双语丨《中国的民主》白皮书

中国发展全过程人民民主，既有完整的制度程序，也有完整的参与实践。全过程人民民主，把选举民主与协商民主结合起来，把民主选举、民主协商、民主决策、民主管理、民主监督贯通起来，涵盖经济、政治、文化、社会、生态文明等各个方面，关注国家发展大事、社会治理难事、百姓日常琐事，具有时间上的连续性、内容上的整体性、运行上的协同性、人民参与上的广泛性和持续性，使国家政治生活和社会生活各环节、各方面都体现人民意愿、听到人民声音，有效防止了选举时漫天许诺、选举后无人过问的现象。

Whole-process people’s democracy in China is a complete system with supporting mechanisms and procedures, and has been fully tested through wide participation. China’s whole-process people’s democracy is a combination of electoral democracy and consultative democracy, and is applied through a combination of elections, consultations, decision-making, management and oversight. It covers the economic, political, cultural, social, eco-environmental and other fields, with a focus on national development, social governance and people’s lives.

Whole-process people’s democracy is a comprehensive and coordinated system involving extensive and regular participation, ensuring that the people’s voices are heard and their wishes are represented in every aspect of China’s political and social life. Whole-process people’s democracy prevents individuals from manipulating the political process to win elections, and leaves no room for politicians to shower promises while campaigning and break them all once elected.

人民通过选举、投票行使权利，选出代表自己意愿的人来掌握并行使权力，是中国民主的一种重要形式，是人民实现当家作主的重要体现。

By exercising their right to vote in elections, the people elect those who represent their will to hold and exercise power. This is an important form of democracy in China, and a clear demonstration of the people’s status as masters of the country.

中国的选举是广泛的，有国家机构选举、村（居）委会选举、企事业单位职工代表大会选举等，涵盖了国家政治生活和社会生活的各个方面；中国的选举是平等的，人民的选举权和被选举权得到充分保障，一人一票、票票等值；中国的选举是真实的，不受金钱操控，选民按照自己的意愿选出自己信任的人；中国的选举是发展的，选举形式手段随着经济社会的发展不断创新和丰富。

Elections in China are extensive and cover all aspects of the country’s political and social life. They include elections to government institutions, villagers and urban residents committees, and employees congresses in enterprises and public institutions. 

Elections in China are based on equality, and the people’s right to vote and stand for election is fully guaranteed. Each person can cast one vote, and all votes are of equal value.

Elections in China are genuine and not manipulated by financial interests. Voters are free to vote for the candidates they trust.

Elections in China are progressing in a positive direction with the progress of the economy and society.

国家机构选举。国家机构选举是指，选举产生全国人民代表大会和地方各级人民代表大会，由各级人大选举产生同级国家机关领导人员。在中国，年满18周岁、具有中华人民共和国国籍、未被依法剥夺政治权利的公民，都有选举权和被选举权。从全国人大到乡级人大，五级人民代表大会代表均由民主选举产生，每届任期5年。按照普遍、平等、直接选举和间接选举相结合以及差额选举、无记名投票的原则，选民直接选举产生县乡两级人大代表，县级以上人大代表由下一级人大选举产生。各级国家机关领导人员均由同级人大选举产生或者决定任命。

Elections to state organs. These include elections to the NPC and the local people’s congresses at all levels, and those in which deputies to people’s congresses elect leading officials of state organs at the corresponding levels. All citizens of the PRC who have reached the age of 18 – with the exception of those persons deprived of political rights in accordance with the law – have the right to vote and stand for election. 

In accordance with the principles of universal suffrage, equal rights, multiple candidates, and secret ballot, deputies to people’s congresses at the township and county levels are elected directly by the public. Deputies to people’s congresses at the city, provincial and national levels are elected by people’s congresses at the next level below. All deputies are elected for a term of five years. Leading officials of state organs at various levels are appointed or elected by people’s congresses at the corresponding levels.

基层选举。基层选举是中国最广泛、最生动的民主实践，包括村（居）民委员会选举和企事业单位职工代表大会选举。村（居）民委员会由主任、副主任和委员组成，村（居）民委员会选举与县乡人大选举同步进行。村（居）民依法定期选举产生村（居）民委员会成员。在企事业单位中，职工代表大会是职工当家作主、行使民主管理权力的机构，职工代表由全体职工通过民主选举产生。

Community-level elections. Elections at the grassroots level are the most extensive and dynamic form of democracy in China. They include elections of villagers committees, urban residents committees, and employees congresses in enterprises and public institutions. 

Villagers and urban residents committees are composed of chairpersons, vice chairpersons and members, and the elections are held simultaneously with those at the township and county levels.

Employees congresses – elected by all employees – are the bodies through which employees exercise their democratic management rights and make their own decisions in enterprises and public institutions.

中国的民主选举是符合中国国情的，是与中国的发展阶段相适应的，是随着经济社会发展与时俱进的。几十年来，中国适时修改选举法，选举全国人大代表时，农村和城市每位代表所代表的人口比例从新中国成立初期的8∶1，到1995年的4∶1，再到2010年的1∶1，逐步实现了城乡人口的平等选举。人们的民主意识不断增强，参选率不断提高。改革开放以来，中国先后进行12次乡级人大代表直接选举、11次县级人大代表直接选举，选民参选率均保持在90%左右。

China’s democratic elections are adapted to the country’s national conditions and stage of socio-economic development. Over recent decades, the Electoral Law of the National People’s Congress and Local People’s Congresses has been amended progressively. The ratio of deputy representation in people’s congresses has been optimized – in 1953 there was an imbalance between urban areas and rural areas that gave urban residents eight times more representation than rural residents. By 1995 this ratio had fallen to 4:1, and by 2010 there was parity – urban and rural residents had equal levels of representation. 

As the understanding of democracy has grown, so has the number of people participating in elections. Since the initiation of reform and opening up, China has held 12 direct elections to people’s congresses at the township level and 11 direct elections to those at the county level, with a current participation rate of about 90 percent.

有事好商量，众人的事情由众人商量，找到全社会意愿和要求的最大公约数，是人民民主的真谛。人民在通过选举、投票行使权利的同时，在重大决策前和决策过程中进行充分协商，尽可能就共同性问题取得一致意见。协商民主是中国民主独特的、独有的、独到的民主形式。

Whenever a problem occurs, those concerned should always hold deliberations in good faith. Matters involving many people are discussed by all those involved; to reach the greatest common ground based on the wishes and needs of the whole of society is the essence of people’s democracy. The Chinese people widely exercise their right to vote in elections and undertake extensive deliberations before major decisions are made. Democratic consultation is a special feature of democracy in China.

具有深厚基础。协商民主源自中华民族长期形成的天下为公、兼容并蓄、求同存异等优秀政治文化，源自近代以后中国政治发展的现实进程，源自中国共产党领导人民进行不懈奋斗的长期实践，源自新中国成立后各党派、各团体、各民族、各阶层、各界人士在政治制度上共同实现的伟大创造，源自改革开放以来中国在政治体制上的不断创新，具有深厚的文化基础、理论基础、实践基础、制度基础。

Democratic consultation has been established on the basis of solid cultural, theoretical, practical and institutional foundations. It derives from the best of traditional Chinese culture, including such ideas as aspiring for the common good, mutual understanding and inclusiveness, and seeking common ground while setting aside differences.

It comes from years of tenacious struggle by the Chinese people led by the CPC. 

