Technically the highest organ of state power, which meets annually to approve major laws, personnel changes, and the budget [1, 5].
Power is concentrated at the top. The General Secretary of the CPC is the paramount leader (currently Xi Jinping), who also holds the positions of President of the PRC and Chairman of the Central Military Commission [4]. Political Structure:
A combination of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, and "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" [5].
In recent years, under Xi Jinping, the system has seen a significant increase in centralization, tightening of party control over civil society, and enhanced surveillance capabilities [3, 4].
Controls the People's Liberation Army (PLA) , ensuring the military serves the party [1, 2]. Key Features:
Emphasis is placed on political stability and party control over all aspects of society [2].
