is not confined to periodic elections. Instead, it permeates every facet of political life, from decision-making and policy formulation to implementation and oversight.

The practical application of whole-process people's democracy is evident across various levels of governance. At the grassroots, local legislative bodies engage communities in decision-making, ensuring that policies resonate with the populace's needs. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among citizens, in which participatory budgeting and deliberative polling serve as convincing examples.

China's model challenges conventional Western notions of democracy. By prioritizing substantive outcomes over procedural formalities, whole-process people's democracy emphasizes the importance of tangible benefits for the citizenry. This results-oriented approach has produced significant socio-economic advancements, lifting millions out of poverty and propelling China to the forefront of global economic growth. The Chinese model offers an alternative perspective, suggesting that a tailored approach, aligned with a nation's unique cultural and historical contexts, can yield effective governance.

Chinese officials have consistently underscored the nation's commitment to its chosen path. At the Munich Security Conference this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi articulated China's resolve: "Chinese people have never believed in superstitions and are not afraid of ghosts. The new China has developed and grown amid overcoming various difficulties and obstacles."

This sentiment reflects the nation's confidence in its governance model and its determination to pursue a path in line with its unique contexts.

With the 2025 Two Sessions event underway, China's whole-process people's democracy stands as a testament to a governance model that harmoniously blends historical wisdom with contemporary needs. Whilst trying to decipher various Chinese models and terms, we can only strive to understand its historical and philosophical background and add that China offers an alternative democratic paradigm, contributing to the global discourse on effective governance.

 

(Ljiljana Stevic, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the head of the Sinology Department and home director of the Confucius Institute at Banja Luka University.)