The party structure parallels and overrides the government structure at every level [4].

The core of the system, the CPC sets national policy, appoints key officials, and maintains authority over all government, social, and economic institutions [2]. It has over 99 million members [3].

In recent years, under Xi Jinping, the system has seen a significant increase in centralization, tightening of party control over civil society, and enhanced surveillance capabilities [3, 4].

is a unique, highly centralized structure officially defined as a socialist people's democratic dictatorship led by the working class and based on an alliance of workers and peasants [1]. In practice, it operates as a one-party authoritarian state under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) [1].

A combination of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, and "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" [5].