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I sometimes wonder how well the relationship between the CCP and the Peoples Republic of China is understood in the West and the wider world.
So it bears repeating:
1/
So it bears repeating:
1/
2/ In most states around the world, the state itself monopolises power and legitimacy. Parties are formed around the objective of wielding executive authority.
When one party wins they get to make laws and exercise legitimate authority through the various departments of state.
When one party wins they get to make laws and exercise legitimate authority through the various departments of state.
3/ In China, obviously there is only one party, but that shouldn’t disguise the fact that the relationship is still radically different to other states.
In China, the state is itself a creation of the party. It is made to deliberately mimic the appearance of a normal state.
In China, the state is itself a creation of the party. It is made to deliberately mimic the appearance of a normal state.
4/ There are all the normal departments and agencies, outside of which sit the ‘private sector’ and even the private lives of individuals, homeowners etc.
But power flows through the party, not the state.
And the party penetrates all.
The state is, in effect, a simulation.
But power flows through the party, not the state.
And the party penetrates all.
The state is, in effect, a simulation.
5/ Just as the ‘private sector’ is a simulation. Every company of any size has appointed CCP representatives.
Laws and decisions are rubber stamped, but they originate from the party.
Laws and decisions are rubber stamped, but they originate from the party.
6/ It is the party that relays power in China, not the state, though the state may be the instrument through which party power is wielded.
When you are dealing with a Chinese entity, you are dealing with the CCP. Polite fictions won’t help you.
When you are dealing with a Chinese entity, you are dealing with the CCP. Polite fictions won’t help you.
7/ The real quandary is how to treat individuals within such a system.
I don’t think there’s an easy answer to that one, because we assume everyone speaks for themselves at some level.
But properly understanding the relationship between the party and the state is a start.
End
I don’t think there’s an easy answer to that one, because we assume everyone speaks for themselves at some level.
But properly understanding the relationship between the party and the state is a start.
End
