In China, official party statements tell only half the story. The power of China’s preeminent leader, Xi Jinping, relies on a mix of strong personalistic ties where the scions of ruling families play a large role, and an increased emphasis on rules, top-down management and anti-corruption struggle. Constitutionalism and rule of law are out and the Party dominates the scene. It is political power that decides on the limits of law, and not the other way around.

The latest issue of China Analysis published by ECFR and Asia Centre focuses on how formal rules and arbitrary power coexist in China.

Summary

– LAW AND POWER IN XI’S CHINA –

The constitutional government controversy (Hugo Winkler)

Xi Jinping and the Princelings (Jérôme Doyon)

Reviewing Party discipline in the shadow of shuanggui (Marc Julienne)

Democracy, influence, and political infighting in Taiwan (Tanguy Lepesant)

China Analysis Law And Power In Xi China December2013