China’s government is a one-party, authoritarian Communist dictatorship. This party runs the country while controlling all political and administrative machinery. The government is able at any time to take complete control over all newspapers, magazines, book publishers, television, and radio stations. Currently, the government is now trying to control the transmission of information over the Internet. The Chinese Communist party likes to think of itself as an elite organization that only selects the best of society to participate in leadership activities.

China’s heads of state are the president and the vice president who are "elected" in to five year terms by the National People’s Congress. Jiang Zemin is currently the head of state and his vice president is Hu Jintao. The Chinese people have very little influence on the selection of their national leaders. Freedom of expression is severely restricted in this country, so citizens are encouraged to remain passive observers (Wright, 2001).

For more information about the Chinese government:

http://www.emulateme.com/china.htm

Four Characteristics of the political process in china:

CONSENSUS- The Chinese prefer a consensus as opposed to a simple majority. They want this to be achieved at the lowest level of the hierarchy.

BARGAINING- Bargaining is used for issues that are up for a vote. It is common for politicians to ask for support on an issue while returning the favor. Politicians that bargain, pay close attention to their relative rank and status, which will affect the process and the outcome.

NETWORKING- Business people are encouraged to form relationships to ensure success.

SAVE FACE- Chinese should be passively resistant to conflicts. Open conflicts are likely to result in a loss of face.

(Starr, 1997)

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