A Critical Analysis of Chinese-Style Democracy

Abstract

Based on an analysis of remarks by top Communist Party of China (CPC) and government leaders and intellectuals on democracy, this study tries to analyze if Chinese-style democracy offers a new model of democracy distinguishable from the liberal Western model. Based on our analysis, the theory of Chinese-style democracy calls for a change in the governance structure, while maintaining the existing model of the people's democracy. It does not present a new model of democracy that is distinguishable from the existing people's democracy or Western liberal representative democracy. This means China intends to achieve political change under CPC leadership, with strong CPC control over the democratization process. © 2010, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. All rights reserved.