Decision making in China
In theory, the people of China have power. Each level of government (local, district, regional, and national) has elected officials with decision-making power.
In practice, the Chinese government is largely administrative. Effectively, China is a one-party state and real decision-making power lies in the hands of members of the Communist Party of China, often referred to as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).As of 2023, the CCP had around 98 million members.
A high standing within the CCP gives members power, with the most important individuals being the general secretary or leader of the Communist Party, and members of the Politburo (executive committee).
The CCP has a similar organisational structure to the government. Although many CCP members are elected officials, e.g. in the parliament (the National People's Congress), it is membership of the CCP that matters.