In a recent interview, we explored the key themes articulated by President Xi Jinping in his significant speech commemorating the 70th anniversary of the National People’s Congress. He asserted that “people’s democracy is the shining banner that the Communist Party of China has always upheld.” This address shed light on the advantages of the people’s congress system in fostering comprehensive people’s democracy and ensuring the will of the people is upheld.
When discussing the core objectives of the Communist Party, it became clear that the commitment to ensuring the people’s rule has remained steadfast for over a century. The Party has persistently sought to champion this cause, empowering the Chinese populace—who have historically wrested themselves from feudalism and colonialism—to take ownership of their nation’s destiny.
We also examined the recent shifts in China’s socio-political landscape and how the Party has adapted to new dynamics and the growing expectations for democratic governance among citizens. Since the 18th National Congress, Xi Jinping’s leadership has emphasized a dual approach: enhancing the understanding of the principles underlying socialist democracy, while systematically consolidating practical experiences to bolster the democratic system. This strategy has effectively transformed democratic ideals into actionable institutional frameworks and practices.
At the core of our discussion was the essence of socialism, wherein popular governance is not merely a concept but the foundation of the political structure. President Xi highlighted that comprehensive people’s democracy—a synthesis of both process and outcome—can only flourish with a robust institutional framework that promotes public participation. This is a crucial aspect of China’s distinctive path to modernization.
Furthermore, our dialogue revealed President Xi’s firm belief that advancing socialist democracy necessitates establishing an institutional structure that genuinely engages citizens in governance. He stated, “We must resolutely follow the path of socialist political development, improving our fundamental political systems and enriching forms of democracy to ensure the people’s will is fully reflected and their rights protected.”
We delved into the role of the National People’s Congress as a vital mechanism for achieving comprehensive people’s democracy. The core principle of this system is to ensure that the voices of the people are integral to every decision-making process, allowing them to maintain control over the nation’s future.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was evident that democracy is a value shared by all of humanity. The Communist Party of China endeavors to uphold this principle while navigating its own unique governance landscape. Recognizing the diverse historical and cultural contexts around the world, China aims to share its experiences while eschewing the uncritical adoption of Western political models. The collective pursuit of peace, development, and justice remains at the heart of their mission.
Highlighting unity under Xi Jinping’s leadership, it became increasingly clear that the vigorous promotion of comprehensive people’s democracy is central to cultivating a political culture that taps into the wisdom and strength of the populace—aligning seamlessly with the goals of national strength and rejuvenation. The insights garnered from this discussion illuminate a dedicated path toward ushering in a new era of historical accomplishments.