It originates from the political system created by all parties, organizations, ethnic groups, social groups and people from all walks of life since the founding of the PRC.

It also stems from China’s continuous innovation in its state institutions since reform and opening up.

形式广泛多样。在各领域各层级，人民群众就改革发展稳定的重大问题以及事关自身利益的问题，通过提案、会议、座谈、论证、听证、评估、咨询、网络、民意调查等多种途径和方式，在决策之前和决策实施之中开展广泛协商。涉及全国各族人民利益的事情，在全体人民和全社会中广泛商量；涉及一个地方人民群众利益的事情，在这个地方的人民群众中广泛商量；涉及一部分群众利益、特定群众利益的事情，在这部分群众中广泛商量；涉及基层群众利益的事情，在基层群众中广泛商量。

Democratic consultation takes many forms. In making and implementing decisions on major issues concerning reform, development and stability, and on matters bearing on the vital interests of the people, China conducts extensive consultations in all fields and at levels through various channels, including proposals, conferences, discussions, seminars, hearings, assessments, consultations, the internet, and opinion polls. 

On matters that have a bearing on the interests of everyone, extensive consultations will be held throughout the whole of society; on matters that concern the interests of people in one specific region, consultations will be held locally; on matters that affect the interests of certain groups of people, consultations will be held among those groups; and on matters that concern the interests of a community, consultations will be held within the community.

体系不断健全。中国不断完善协商民主的发展路径，探索形成了政党协商、人大协商、政府协商、政协协商、人民团体协商、基层协商、社会组织协商等协商渠道，推动协商民主广泛多层制度化发展。政党协商，是中国共产党就中共全国代表大会和中共中央委员会的有关重要文件、宪法修改、有关重要法律的制定和修改、国家领导人建议人选、国民经济和社会发展的中长期规划以及年度经济社会发展情况、关系改革发展稳定等重要问题、统一战线和多党合作的重大问题等，同民主党派开展协商；人大协商，是各级人大在依法行使职权中与有关国家机关、社会组织、专家学者、人民群众开展协商；政府协商，是各级政府在履职尽责中与人大代表、政协委员以及民主党派、无党派人士、相关人民团体、社会组织以及群众代表等加强沟通协商；政协协商，是在中国共产党领导下，参加人民政协的各党派团体、各族各界人士履行职能，围绕改革发展稳定重大问题等，在决策之前和决策实施之中广泛协商、凝聚共识；人民团体协商，是人民团体就涉及群众切身利益的实际问题，特别是事关特定群体权益保障的，加强与政府相关部门的协商，积极参与政协组织的协商活动；基层协商，是基层党组织、基层政府、基层群众性自治组织、经济社会组织和群众等，就基层社会发展及事关群众切身利益的问题开展协商；社会组织协商，是各类社会组织就更好为社会服务，积极开展和参与协商。这七种协商渠道，极大丰富了民主形式、拓宽了民主渠道、加深了民主内涵。

The system of democratic consultation has improved. To promote the broad-based, multilevel and institutionalized development of consultative democracy, China has explored and expanded consultation channels to include consultations carried out by political parties, people’s congresses, government departments, CPPCC committees, people’s organizations, social organizations, and communities.

•The CPC and other political parties carry out consultations on major documents of the CPC National Congress and the Central Committee, the revision of the Constitution, the formulation and revision of major laws, the selection of candidates for state leaders, medium and long-term programs of socio-economic development, annual plan of socio-economic development, and major issues related to reform, development and stability, the united front, and multiparty cooperation.

•In exercising their functions and powers, people’s congresses at all levels engage in deliberations with government departments, social organizations, experts and academics, and the general public.

•Governments at all levels, when performing their duties, strengthen communication with deputies to people’s congresses, members of CPPCC committees, and representatives from the other political parties, the non-affiliates, people’s organizations, social organizations, and all sectors of society.

•Under the leadership of the CPC, the CPPCC carries out extensive consultations and build consensus on matters concerning reform, development, and stability.

•People’s organizations conduct consultations with relevant government departments on matters concerning the people’s vital interests, especially those concerning the rights and interests of particular groups, and participate in consultations organized by the CPPCC.

•CPC organizations, government departments, and people’s organizations for self-governance at the grassroots level, economic and social organizations, and local people deliberate over issues concerning the development of local communities and the vital interests of the people.

•Social organizations participate in or carry out consultations to better serve society.

With these seven consultation channels in place, China practices a rich and extensive form of democracy.

中国的协商民主，广开言路，集思广益，促进不同思想观点的充分表达和深入交流，做到相互尊重、平等协商而不强加于人，遵循规则、有序协商而不各说各话，体谅包容、真诚协商而不偏激偏执，形成既畅所欲言、各抒己见，又理性有度、合法依章的良好协商氛围，充分发扬了民主精神，广泛凝聚了全社会共识，促进了社会和谐稳定。

China draws on collective wisdom and promotes full expression and in-depth exchange of different ideas and viewpoints through democratic consultation. Parties to these consultations respect each other, consult on an equal footing, follow the rules, hold orderly discussions, stay inclusive and tolerant, and negotiate in good faith. In this way, a positive environment for consultation has been cultivated in which everyone can express their own views freely, rationally and in accordance with the law and rules. Through democratic consultation, China has built consensus and promoted social harmony and stability.

民主决策是全过程人民民主的重要一环。好的决策，反映人民意愿，保障人民权益，增进人民福祉。在中国，察民情、听民声、顺民意，群策群力、集思广益成为常态，越来越多来自基层的声音直达各级决策层，越来越多的群众意见转化为党和政府的重大决策。

Democratic decision-making is an important link in China’s whole-process people’s democracy. Reflecting the will of the people, sound decision-making ensures their rights and interests and improves their wellbeing. In China, the standard practice is to hear people’s voices, act on their needs, and pool their ideas and strength. More and more ideas and suggestions of the general public are flowing directly to decision-makers at all levels, and they are increasingly reflected in the major decisions of the Party and the government.

人大“开门立法”。各级人民代表大会及其常务委员会，坚持为民立法、民主立法，保障人民通过各种途径参与立法活动，努力让每一项立法反映人民意愿、得到人民拥护。法律立项，通过召开座谈会、听证会、论证会等方式，广泛听取意见，让人民的意志在立法的最初阶段就得到体现；法律草案起草，广泛听取公众意见和专业人士建议，探索委托第三方起草法律法规草案，让人民的诉求得到充分体现；法律草案公布，通过网络和新闻媒体，向社会各界广泛征求意见。基层群众通过基层立法联系点，直接参与法律草案的起草、立法调研、修改论证、立法后评估等多个环节。

Open-door legislation by the NPC. People’s congresses at all levels and their standing committees are committed to democratic lawmaking in the public interest. To reflect their will in lawmaking, the people’s participation in legislative activities is guaranteed through various channels, an approach that has won wide public support. 

When a piece of legislation is proposed, seminars, hearings and discussions are held to widely solicit public opinion, so that the people’s will is reflected from the very first stage of legislation. When a law is being drafted, professionals and the public are both consulted, and now third parties are entrusted to draft laws and regulations on a trial basis. When a draft law is released, it is subject to public review from online channels and news media. Through local legislative information offices, people can participate in the drafting, research, revision, evaluation, and post-assessment of draft laws.

