CHINESE MODEL OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT: COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

The political developments in China are commonly characterized as "authoritarian" at home and abroad because China consistently adheres to the leadership of the Communist Party, constantly strengthens the central authority and repeatedly emphasizes political stability. This paper argues that China did not follow the East Asian model of authoritarian development. Political changes in China are found in many aspects such as partial liberalization, good governance, improved performance and gradual democratization. In comparison with other East Asian countries and areas where democratic governments were replaced by authoritarian regimes in order to promote economic development, China had to promote development and democracy simultaneously in order to avoid economic collapse and political tragedy during the Cultural Revolution. Since democracy has been established as an integral element of political reform and political development, many democratic experiences and democratic institutions have been accumulated; China will continue to reform its political structure, develop a socialist democracy, and expand its citizens' orderly participation in political affairs.