Descent into Dictatorship: China Edition
In March of 2023, China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) voted 2952-0 to grant President Xi Jinping an unprecedented third term. The announcement came as a surprise to very few, considering members of the NPC are appointed by the ruling party, but led to a plethora of questions regarding the immense control Jinping has amassed in his nation. Between centralizing power, weaponizing the justice system, and a crackdown on Chinese media, the global superpower’s descent into a dictatorship is incredibly alarming.
Centralization of Power
Jinping is often referred to as the “chairman of everything” – and that’s not because he likes sharing power. Since his ascent to power in 2012, nearly every aspect of his nation, be it politically, economically, or militaristically, has fallen under his control. For example, take a look at China’s zero-covid policy or Jinping’s circumventing of economic advisors.
However, most alarmingly, Jinping is also the head of China’s Standing Committee, which makes the majority of the nation’s crucial decisions. Not only are the 7 members of this committee selected by subsections of the Communist Party, but Jinping still reigns over the other officials regardless. Noting that this position is just one of his many titles, it’s clear to see that the Chinese President has the power right where he wants it – not spread out amongst his party, but instead, in his own hands.
Justice System
With the slogan of “Saohei chu'e” – meaning "sweep away black and eliminate evil” – Jinping launched an anti-corruption campaign in all levels of his government. Investigating close to 5 million officials over the past decade, more than 1.5 million officials were found guilty of charges ranging from bribery to organized crime.
This may seem like a standard corruption campaign, until the types of people investigated are looked into. From army generals to members of interdisciplinary parties to his main political rivals, the indictment of high level opposition figures holds concerns for Jinping’s alternative usage of the judicial system. Not only does this instill fear in the masses regarding Jinping’s power, but it also ensures that challenges to his rule can be nullified.
Crackdown on Media
Despite freedom of press being written into the Chinese Constitution, the opacity of the wording allows government officials to shut down dissenters. Take a look at the World Press Freedom Index, which ranks China at number 175 for freedom of speech out of a list of 180 countries.
Why? Well, since the National Security Law was imposed back in June of 2020, protestors, activists, and opposition lawmakers have been arrested under charges of anti-nationalistic media. The impact of this issue is extreme. Without real, genuine content being circulated to citizens, decisions made regarding advocacy and voting are flawed. People are misinformed by their own government and are deterred from speaking out for fear of imprisonment.
It’s clear to see that over the past decade, Xi Jinping has completely taken control of his country in a myriad of ways. In upcoming years, the world’s most populated nation may face the challenge of lifting itself out of the jaws of dictatorship and finding a brighter, more democratic future.
Siri Ural is a junior from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. With passions largely relating to public policy and advocacy, she is always seeking new ways to take action in local and regional communities. As a two time Speech and Debate national finalist, staff-writer for a debate nonprofit, and state director for the Youth Legislative Action Center, she enjoys immersing herself in activities centered around politics. In her free time, you can find her running with friends, listening to music, or binge-watching Netflix shows!