政府“开门问策”。各级人民政府就即将实施的重大决策和各方提出的重大决策建议，充分听取各方面意见，保障人民群众通过多种途径和形式参与决策。在决策启动环节，人大代表、政协委员通过建议、提案等方式提出建议，公民、法人和其他组织提出书面建议，决策机关启动决策程序；在决策研究制定环节，通过座谈会、公开征求意见、听证会、问卷调查、实地走访等方式，广泛听取社会各界特别是直接关系人的意见和建议；在决策草案公示环节，通过政府网站和各类媒体，公布决策草案及其说明材料；在决策最终确定环节，按照民主集中制原则，在集体讨论的基础上作出决定；在决策后评估阶段，听取社会公众意见，吸收人大代表、政协委员、人民团体、基层组织、社会组织和专家等参与评估。

Transparent decision-making by the government. Governments at all levels hear the opinions and suggestions of all sectors on major decisions. Public participation in decision-making is ensured in various forms and through multiple channels.

At the beginning of the decision-making process, deputies to people’s congresses and CPPCC members make suggestions and proposals, and citizens, legal persons, and other organizations can file written suggestions. During the decision-making process, opinions and suggestions are collected from all social sectors, and especially from those directly concerned, through formats including seminars, hearings, questionnaires, and field trips. 

For public information, the draft decisions and relevant explanatory notes are available on government websites and media portals. In the last step, the final decision is made after group discussion based on the principle of democratic centralism. In post-assessment, public opinion is solicited once more, and deputies to people’s congresses, CPPCC members, people’s organizations, grassroots organizations, social organizations, and experts in various fields are invited to participate.

广大群众参与基层决策。基层群众通过村（居）民会议、村（居）民代表会议、村（居）民小组会议等形式，就经济社会发展、基础设施建设、社会综合治理、基层文化服务、生态环境保护、自治章程制定等基层治理中的重大问题提出意见建议，参与决策制定和实施。

Grassroots decision-making. This happens in various forms of meeting among rural villagers and urban residents or their representatives, on a wide range of subjects such as the economy and society, infrastructure, social management, cultural services, eco-environmental conservation, the formulation of self-governance regulations, and other key matters in local governance. Rural villagers and urban residents also take part in carrying out the decisions they have reached.

人民的事人民管，人民的事人民办。在中国，广大人民弘扬主人翁精神，发挥主体作用，积极行使民主权利，通过各种途径和形式，管理国家事务，管理经济和文化事业，管理社会事务。

In China, the people manage their own affairs. They are the masters of the country and exercise their democratic rights accordingly, managing affairs of the state, the economy, culture, and society through various channels and in many forms.

参与国家政治生活和社会生活的管理。人民行使宪法赋予的各项权利并承担宪法赋予公民的责任和义务，积极主动参加选举、协商、决策、监督等，在各个层级、各个领域参与国家政治生活和社会生活的管理，知情权、参与权、表达权、监督权得到有力保障。

Participation in the management of political and social life. The people exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations as prescribed by the Constitution. They participate in elections, consultations, decision-making, and oversight, and manage other areas of political and social life, fully enjoying their rights of information, participation, expression, and scrutiny.

城乡社区民主管理。根据宪法法律和有关规定，农村和城市社区居民结合本地实际，由村（居）民讨论制定村（居）民自治章程、村规民约、居民公约等，明确规定村（居）民的权利和义务，村（社区）各类组织之间的关系和工作程序，以及经济管理、社会治安、消防安全、环境卫生、婚姻家庭、邻里关系、计划生育、精神文明建设等方面的自治要求，普遍实现村（居）民在基层公共事务和公益事业中的自我管理、自我服务、自我教育、自我监督。

Democratic management of urban and rural communities. As per the Constitution, relevant laws and regulations, urban and rural residents can set rules and conventions to govern their communities. Through discussion, they can decide residents’ rights and obligations, the coordination rules and procedures between local organizations, and general principles for the collective economy, neighborhood security, fire safety, community sanitation, marriage, neighborhood relations, family planning, and activities concerning cultural progress. All urban and rural communities are run by their residents, who manage the public affairs and public services in their communities, exercise self-supervision, and seek to improve their lives.

企事业单位民主管理。全国超过1.5亿市场主体自主经营、自我管理、活力迸发，承载7亿多人就业，推动了中国经济总量、国家财力和社会财富稳定增长。根据宪法法律和有关规定，企事业单位普遍建立以职工代表大会为基本形式，以厂务公开制度、职工董事制度、职工监事制度为主要内容的民主管理制度。职工通过这些民主管理制度，参与企事业单位管理，维护单位职工合法权益，实现单位与职工协商共事、机制共建、效益共创、利益共享。目前，全国已建工会企业中，建立职工代表大会的企业有314.4万家，其中，非公有制企业293.8万家、占93.4%。

Democratic management of enterprises and public institutions. With autonomy in their business operations and management, more than 150 million market entities are thriving across the country, providing job opportunities to over 700 million people, increasing China’s national strength and promoting steady growth in economic and social wealth. 

In accordance with the Constitution, relevant laws and regulations, enterprises and public institutions are run under democratic management through their employees congresses. The framework features disclosure of information on the affairs of enterprises, and systems for employees to serve on the board of directors and the board of supervisors. Under this framework, employees participate in business management, and protect their own legitimate rights and interests. In this way enterprises and their employees develop and maintain management mechanisms through consultation, and share the benefits they create. 

A total of 3.14 million enterprises have established employees congresses, including 2.94 million private enterprises.

社会组织民主管理。社会团体、基金会、社会服务机构等社会组织，普遍制定章程，加强组织成员管理，自主开展活动，集中组织成员或服务对象的意见建议，以组织化的方式积极参与社会公共事务治理，在行业自律、社会服务、慈善事业等领域发挥民主管理作用。截至2021年11月，各级民政部门共登记社会组织超过90万家，其中全国性社会组织2284家。形式多样的社会组织成为人民民主管理的重要领域。

Democratic management of social organizations. Associations, foundations, social services and other social organizations formulate their own charters and exercise autonomy in managing their staff and activities. They address the concerns of their staff and clients, and hear their opinions. They participate in the governance of public affairs as appropriate to their role, and contribute to improving professional discipline, public services and charitable undertakings.

As of November 2021, more than 900,000 social organizations were registered with departments of civil affairs at all levels, including 2,284 with national networks. Diverse in form, social organizations have become an important area of people’s democratic management in China.

全面有效的民主监督，保证人民的民主权利不因选举结束而中断，保证权力运用得到有效制约。在中国，解决权力滥用、以权谋私的问题，不能靠所谓的政党轮替和三权分立，要靠科学有效的民主监督。中国结合本国实际，探索构建起一套有机贯通、相互协调的监督体系，形成了配置科学、权责协同、运行高效的监督网，对权力的监督逐步延伸到每个领域、每个角落。

Comprehensive and effective democratic oversight enables the people to continue to exercise their democratic rights after elections, and ensures that there is an effective check on the exercise of power. In China, the abuse of power for personal gain is not eradicated by the rotation of ruling parties or separation of powers, but by sound, effective democratic oversight. Taking into consideration its own conditions, China has explored a coordinated system of oversight and established a well-defined, efficient supervisory network with clear functions and responsibilities. Supervision of power extends across every area and into every corner.

