Who has more say: the CPC’s Central Committee or the State Council?

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Political decision-making in China lies with both the CPC and the government. It’s a system unique to China.

The CPC Central Committee is the highest organ of the Party’s authority; the State Council is the executive body of the highest organ of state power.

What do the two bodies do?

The CPC Central Committee is elected every five years at the CPC National Congress. It sets major policy directions and supervises the implementation of policy.

CGTN Photo

The State Council, presided over by the premier, is responsible for carrying out the Party’s policy directives in coordination with other government organs

So are state leaders also CPC leaders?

Members of the CPC Central Committee often hold top positions in government. Between 2012 and 2017, this included President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

CGTN Photo‍

China’s governing structure combines the CPC’s role in guiding the direction of the country's development and the State's authority for making and implementing major policies and decisions.

19th CPC National Congress animations

What is the CPC national hotline?

How does the CPC engage with its members?

How is the CPC National Congress different from the Two Sessions?