Governance Must Fit, Not Match

A key agenda item at the Two Sessions is the review and discussion of the government work report. The drafting of this report includes soliciting public opinions from all sectors of society, ensuring a broad range of voices is considered.

During the Two Sessions, NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members deliberate on the report, discussing their feedback and suggestions. The report is then revised accordingly before being put to a vote at the NPC plenary meeting for final approval.

“Footwear need not be identical, as long as it fits; governance need not be the same, as long as it benefits the people.” President Xi Jinping quoted this phrase at a conference commemorating the 65th anniversary of the CPPCC, or the country’s top political advisory body, on September 21, 2014.

This insightful perspective comes from Mogu, a philosophical work by Wei Yuan, a prominent Chinese thinker during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The analogy here is clear: Just as people’s shoe sizes differ but must fit their feet, the governance of each country can vary as long as it serves the interests of its citizens.

President Xi emphasized that the vitality of socialism with Chinese characteristics lies in its roots in China’s distinct social realities.

All 56 ethnic groups in China are represented by their own deputies in the NPC and members in the National Committee of the CPPCC, collaborating across regions and industries. Through motions and proposals, they articulate the public’s concerns and contribute suggestions for the country’s progress.

Many national policies have incorporated the insights and suggestions of NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members. These include developing new-quality productive forces, referring to the shift toward innovation-driven growth, technological advancement and high-quality development in various sectors of the economy, advancing all-round rural revitalization, a strategy introduced at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017 that aims to promote the economic prosperity and overall development of rural areas, and optimizing the business environment for private enterprises.

The system of people’s congresses fosters a connection between the populace, their representatives and different levels of state organs. The CPPCC, as the most inclusive patriotic united front organization, harnesses the collective wisdom and strength of all Chinese citizens.

Whole-process people’s democracy ensures that the voices of the people are heard and that their aspirations are reflected in all aspects of China’s political and social life.

China’s whole-process people’s democracy blends two democratic models: electoral and consultative democracy. The democratic elections in China are extensive and free from the influence of money politics. In the latest election cycle, concluded in 2022, 2.62 million county- and township-level deputies to people’s congresses were elected by over 1 billion voters through a “one person, one vote” system, resulting in one of the world’s largest democratic practices.

This system not only echoes the will of the Chinese people but also protects their rights, sparks creativity across the nation, and unifies efforts to advance Chinese modernization with determination.

China has achieved remarkable successes through this governance system, including maintaining rapid economic growth, eradicating absolute poverty, and ensuring long-term social stability.

There is no one-size-fits-all model for democracy. What matters most is that it aligns with the national context and represents the interests of the overwhelming majority.

China’s approach to democracy is practical and successful, and the Chinese people will continue to confidently pursue their unique path forward.