人大监督。人民代表大会充分发挥作用，对宪法法律的实施、重大决策部署的落实等开展监督。各级人大及其常委会加强对“一府一委两院”执法、监察、司法工作的监督，确保法律法规得到有效实施，确保行政权、监察权、审判权、检察权得到正确行使。人民通过人大代表座谈会、基层群众座谈会、问卷调查、网络调研等“开门监督”的形式，积极参与人大监督工作。

Supervision by people’s congresses. People’s congresses play their full role in overseeing the enforcement of the Constitution and laws, and the implementation of major decisions and plans. The people’s congresses at all levels and their standing committees have strengthened their efforts to oversee judicial, supervisory and law enforcement work by the government, supervisory commissions, people’s courts, and people’s procuratorates, to ensure that laws and regulations are observed and that administrative, supervisory, judicial and procuratorial powers are exercised properly. The people actively participate in supervisory work of the people’s congresses by various means such as forums of NPC deputies, meetings of people from the grassroots, questionnaires, online research, etc.

民主监督。中国共产党支持民主党派和无党派人士在坚持四项基本原则基础上，在政治协商、调研考察，参与党和国家有关重大方针政策、决策部署执行和实施情况的监督检查，受党委委托就有关重大问题进行专项监督等工作中，通过提出意见、批评、建议等方式，进行民主监督。参加人民政协的各党派团体和各族各界人士在政协组织的各种活动中，依据政协章程，重点就党和国家重大方针政策和重要决策部署的贯彻落实情况，以提出意见、批评、建议的方式进行协商式监督，协助党和政府解决问题、改进工作、增进团结、凝心聚力。

Supervision by non-CPC political parties. The CPC encourages the other political parties and the non-affiliates to exercise democratic oversight by expressing views, making criticism and giving advice as they participate in political consultation, conduct field work, take part in inspection and oversight of the implementation of major policies, decisions and plans of the Party and the state, and carry out targeted scrutiny over major issues as entrusted by CPC committees, while adhering to the Four Cardinal Principles – to keep to the path of socialism, to uphold the people’s democratic dictatorship, to uphold the leadership of the CPC, and to uphold Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. The political parties, organizations, and prominent figures participating in the CPPCC can, in accordance with the CPPCC’s charter, oversee in various activities organized by the CPPCC the implementation of major policies, decisions and plans of the CPC and the state by offering criticisms and suggestions. Their assistance to the CPC and the government in solving problems and improving their work increases solidarity.

行政监督。国家行政机关按照法定的权限、程序和方式，对行政机关自身的组织行为、行政行为进行监督，包括各行政机关自上而下、自下而上以及相互之间进行的监督。

Administrative supervision. The state administrative organs, in accordance with their statutory authority, procedures and methods, supervise their own operational and administrative acts. Different organs supervise each other, and conduct internal supervision from top to bottom and from bottom to top.

监察监督。监察机关依法履行监察监督职责，对公职人员政治品行、行使公权力和道德操守情况进行监督检查，督促有关机关、单位加强对所属公职人员的教育、管理、监督。

Oversight by supervisory commissions. Supervisory commissions perform their duties of supervision as provided for by the law. They examine the political conduct of public servants and supervise their exercise of public power and their fulfillment of professional ethics; they can also urge relevant organs and units to strengthen education, management and supervision of their staff.

司法监督。审判机关和检察机关依照法定职权和程序对人民授权的国家公权力进行监督。司法监督是党和国家监督体系中强制性程度最高的一种监督机制，是党和国家利用监督手段、维护公权力正确行使的“最后一道防线”。

Judicial supervision. The judicial and procuratorial organs, in accordance with their statutory purview and procedures, supervise the exercise of public power mandated by the people. Judicial supervision is the most forceful form of oversight of the CPC and the state; it is the ultimate “line of defense” to ensure lawful exercise of public power.

审计监督。审计机关依法对本级各部门和下级政府预算的执行情况和决算以及其他财政收支情况，进行审计监督。

Auditing supervision. Auditing organs at each level inspect budget performance, audit the final accounts and the revenues and expenditures of the departments at their level and of lower-level governments.

财会监督。财政部门根据法律授权，对财政、财务、会计管理的法律、行政法规、部门规章等执行情况进行监督。

Fiscal and accounting supervision. Financial departments are legally empowered to supervise the enforcement of laws, administrative regulations, and departmental regulations that govern fiscal and accounting affairs.

统计监督。统计部门及负有统计调查职责的相关机关，对所有行使统计权力、负有统计义务的组织和人员进行监督，防范和惩治统计造假、弄虚作假，确保统计资料真实准确、完整及时，为经济社会发展提供扎实的统计保障。

Statistical supervision. Statistical departments and relevant offices with statistical functions and duties supervise all organizations and personnel producing official statistics, to prevent and punish falsification, and ensure that statistical data are authentic, accurate, complete, and up to date, providing reliable reference for planning economic and social development.

群众监督。公民、法人或者其他组织通过各种方式，对各级国家机关及其组成人员履职情况进行监督，既可以依法申请行政复议、提起行政诉讼，也有权向监察机关检举控告监察对象不依法履职，违反秉公用权、廉洁从政从业以及道德操守等规定，涉嫌职务违法、职务犯罪行为。

Public supervision. Citizens, legal persons and other organizations supervise the performance of state organs and their staff. They can request administrative review, initiate administrative litigation, or file complaints or charges with supervisory organs against any misconduct or crime involving dereliction of duty, abuse of power, or violation of professional ethics.

舆论监督。媒体充分发挥舆论监督作用，对滥用公权、失职渎职等行为及时揭露曝光。随着互联网的快速发展，人们更多地借助网络等平台，对各级国家机关和公职人员提出意见、建议和批评，网络在舆论监督中发挥着越来越重要的作用。

Supervision by public opinion. The media fulfill their supervisory role by representing public opinion, exposing in a timely manner abuses of public power, derelictions of duty, and acts of malfeasance. People are now relying more on the fast-growing internet and other platforms to offer criticisms and suggestions on the work of state organs and public servants at all levels. The internet is playing a bigger part in facilitating supervision by public opinion.

With complete institutions and extensive participation, whole-process people’s democracy has evolved from an idea into a system and mechanism of governance that has taken root in the soil of Chinese society and become part of people’s lives. In practice, the principle of the people being masters of the country is manifested in the Party’s governance policies and measures, in all aspects of the work of Party and state organs at all levels, and in the efforts to meet the people’s expectation for a better life. The light of democracy has illuminated China’s entire territory, allowing its people to enjoy extensive and tangible democratic rights.

中国宪法规定，国家的一切权力属于人民；人民依照法律规定，通过各种途径和形式，管理国家事务，管理经济和文化事业，管理社会事务。中国的政治权力不是依据地位、财富、关系分配的，而是全体人民平等享有的。国家权力不是为资本服务的，而是为人民服务的。

The state power serves the people, rather than capital.

中国实行公有制为主体、多种所有制经济共同发展，按劳分配为主体、多种分配方式并存，社会主义市场经济体制等社会主义基本经济制度，国民经济命脉牢牢掌握在人民手中，人民当家作主具有坚实经济基础和物质保障。

China practices a socialist market economy in which public ownership plays the leading role alongside other forms of ownership. Distribution according to work is the mainstay, while other forms of distribution coexist alongside it. This ensures that the lifelines of the Chinese economy remain firmly in the hands of the people, providing solid economic and material foundations for the people to run their own country.

