Political Instruments in China: Structure, Strategy, and Power

By SBS

China, with its vast history, unique political system, and remarkable global influence, offers an intriguing case for examining political instruments that shape its governance and international relations. The People's Republic of China (PRC) operates under a one-party system dominated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which governs using a mix of traditional political tools and modern mechanisms to maintain control, ensure stability, and project power both domestically and abroad. This article will explore the key political instruments employed by China, including its governance structure, legal system, media control, economic leverage, diplomatic strategies, and military influence.

1. The Governance Structure: Centralization of Power

At the heart of China's political system lies its centralized governance structure, with authority resting predominantly within the Communist Party. The CCP is the paramount political entity, and its top leadership holds significant power in all aspects of governance. The most notable political instrument within this framework is the party-state model, where the CCP operates in parallel with state institutions such as the National People's Congress (NPC) and the State Council, but in practice, the party dictates policies and major decisions.

The top leader of China, the General Secretary of the Communist Party, holds immense power. Since the early 2010s, President Xi Jinping has consolidated power significantly, assuming multiple influential roles, including the head of the party, the state, and the military, in what many observers describe as a move toward a more personalized form of governance. This centralization of power is exemplified by the Chinese Dream – a vision of national rejuvenation, which combines nationalist sentiment with economic modernization.

2. The Legal System: Law as a Tool of Control

While China technically operates under the rule of law, the legal system is intricately tied to the goals of the Communist Party. The Chinese Constitution, adopted in 1982, affirms the leadership of the CCP, placing it above all legal and judicial institutions. In practice, China’s legal system is used not just for governance but also as a powerful tool to maintain control over its population.

One of the central legal instruments employed by China is its anti-corruption campaign, which began in earnest under Xi Jinping’s leadership. The campaign has been touted as a means of improving governance, but critics argue it is also used as a political tool to eliminate rivals and consolidate Xi’s power. Tens of thousands of officials have been investigated, and many high-ranking members of the CCP have been purged, signaling the extent to which law is used to serve the party’s interests.

Additionally, China’s use of re-education camps and the social credit system demonstrates the government's control over individual behavior. The re-education camps, particularly in Xinjiang, where Uyghur Muslims have been detained, are a controversial instrument used for political repression. Meanwhile, the social credit system monitors citizens’ behavior, rewarding those who align with the government's expectations and penalizing those who do not.

3. The Media: Information Control and Propaganda

The Chinese Communist Party has long recognized the importance of controlling information, using the media as a key instrument for shaping public opinion and maintaining social stability. The Great Firewall is one of the most well-known aspects of China’s media control. This system of censorship and surveillance blocks foreign websites and limits access to information that is deemed politically sensitive or harmful to the party’s image.

In addition to blocking foreign sources, China uses state-controlled media outlets such as Xinhua, CCTV, and the People’s Daily to disseminate official narratives and ensure alignment with CCP policies. Propaganda plays a vital role in constructing a favorable image of the government, its leaders, and its policies. During major events, such as the Tiananmen Square anniversary or controversial foreign policy issues, Chinese media typically suppress dissenting views and focus on the government’s perspective.

Social media platforms in China, such as WeChat and Weibo, are tightly monitored, with content being censored and individuals being penalized for spreading politically sensitive material. In recent years, China has also started expanding its reach globally through media outlets like CGTN (China Global Television Network) to influence foreign public opinion and promote the Chinese narrative internationally.

4. Economic Power: Leveraging Economic Influence

China’s economic rise over the past few decades has transformed the country into one of the most powerful economies in the world. The Chinese government uses economic tools not just for national development but also as a critical instrument of political influence both domestically and globally.

Internally, China’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are a cornerstone of the economy, and the government controls key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and banking. By guiding economic development, the CCP maintains power by ensuring continued growth and the provision of employment, which helps foster loyalty among the population.

On the global stage, China’s economic tools are also strategic. One of the most significant examples is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, which aims to enhance trade and infrastructure development across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The BRI has allowed China to extend its influence by providing loans, investments, and partnerships with countries in need of infrastructure development. However, critics argue that the initiative can lead to debt trap diplomacy, where countries become economically dependent on China, leading to a subtle form of political leverage.

China is also the largest trading partner for many countries, and it uses this economic clout to influence international politics. Whether through tariffs, trade agreements, or economic sanctions, China is adept at using its economic power as a tool of both coercion and diplomacy.

5. Diplomacy: Assertive Foreign Policy

China’s foreign policy has undergone a dramatic shift in recent decades, with a clear strategy of increasing its global influence. One of the most prominent instruments in this strategy is soft power, which is the ability to shape global perceptions through non-coercive means, such as cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, and economic investments.

China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, mentioned earlier, is not only an economic strategy but also a diplomatic one, as it strengthens China’s ties with countries across the globe. Additionally, China is increasingly active in international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO), where it seeks to shape global rules and norms to better reflect its interests.

In recent years, China has also adopted a more assertive foreign policy, particularly in its territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and through its growing military presence in the region. The use of "wolf warrior diplomacy"—a term referring to the aggressive and combative style of Chinese diplomats—signals a more confrontational approach to international relations.

6. Military Power: The Role of the PLA

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is a critical political instrument in China. Historically, the PLA has played an important role in both the governance of the country and the protection of its sovereignty. Under Xi Jinping, the PLA has undergone significant modernization, focusing on enhancing its capabilities in cyber warfare, naval power, and missile technology. The growing military might of China is seen as a key instrument in advancing its geopolitical ambitions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

The PLA also plays an internal role, with the Central Military Commission (CMC) directly under the control of the Communist Party, which ensures that military power remains loyal to the CCP leadership. The strengthening of the military’s role in political life reflects the increasing militarization of Chinese foreign policy, particularly with respect to Taiwan, the South China Sea, and its broader regional influence.

Conclusion

China’s political instruments are multifaceted and interconnected, ranging from the centralization of power within the Communist Party to economic leverage, media control, legal mechanisms, and military strength. These tools help the CCP maintain domestic control, manage its population, and extend its influence abroad. As China continues to rise as a global power, its political instruments will remain crucial in shaping both domestic policies and its role in the international community. Understanding these tools is key to comprehending how China operates and how it will navigate future challenges in the 21st century.