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The core of state power: What is the story behind the National People's Congress?
The National People's Congress (NPC) is the highest state power organ of the People's Republic of China and enjoys supreme status. As the world's largest legislative body, the NPC's role is not only to legislate, but also to oversee the country. How the background and operation of this institution affect the lives of the Chinese people and political autocracy is worthy of our in-depth exploration.
“The structure of the National People’s Congress is unitary, which means that all powers and government institutions are under its supervision.”
As of 2023, the NPC has 2,977 members and elections are held every five years. Every spring, the NPC meets at the Great Hall of the People, west of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, for a meeting that usually lasts 10 to 14 days. Notably, these meetings are not only a conduit for legislation, but also an opportunity for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to report past policies and showcase future plans to state officials. One NPC representative once said: "As a parliamentary representative, I have no real influence." This situation is not uncommon in the NPC, as the operation of this institution is largely controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
“Parliament’s role is often portrayed as a rubber stamp, which results in its agenda being limited on sensitive issues.”
Historically, the NPC's roots can be traced back to the Chinese Soviet Republic in 1931. Since 1954, the NPC has been given legislative functions, replacing the previous Political Consultative Conference. This process shows that in the Chinese political system, the NPC is not only a legislative body, but also a symbol of power and a tool for specific implementation.
Powers and Responsibilities
According to the Chinese Constitution, the NPC has the sole power to formulate and amend the constitution and is responsible for supervising the operation of the government. Although the NPC appears to have broad powers on the surface, in reality, the vast majority of legislative proposals are controlled by the top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party. This means that the NPC is often seen as an institution that is unable to effectively perform its independent functions and that its legal review is inevitably subject to political interference.
“NPC meetings and their voting process often only superficially present an image of a transparent and effective government.”
Election and appointment system
Each NPC elects leaders at all levels according to certain rules, which is significantly different from the legislative bodies of Western countries. Although competition is legally permitted, in practice the vast majority of positions are decided within the CCP, with NPC representatives having little say in the process. This situation not only affects the efficiency of legislation, but also changes the public's understanding and confidence in political participation.
“These decisions were made within the Communist Party long before any of the key elections.”
Diversity and Representation
Although the law stipulates that the NPC should be "broadly representative", in practice the system is not completely independent of the control of the Chinese Communist Party. About a third of the seats are traditionally reserved for non-Communist Party members, but these members still face restrictions on their voice and actual influence. They mainly provide professional advice but cannot constitute a real political opposition.
“In each NPC session, there are clear quota requirements for representatives of each ethnic group, which helps to ensure the existence and expression of diverse cultures.”
External connections and international influence
In addition, the NPC is also responsible for liaison with foreign legislatures, which is an important aspect of China's diplomacy. These exchanges typically revolve around major policy initiatives and the CCP’s strategic objectives and are intended to promote the PRC’s international image.
With the development of the times, the challenges and opportunities faced by NPC are also constantly changing. Under China's unique political system, how the NPC can adapt to the increasingly globalized context without changing its essence is a focus worth observing. Can the core of state power truly represent the will of the people, or is it still a tool of power? This is actually a question that deserves deep thought by everyone who pays attention to Chinese politics.