在中国，人民依法享有选举权和被选举权，享有对国家和社会事务的知情权、参与权、表达权、监督权，享有对任何国家机关和国家工作人员提出批评和建议的权利，享有言论、出版、集会、结社、游行、示威、宗教信仰等自由。人民既广泛参与国家、社会事务和经济文化事业的管理，也在日常生活中广泛充分行使民主权利，每个人都有多重民主角色，都享有相应民主权利。

In China, the people have the right to vote and stand for election. They enjoy the rights to be informed about, to be involved in, to express views on, and to supervise the state and social affairs. They have the right to criticize and make suggestions regarding any state organ or public servant. They enjoy freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, procession, demonstration, and religious belief. The Chinese people take part in the management of state affairs and social, economic, and cultural affairs in an extensive manner; they also fully exercise their democratic rights in everyday life. Everyone plays multiple roles in advancing democracy, and enjoys corresponding democratic rights in the process.

在中国，人权得到充分尊重和有效保障。人民幸福生活是最大的人权。中国经济保持长期稳定快速发展，人民生活显著改善。中国建成世界上规模最大的社会保障体系，基本医疗保险覆盖超过13亿人、基本养老保险覆盖超过10亿人。中国全面建成小康社会，14亿多人民彻底摆脱了绝对贫困，正迈向共同富裕。中国人民的获得感、幸福感、安全感不断提升，生存权、发展权、健康权得到充分保障，经济、政治、文化、社会、环境等方面权利不断发展。

In China, human rights are fully respected and protected. Living a life of contentment is the ultimate human right. China’s economy has maintained long-term, stable, and rapid growth, and people’s lives have significantly improved. China has established the world’s largest social security system. The number of people covered by basic medical insurance has surpassed 1.3 billion, and the number of those covered by basic old-age insurance has now exceeded 1 billion. China has completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The entire country has shaken off absolute poverty and embarked on the road to common prosperity. The people have gained a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security. Their rights to subsistence, development and health are fully protected, and their economic, political, cultural, social, environmental, and other rights keep expanding.

中国人民享有的权利不断丰富发展。从新中国成立后在政治、经济平等基础上谋求生存发展，到改革开放后既追求物质富裕也追求精神富足，再到新时代打赢脱贫攻坚战、全面建成小康社会、扎实推进共同富裕、取得抗击新冠肺炎疫情重大战略成果，中国人民享有权利的内涵不断丰富、外延不断拓展，向着实现人的全面发展不断迈进。

The Chinese people can see their rights being steadily enriched and improved. After the founding of the PRC in 1949, they began to seek subsistence and development on the basis of political and economic equality; after the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, they began to pursue both material and cultural prosperity; in this new era, China has eliminated absolute poverty, completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, made great strides towards common prosperity, and achieved remarkable successes in the fight against Covid-19. Throughout this course, the rights enjoyed by the Chinese people have expanded in scope and depth, and steady progress has been made in achieving the free and well-rounded development of the individual.

人民只有在投票时被唤醒、投票后就进入休眠期，只有竞选时聆听天花乱坠的口号、竞选后就毫无发言权，只有拉票时受宠、选举后就被冷落，这样的民主不是真正的民主。在中国，民主观念深入人心，人民的民主参与广泛持续，民主实践深深融入人们的日常工作和生产生活，民主蔚然成风，社会充满活力。

If the people are awakened only to cast a vote but become dormant afterwards, that is no true democracy. If the people are offered great hopes during electoral campaigning but have no say afterwards, that is no true democracy. If the people are offered fulsome promises during electoral canvassing but are left empty-handed afterwards, that is no true democracy. In China, the concept of democracy has taken root in the people’s minds, and the practice of democracy has become an integral part of daily life and work, resulting in wide and sustained democratic participation. Democracy has become the norm, injecting great vitality into Chinese society.

人民参与民主的意愿不断增强，参与的广度和深度不断拓展。人民既参与国家和社会事务管理，又参与经济和文化事业管理；既参与国家发展顶层设计的意见建议征询，又参与地方公共事务治理；既参与民主选举、民主协商，又参与民主决策、民主管理、民主监督；既通过人大、政协等渠道表达意愿，又通过社会组织、网络等平台表达诉求。从“数豆豆”（注②）到电子投票，从群众跑腿到“数据跑路”，民主参与的形式不断创新、渠道不断拓展。党和国家要做什么、如何做、做得怎么样，人民参与贯穿始终。

The Chinese people are showing greater interest in democratic participation, which is expanding in scope and depth. The people participate in the management of state affairs, social affairs, and economic and cultural affairs; they provide opinions and suggestions for the design of national development plans at the highest level, and also contribute to the governance of local public affairs; they take part in democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight; they express their aspirations and demands through channels such as the people’s congresses and the CPPCC, and through platforms like social organizations and the internet. Continuous innovations in the forms and channels of democracy have broadened participation: Electronic voting has replaced “bean voting” ; people no longer need to deliver their demands to government departments in person, but can turn to online channels. Public participation is seen throughout the process of determining what the Party and the government should do and how, and how to assess its results.

人民利益要求既能畅通表达，也能有效实现。民主，起始于人民意愿充分表达，落实于人民意愿有效实现。人民意愿只能表达、不能实现，不是真正意义的民主。在中国，人民的期盼、希望和诉求，从国家大政方针，到社会治理，再到百姓衣食住行，有地方说、说了有人听、听了有反馈。人民的意愿和呼声，经过民主决策程序成为党和国家的方针政策，并通过中央、省、市、县、乡镇各个层级的紧密配合、层层落实，通过各个职能部门之间主管、主办、协管、协办的分工合作、协调配合，通过决策、执行、检查、监督、问责等各个环节的相互配合、有机衔接，转化为实现人民意愿的具体实践。对于涉及自身利益的实际问题，人们通过信访平台、领导信箱、政务热线、网络“留言板”等提出意见和诉求，能够得到及时反馈和回应。

The people’s demands can be freely expressed and effectively fulfilled. Democracy starts with the full expression of the people’s wishes, but if people can only voice their wishes but have no way to fulfill them, that is no real democracy. China has ensured that its people have channels to express their aspirations, wishes and demands on issues ranging from important national strategies and policies to social governance and basic necessities of life, enabling their voices to be heard and their requests to be answered.

Through the democratic decision-making process, the people’s aspirations and voices can become the guiding principles and policies of the Party and the state. These principles and policies embody the people’s expectations and are implemented through cooperative and effective efforts by governments at central, provincial, city, county, and township levels, through the division of work and teamwork of departments responsible for leadership, management, coordination and support, and through the collaboration and synergy of such activities as decision-making, implementation, inspection, scrutiny, and accountability. Concerning problems directly impacting their personal interests, people can make suggestions and demands via channels like the online petition, “leaders’ mailboxes”, government service hotlines, and online message boards, which can enable timely feedback and responses.

民主与国家治理紧密相关。民主的发展与国家治理的现代化相伴相生，相互作用，相互促进。绝无国家治理“失灵”“低效”，国内问题成堆，民主却是“世界样板”的荒谬现象。好的民主一定是实现良政善治的，一定是推动国家发展的。

Democracy and national governance operate in parallel. Progress in democracy and modernization of national governance are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. It is hard to see how a country can serve as a good example for the rest of the world if its own model of democracy is unsuccessful or inefficient in national governance. One essential feature of a good model of democracy is that it will promote sound governance and boost national development.

