Political and Economic Institutions of China and Constitutionalism

Abstract

The necessity of institutional reforms including establishing constitutional rules for China’s stability and sustainability is becoming a consensus among reformers. But what should be done and how should these be done are debating questions. In this talk I will address a key question: what are the major obstacles that have prevented China from establishing constitutional rules? I will argue that all socio-economic problems in China, e.g. the absence of rule of law, worsening corruption and inequality, low domestic demand, etc. are all rooted in China’s fundamental institution: Regionally Decentralized Authoritarianism (RDA). Thus, reforming the RDA regime is necessary. However, the RDA regime itself does not follow constitutional rules that the power of the government is unlimited and powers are not separated, although administration and economy are decentralized. This posts great challenges. Moreover, the RDA regime is a double edged sword that it is also responsible to the success of the reform and the growth in the past 35 years.