1. Home
  2. Global Insights
  3. By Country
  4. China
  5. Government

China: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Xi Jinping
Head of Government:
Premier Li Qiang

Overview

Government Name:
People's Republic of China
Constitution:
Adopted: 1982; The constitution has five sections which include: the preamble, general principles, fundamental rights and duties of citizens, structure of the state, the national flag, and the emblems of the state.
Government Type:
Communist state
People's Republic of China Flag
Coat of Arms of People's Republic of China

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

B
Political and economic uncertainties and an occasionally difficult business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is appreciable. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The presidency is the ceremonial office and serves as head of state. It represents China in foreign relations and receives foreign diplomats. The state council is the chief authority overseeing subordinate people's governments.

The president is elected by the national people's congrress.

5 years
Judicial

The supreme people's court is highest court of the land and supervises lower courts in local municipalities.

The chief justice is appointed by the national people's congress. Other justices and judges are nominated by the chief justice and appointed by the standing committee of the national people's congress.

Chief Justice: eligible for two 5 year terms; Other justices and judges: no term limit

Legislative

The national people's congress wields the highest power of the government and appoints the state council, president, and judges. It mediates policy differences of the party and government, amends constitution, and supervises enforcement of constitution.

The national people's congress has 2987 members who are indirectly elected by regional legislatures. They have a maximum of 3000 seats.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
APEC
APTA

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Ministry of Finance & State Administration of Taxation
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/