中国民主的高质量，促进了国家治理的高效能，提升了国家治理体系和治理能力现代化水平。中国的民主，充分彰显了人民的主体地位，极大增强了人民的主人翁意识，人民既是民主的参与者，也是民主的受益者，智慧力量充分激发，既为自己也为国家、民族拼搏奋斗。中国的民主，有效调节国家政治关系，发展充满活力的政党关系、民族关系、宗教关系、阶层关系、海内外同胞关系，增强民族凝聚力，最大限度避免了牵扯，切实防止了相互掣肘、内耗严重的现象，形成了安定团结的政治局面和团结干事的强大合力。中国的民主，把党的主张、国家意志、人民意愿紧密融合在一起，使得党、国家和人民成为目标相同、利益一致、相互交融、同心同向的整体，产生极大耦合力，形成集中力量办大事的制度优势，有效促进了社会生产力解放和发展，促进了现代化建设各项事业，促进了人民生活质量和水平不断提高。中国的民主，始终把中国人民利益放在第一位，有效维护了国家独立自主，有效维护了国家主权、安全、发展利益，有效维护了中国人民和中华民族的福祉。

High-quality democracy in China has improved the system, capacity and efficiency of national governance. Democracy has given prominence to the people’s principal status and reinforced their sense of being masters of the country. The people are the builders and beneficiaries of democracy. They fully tap into their own wisdom and strength to create a better life and make the country stronger. 

Democracy in China effectively regulates political relations and fosters vibrant relationships among political parties, ethnic groups, religions, social groups, and compatriots at home and abroad. It bolsters national cohesion by minimizing internal friction, maintains political unity and stability, and creates great synergy in developing the country. 

Democracy in China gives full expression to the guidelines of the CPC, the will of the state, and the expectations of the people, uniting the Party, the government and the people behind shared goals, interests and aspirations. This generates a huge cohesive force that translates into one of China’s great institutional strengths – the ability to pool resources to accomplish major initiatives. It has helped unleash and develop the productive forces, incentivize all sectors in the drive for modernization, and raise the quality of life. 

Democracy in China has always put the people first and improved their wellbeing. It has safeguarded national independence and protected national sovereignty, security and development interests.

新中国成立70多年来，党团结带领人民，不断战胜前进道路上各种世所罕见的艰难险阻，成功走出中国式现代化道路，取得举世瞩目的发展成就，中国经济实力、综合国力、人民生活水平显著提升。对于中国这样一个人口多、体量大、人均资源禀赋处于世界较低水平的最大发展中国家，没有人民的主人翁地位和主人翁精神，没有亿万人民的团结奋斗，实现这样的发展是不可能的。中国的民主，真正把发展为了人民、发展依靠人民、发展成果由人民共享落到实处，充分调动起人民的主观能动性，这是中国之治的“密码”，是中国民主的力量。

Over the seven decades since the founding of the PRC, the CPC has led the people in overcoming formidable difficulties, opening a distinctive Chinese path to modernization, and achieving remarkable successes. There has been a marked increase in China’s economic and composite national strength, and a notable improvement in the people’s living standards.

China is the largest developing country. It hosts one fifth of the world population, but its per capita resource endowment is low. Its success today would have been impossible without the people’s determination to run their own country and create a better life for themselves. Democracy in China means people-centered development that fully mobilizes the initiative of the people, relies on their strength, and ensures that all share in the benefits. This is the key to sound governance and the fount of democracy in China.

民主是人类社会进步的产物和标志。发展民主，要推动社会向着自由、平等、公正、文明、团结、和谐的方向前行。好的民主，应凝聚社会共识，而不是造成社会撕裂和冲突；应维护社会公平正义，而不是导致社会阶层和利益固化；应保持社会稳定有序，而不是带来混乱和动荡；应让社会充满向美向善向上的正能量，而不是充斥假恶丑的负能量。

Democracy is both a result and a marker of social progress. Democracy can only thrive in a society based on freedom, equality, justice, civility, unity and harmony. A good model of democracy should build consensus rather than creating social rifts and conflicts, safeguard social equity and justice rather than widening social disparities in favor of vested interests, maintain social order and stability rather than causing chaos and turmoil, and inspire positivity and appreciation of the good and the beautiful rather than instigating negativity and promoting the false and the evil.

中国国情复杂，治理难度世所罕见。中国的人民民主，实现各方面意志和利益的协调统一，实现各方面在共同思想、共同利益、共同目标基础上的团结一致，人民安居乐业、心情舒畅，社会和谐稳定、生机勃勃。中国用几十年时间走过了西方发达国家几百年走过的工业化历程，在剧烈的社会变革中，没有发生后发国家在现代化进程中容易出现的社会动荡，不仅创造了经济快速发展奇迹，也创造了社会长期稳定奇迹。中国人民经历了几千年历史上个人自由的最大发展，思想可以自由地表达，人员可以自由地流动，亿万人民的创新源泉充分涌流、创造活力竞相迸发。今天的中国，人们自由自在地穿梭于城乡之间、城市之间；每天有1.6万户企业诞生；10亿网民通过网络了解天下大事、进行交流、表达观点……中国社会开放自由，但始终保持了社会团结和谐、稳定有序。人民民主既是中国社会进步的推进器，也是中国社会进步的润滑剂。

China’s complex national conditions pose a set of unique challenges in governing the country. Through people’s democracy, China has balanced the demands and interests of all social groups and strengthened national unity based on their shared ideas, interests and goals. The people can live and work in contentment, in a stable, vibrant and harmonious social environment. 

In just a few decades, China has gone through a process of industrialization that took the developed countries centuries to complete. Despite undergoing this dramatic transformation, it has avoided the social unrest which has afflicted many late-industrializing economies in the process of modernization. Instead, it has maintained rapid economic growth and lasting social stability.

In China, personal liberty has developed to an extent never before seen in several thousand years of history. Creativity and potential for innovation have been fully unleashed, and people enjoy freedom of speech and mobility.

Every day in China, people travel freely across the country; 16,000 new companies are created; 1 billion people surf the internet, accessing news, communicating with other people, and expressing their views.

While China has become an open and free society, it has maintained order and stability and promoted unity and harmony. People’s democracy is the propellant as well as the lubricant for China’s social progress.

权力是把“双刃剑”。权力在有效制约和监督下运行才能实现民主、造福人民，权力失去约束、恣意妄为必然破坏民主、危害人民。中国不断加强对权力运行的制约和监督，始终坚持公权力姓公，始终坚持权为民所用，确保人民赋予的权力始终用来为人民谋幸福。

Power is a double-edged sword. It can only contribute to democracy and benefit the people when it is exercised under effective constraints and supervision. Unchecked, it is always likely to run out of control, sabotage democracy, and harm the people. In China, the exercise of power has been brought under growing control and supervision. Public power, entrusted by the people, is and will always be exercised for the public good.

