Abstract
Absolute autocracy—where central institutions exert a strict monopoly on all aspects of power—exists only in theory. In reality, a state must rely on a network of trusted individuals to implement orders from the centre. This chapter discusses the complex power dynamics between the central and local governments in China, arguing that the policy-making process is a contested one, characterised by inter- and intra-government competition, as opposed to being driven by a unitary rational actor. To understand these dynamics, the chapter proposes examining them through the lenses of ‘trust’ and ‘agent’ relationships, as well as ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ interactions between the Chinese central and local governments. Additionally, it explores various historical strategies China has adopted to unify norms and values across civilian and military bodies, balance national unity with regional diversity, and how these historical approaches are currently being put into practice. Drawing on this analysis, the chapter offers a practical approach for external parties to engage in more effective advocacy and diplomacy with China by unpacking the core of the Chinese decision-making process and identifying key points of influence to achieve desired outcomes.
“It is too easy to mistake China for a monopolistic, centralised state.” (Paulson, 2015)
—Henry Paulson, the 74th U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
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Notes
- 1.
- 2.
Zhou (2022).
- 3.
Ibid.
- 4.
Ibid.
- 5.
Zhou (2014).
- 6.
Ibid.
- 7.
Ichisada (2020).
- 8.
Ibid.
- 9.
Ibid.
- 10.
Zhao (2018).
- 11.
Ibid.
- 12.
Ibid.
- 13.
BeiJing News (2023).
- 14.
CCTV News (2022).
- 15.
CPC News (2014).
- 16.
The Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China (2019).
- 17.
Ibid.
- 18.
Ibid.
- 19.
Ibid.
- 20.
Ibid.
- 21.
Hao (2022).
- 22.
Ibid.
- 23.
Ibid.
- 24.
Ibid.
- 25.
Dai (2020).
- 26.
Xinhua News Agency (2023).
- 27.
Sayari Insights (2021).
- 28.
Edward et al. (1964).
- 29.
Ibid.
- 30.
Ibid.
- 31.
Ibid.
- 32.
Campbell (2021).
- 33.
Ibid.
- 34.
Zhao (2018).
- 35.
Ibid.
- 36.
Mao (1991).
- 37.
Ibid.
- 38.
Ibid.
- 39.
Zhou (2014).
- 40.
Ibid.
- 41.
Ibid.
- 42.
Lieberthal (2012).
- 43.
Paulson (2015).
- 44.
Huang et al. (1997).
- 45.
Ibid.
- 46.
Ibid.
- 47.
Zhao (2018).
- 48.
Ibid.
- 49.
Ibid.
- 50.
- 51.
Wang (1987).
- 52.
Zhou (2014).
- 53.
Asian Development Bank (2014).
- 54.
Liu (2020).
- 55.
Ibid.
- 56.
Lin (2000).
- 57.
Asian Development Bank (2014).
- 58.
Li and Xu (2008).
- 59.
The Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China (2020).
- 60.
Zhou (2013).
- 61.
The Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China (2019).
- 62.
Zhou (2013).
- 63.
Ibid.
- 64.
Blanchette (2022).
- 65.
Ibid.
- 66.
The Economist (2022).
- 67.
Sun (2016).
- 68.
He (2018).
- 69.
Zheng (2013).
- 70.
Li (2017).
- 71.
Ibid.
- 72.
Ibid.
- 73.
Ibid.
- 74.
He (2018).
- 75.
Repnikova (2017).
- 76.
Ibid.
- 77.
Ibid.
- 78.
Liu (2010).
- 79.
Ibid.
- 80.
Ibid.
- 81.
Lin and Wuthnow (2022).
- 82.
Blanchette (2022).
- 83.
Ibid.
- 84.
Ibid.
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Dong, J. (2023). A Contested System: Decision-Making Dynamics in China. In: Chinese Statecraft in a Changing World. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6453-6_5
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