History
The ancient philosophical foundation emphasizing hierarchy, social harmony, and meritocracy. It still influences the "paternalistic" nature of the CCP.
Confucianism
The founder of the PRC; focused on peasant-led revolution, mass line, and continuous struggle.
Mao Zedong
A system where all power resides in the central government
Unitary
The massive, largely symbolic gathering of the CCP (every 5 years) that "elects" the Central Committee.
National Party Congress
Designated areas with pro-market incentives to attract foreign investment, used as "laboratories" for reform.
Special Economic Zones
Mao’s radical movement to purge "capitalist" elements and rivals, resulting in decade-long chaos and the destruction of traditional institutions.
Cultural Revolution
The "Architect of Modern China" who shifted the country toward economic liberalization.
Deng Xiaoping
The principle where members may Maoist-style "debate" internally, but once a decision is made by the top, it is binding and must be followed without dissent.
Democratic centralism
A group of ~200–300 leaders that meets annually (plenums); they carry out the business of the National Party Congress.
Central Committee
Five regions (e.g., Tibet, Xinjiang) with high concentrations of ethnic minorities.
Autonomous Regions
Ideologically, a classless, egalitarian society; in the PRC context, it represents the party’s monopoly on power and the ultimate goal of Marxist-Leninist development.
Communism
The current leader; has moved away from collective leadership toward personalist rule, emphasizing the "Chinese Dream" and tightening party control.
Xi Jinping
The system of personnel management where the CCP chooses who fills every important job in the government, economy, and media.
Nomenklatura
The top 20–25 leaders of the CCP who hold the actual decision-making power in China.
Politburo
The legislative branch of the government. While constitutionally the "highest organ of state power," it is largely a "rubber stamp" for party decisions.
National People's Congress
The dominant ethnic group (90%+) in China.
Han
Personal connections or "social capital" that facilitate business and political dealings within the CCP.
Guanxi
When the state uses the legal system as a tool to target political opponents.
Rule by law
The "inner circle" of the Politburo (currently 7 members); the most powerful men in the country.
Standing Committee
The body that controls the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
Central Military Commission
Originally referred to the PRC (Mainland) vs. the ROC (Taiwan)
Two Chinas
An informal network where high-ranking officials provide promotion or protection to subordinates in exchange for loyalty.
Patron-client system
The sophisticated system of internet censorship and surveillance used to maintain social stability and CCP dominance.
Great Firewall
The highest-ranking official in the CCP and the de facto leader of China
General Secretary
The current economic model—a mix of state-owned enterprises and private market forces, with the state retaining ultimate control.
Socialist Market Economy