把权力关进制度的笼子里。加强对权力的制约和监督，制度具有根本性、全局性、稳定性和长期性。持续推进依规治党，持续推进依法治国、依法执政、依法行政，依法设定权力、规范权力、制约权力、监督权力，让权力在阳光下运行。健全完善党内法规制度体系，严明纪律规矩，使党的各级组织和党员干部都在纪律规矩范围内活动。普遍实行领导干部任期制，实现了国家机关和领导层的有序更替。加强对领导干部特别是高级领导干部的管理，严格规范工作和生活待遇，坚决防止形成特权阶层。健全党和国家监督制度，坚持和完善党和国家监督体系，完善党务、政务、司法和各领域办事公开制度，保证党和国家领导机关和人员在法定的“权力清单”和“责任清单”范围内、依照法定程序开展工作，最大限度防止权力出轨、个人寻租。

Restraining power in an institutional cage. Checks on and supervision over power are being strengthened under solid institutions, ensuring measures against corruption are thorough, all-encompassing, consistent and long-lasting. Ongoing efforts have been made to govern the CPC by regulations, and to promote law-based governance, law-based exercise of state power, and law-based government administration. Power is prescribed by law, and regulated, constrained, and supervised by legal means, to ensure it is exercised transparently. The CPC has taken measures to strengthen its regulations, and requires all its members and organizations to act within the scope of Party discipline and rules. Officials’ term of office has been introduced for leadership positions, ensuring the orderly transition of leadership personnel in state organs. Management of officials, especially high-ranking officials, has been strengthened, with strict and clearly-defined rules over their incomes and entitlements to prevent the evolution of a privileged elite. The supervisory systems of the Party and the state have been improved; the Party, the government, the judiciary, and all sectors have become more transparent in handling affairs; leading Party and state organs and their personnel work within their statutory limits, with clear powers and responsibilities and following statutory procedures. All this prevents rent-seeking and ensures that the exercise of power does not stray beyond the proper boundaries.

坚决反对和惩治腐败。腐败是人民民主的大敌。中国以“得罪千百人、不负十四亿”的鲜明态度，坚定不移推进反腐败斗争。坚持系统施治、标本兼治，不敢腐、不能腐、不想腐一体推进，惩治震慑、制度约束、提高觉悟一体发力。坚持反腐败无禁区、全覆盖、零容忍，坚持重遏制、强高压、长震慑，坚持受贿行贿一起查，坚持有案必查、有腐必惩，以猛药去疴、重典治乱的决心，以刮骨疗毒、壮士断腕的勇气，坚定不移“打虎”“拍蝇”“猎狐”，以雷霆之势、霹雳手段惩治腐败，持续形成强大震慑，反腐败斗争取得压倒性胜利并全面巩固。在解决腐败这个古今中外治国理政的顽疾方面，中国不仅有鲜明态度，更有实际行动。

Fighting and punishing corruption. Corruption is the arch-enemy of people’s democracy. The Chinese government is determined to honor its commitment to 1.4 billion Chinese people by fighting corruption. With systemic efforts to address both the symptoms and root causes, the awareness, ability and resolve to resist corruption form an integral, coordinated whole. While punishments are meted out to deter crime, institutional checks and personal commitment to staying clean also play a role. No refuge has been excluded from the scope, no ground left unturned, and no tolerance shown in the fight against corruption. China will continue to impose tight constraints, maintain a tough stance and long-term deterrence, and punish both those who take bribes and those who offer them. No case of corruption will escape investigation and no corrupt official will go unpunished. Just as a heavy dose of medicine will be taken to treat a serious disease, China will fight with all the means necessary to “hunt down tigers”, “swat flies”, “chase foxes” and mete out severe punishments to corrupt officials – big or small, in China or seeking refuge overseas. Strong, decisive measures have struck down corruption like thunder, forming a powerful deterrence that has helped to consolidate China’s sweeping victory in the fight against corruption. To solve this persistent malaise, a thorn in the flesh of all governments regardless of time or place, China has taken a clear stance and responded with resolute action.

评判一种民主形式好不好，实践最有说服力，人民最有发言权，归根结底要看能不能让人民过上好日子。中国的民主行不行、好不好，归根结底要看中国人民满意不满意、中国人民拥护不拥护。有数据显示，近年来，中国人民对中国政府的满意度每年都保持在90%以上，这是中国民主具有强大生命力最真实的反映。中国的民主道路走得通、走得好，中国人民将沿着这条道路坚定走下去。

Whether a model of democracy works should be tested in actual practice and judged by the people. Whether China’s model of democracy is successful should be judged by its people. It all boils down to whether the people can enjoy a good life. Surveys have shown that the level of public satisfaction with the government has remained above 90 percent for many years. This provides unequivocal evidence of the efficacy and vitality of democracy in China. The Chinese people will continue firmly on the path they have chosen to achieve greater democracy.

Democracy is a political form that has taken shape over the course of thousands of years. It has played a significant role in human development. Since the onset of the 20th century, democracy has made little progress in some countries, and others have found themselves in a state of turmoil and even have split apart. Today’s world is facing challenges of excessive democracy, democracy implemented in great haste, democratic deficit and fading democracy. What has happened to democracy? Does it still work? The answers to these questions will influence world peace and development and the future of all civilizations. There is nothing wrong with democracy per se. Some countries have encountered setbacks and crises in their quest for democracy only because their approach was wrong.

中国的民主经历了选择、探索、实践与发展的艰辛历程。中国基于本国国情发展全过程人民民主，既有着鲜明的中国特色，也体现了全人类对民主的共同追求；既推动了中国的发展与中华民族的复兴，也丰富了人类政治文明形态。

In promoting democracy, China has undergone a difficult process of selection, experimentation, practice and development. China has created and developed whole-process people’s democracy in line with its national conditions. This is a form of democracy with distinctive Chinese features which at the same time reflects humanity’s universal desire for democracy. It has fueled the development of the country and driven the revitalization of the nation. It has contributed a new model to the international political spectrum.

一个国家在现代化进程中，实现民主发展与政治稳定、社会进步的良性互动，极其重要，也极为不易。

It is extremely important, yet also very difficult, for a country on the road to modernization to promote democracy while ensuring political stability and social progress.

中国的现代化，没有走西方老路，而是创造了中国式现代化道路；没有照搬照抄西方民主模式，而是创造了中国式民主。占世界人口近五分之一的14亿多中国人民真正实现当家作主，享有广泛权利和自由，提振了发展中国家发展民主的信心，为人类民主事业发展探索了新的路径。这是中国对人类政治文明的重大贡献，也是人类社会的巨大进步。

China did not follow the established path of Western countries in its modernization drive. Similarly, China did not duplicate Western models of democracy, but created its own. Now, the entire Chinese population, almost one fifth of the world’s total, enjoys extensive rights and freedoms. This is most encouraging to developing countries and greatly enhances their confidence in developing their own democracy. China’s new approach to democracy represents a significant contribution to international politics and human progress.

人民当家作主，是中国民主的初心。中国在发展民主的进程中，也走过弯路，遇到过挫折，但始终坚守初心，不动摇、不偏移、不走样。今天的中国，人民当家作主的内涵不断丰富、渠道不断拓宽、效能不断提升，中国民主不断向前推进。

The original aspiration of China’s democracy was to ensure the people’s status as masters of the country. China’s path to democracy has been rocky and tortuous. Nevertheless, the nation has remained unshaken in its determination to pursue democracy based on its original aspiration. In today’s China, the goal of ensuring the people’s status as masters of the country has grown richer in content, wider in channels, and greater in impact, driving democracy in China onward.

树立正确的民主观，并一以贯之地坚持、发展与创新，是发展民主的首要，是实现民主的“总钥匙”和“总开关”。真民主、好民主，要做到人民当家作主，人民不仅有选举、投票的权利，也有广泛参与的权利；不仅能表达自己的意愿，也能有效实现；不仅推动国家发展，也共享发展成果。

An accurate understanding and a determination to forge ahead are preconditions and the key for realizing, developing, and enriching democracy. A sound and genuine democracy must allow the people to become masters of the country. It must allow them to enjoy the right to stand for election, the right to vote, and the right to extensive participation. It must allow them the right to express their expectations and the right to have those expectations fulfilled. It must allow them the right to contribute to national development and the right to share the fruits of development.

