The quality of governance is fundamental to the success or failure of a country. China’s whole-process people’s democracy offers valuable insights for Western nations. According to Martin Jacques, visiting professor at Tsinghua University, there are five key lessons that the West can learn from China’s system.
1. Building Consensus
A successful society requires a fundamental and overarching consensus. In China, the Communist Party of China (CPC) embodies this consensus, representing all classes, occupations, regions, and ethnicities. The CPC’s ability to achieve consensus among the people has been a cornerstone of China’s remarkable progress and social stability.
2. Encouraging Participation
Democracy should involve the people continuously, not just during periodic elections. China’s democracy takes many forms, including elections, consultation, self-government, and public involvement in law-making and planning. This whole-process approach empowers citizens to contribute actively to the nation’s development.
3. Emphasizing Long-Term Planning
Long-term vision is essential for profound societal change. China consistently plans for the future with initiatives like the Five-Year Plans and goals set for 2035 and 2049. This dynamic interplay between short-term actions and long-term objectives drives sustained growth and innovation.
4. Valuing Expertise
Effective governance requires leaders with extensive experience and knowledge. Chinese officials advance through the political hierarchy based on their performance and success at various levels. This merit-based system ensures that those at the top have the expertise to run the country efficiently.
5. Delivering Results
Ultimately, democracy is about serving the people. China’s focus on improving living standards, eradicating poverty for 800 million people, and achieving economic transformation demonstrates its commitment to this principle. The rapid response to public health challenges further illustrates effective delivery.
These lessons highlight the importance of consensus-building, citizen participation, long-term planning, valuing expertise, and delivering tangible results. As Western nations navigate their own challenges, there may be valuable insights to glean from China’s approach to governance.
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What the West can learn from China's whole-process people's democracy
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