The international media uses strong words to describe China’s system of governance. American newspapers often inform their readers that China’s regime is “authoritarian” or “totalitarian”, or both. Yet supporters of the Communist Party say that China has developed a political system which perfectly suits its culture and that "socialism with Chinese characteristics” is a form of democracy, superior to that of the 'decadent west'. So what is the best terminology to properly describe the politics of contemporary China? Frank Tsai from China Crossroads in Shanghai discusses this issue with podcast host Duncan Bartlett.

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The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.
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SOAS China Institute (SCI)

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Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0