Democracy is rich in form, and there are many ways to achieve it. Countries with different histories, cultures and national conditions may choose different forms of democracy. Blindly copying other models of democracy is a problematic endeavor – it risks creating cultural conflict, political volatility or even social turmoil and causing great pain to its people.

对中国这样一个大国来说，选择什么样的民主发展道路至关重要。中国注重吸收借鉴人类政治文明一切有益成果，但绝不照抄照搬别国民主模式；欢迎一切有益的建议和善意的批评，但绝不接受“教师爷”般颐指气使的说教。坚持中国的民主按照中国的特点、中国的实际来设计和发展，坚定不移走符合国情的民主发展之路，是中国民主发展的一条基本经验。

It is of vital importance for China to choose a path to democracy suited to a vast country with a large population. China draws on each and every political achievement of other countries, but does not imitate any of their models of democracy. China welcomes all constructive suggestions and well-intentioned criticism, but rejects any form of overbearing lecture. China must devise the most suitable form of democracy in accordance with its characteristics and realities – a basic principle China adheres to for developing democracy.

中国发展民主，始终立足人口多、基础弱、底子薄的基本国情，正确把握民主与发展的关系，始终把发展作为第一要务，以民主促进国家发展、在国家发展基础上推进民主，不离开发展空谈民主；始终传承5000年中华文明，注重从中华优秀传统文化中汲取智慧和养分；始终准确把握中国所处的历史阶段，紧密结合经济社会发展水平推进民主，积极稳妥、稳中求进，不好高骛远，不急于求成，不犯颠覆性错误；始终坚持问题导向，不断发现问题、善于解决问题，每解决一个问题就把民主建设向前推进一步，不断推动民主制度体系更加成熟、更加定型。

As a populous country long plagued by weak economic foundations, China strives to strike a balance between democracy and development. The priority always rests with development, which is facilitated by democracy and in turn boosts the development of democracy. China has never indulged in empty talk on democracy regardless of a country’s development stage. 

Always drawing wisdom and strength from its 5,000-year-old culture and fine traditions, and based on a correct understanding of its current development stage and its economic and social conditions, China has made active and prudent efforts to advance democracy. To avoid fatal errors, it never seeks unrealistic goals or over-extends itself in pursuit of quick success. Instead, it focuses on identifying and resolving each and every problem, and presses ahead with democracy step by step to make the system more mature and well-defined.

世界上不存在完全相同的政治制度，也不存在适用于一切国家的政治制度模式。各国应根据自身特点选择符合自身现代化发展的民主形态，学习借鉴而不是照抄照搬。适合的就是最好的。只有扎根本国土壤、汲取充沛养分的民主，才能不断发展完善，才最可靠也最管用。外部干涉和所谓的“民主改造”贻害无穷。中国不寻求输出中国的“民主模式”，也绝不接受任何外部势力企图改变中国的制度模式。中国坚定支持各国自主选择本国的民主发展道路，反对外部势力以“民主”为借口干涉他国内政。

There are no identical political systems in the world, neither is there a political model that fits all. Countries can borrow from the successful experience of others and develop forms of democracy suited to their own modernization process, but they should not simply duplicate other systems or models. The model that suits best is always the most appropriate. Only democracy rooted in a country’s unique social environment has proven to be reliable and effective, and can thrive and progress. External interference and “democratic transformation” bring nothing but endless trouble. China never seeks to export the Chinese model of democracy, nor does it allow any external force to change the Chinese model under any circumstances. It firmly supports the independent choice by every country of its own path to democracy, and opposes any interference in others’ internal affairs on the pretext of “bringing democracy”.

Democracy manifests itself in two dimensions: On a national level, it refers to the people’s status as masters of their own country; on an international level, it refers to the democratic relations between nations. 

A country’s dignity should be respected, and its sovereignty, security and development interests are inviolable. To judge other countries by one’s own yardstick, or force them to duplicate one’s own political system or democratic model through color revolution or the threat of force are undemocratic in themselves.

中国是民主的忠实追求者、积极推动者和模范实践者，不但在本国积极发展人民民主，而且在国际上大力推动国际关系民主化。面对世界百年未有之大变局，中国高举和平、发展、合作、共赢的旗帜，提出构建人类命运共同体理念，推动建设相互尊重、公平正义、合作共赢的新型国际关系。面对全球范围内经济、科技等领域竞争，中国不是把对方视为对手，而是视为伙伴；不是搞冷战和对抗、控制和操纵，而是促进交流合作、实现互利共赢。中国积极发展全球伙伴关系，构建总体稳定、均衡发展的大国关系框架，按照亲诚惠容理念和与邻为善、以邻为伴周边外交方针深化同周边国家关系，秉持正确义利观和真实亲诚理念加强同发展中国家团结合作。中国推动共建“一带一路”走深走实，与其他国家加强交流合作、共享发展机遇，“一带一路”成为广受欢迎的国际公共产品。

China is a faithful and exemplary actor in pursuing, exploring and practicing democracy. It endeavors to increase democracy both within its own territory and between nations. At a time of momentous change of a scale unseen in a century, China champions peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. China proposes to build a global community of shared future, and presses for a new model of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation. At a time of intense global competition in the economic, scientific, technological and other fields, China regards other countries as partners rather than rivals – it does not engage in cold war, confrontation, control or manipulation, but rather promotes mutually beneficial exchanges and cooperation. 

China has actively developed global partnerships. It works to establish a framework of major-country relations that is generally stable and balanced. In developing relations with neighboring countries, it applies the principles of amity, sincerity, inclusiveness, mutual benefit, and the policy of promoting friendly and neighborly ties. In strengthening cooperation with other developing countries, China pursues the greater good and shared interests, and applies the principles of sincerity, affinity, good faith and real results. China has strengthened exchanges and cooperation with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and shared the gains with them, expanding the initiative into more regions and turning it into a well-received global public good.

当今世界，民主平等、公平正义远未实现。少数国家漠视国际公理、践踏国际准则、违背国际民意，公然侵犯他国主权，干涉他国内政，动辄以大欺小、恃强凌弱，把“地球村”变成弱肉强食的原始丛林。面对充满挑战的世界，各国应大力弘扬民主精神，不论大小、强弱、贫富，在国际关系中一律平等。大国要有大国的样子，要以人类前途命运为要，对世界和平与发展担负更大责任，而不是依仗实力搞唯我独尊、霸凌霸道。世界的命运应由各国人民共同掌握，国际规则应由各国共同制定，全球事务应由各国共同治理，发展成果应由各国共同分享。

The present world is far from fair and just, equal and democratic. A small number of countries ignore international law, flout international justice, disdain international public opinion, flagrantly infringe upon the sovereignty of other countries, and interfere with others’ internal affairs. They frequently abuse and dictate to smaller and weaker countries, turning the “global village” into a primeval jungle where the strong prey on the weak. In a world confronted by challenges, all countries, large or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equals, and should uphold the principle of democracy in international relations. Powerful countries should behave as befits their status, make the future of humanity their priority, and shoulder greater responsibility for world peace and development, rather than wielding their power in pursuit of supremacy or hegemony. The future of the world should rest in the hands of all peoples of the world. International rules should be made by all countries, global affairs should be governed by all parties, and the fruits of development should be shared by all.

There is no single road to democracy. The true barrier to democracy lies not in different models of democracy, but in arrogance, prejudice and hostility towards other countries’ attempts to explore their own paths to democracy, and in assumed superiority and the determination to impose one’s own model of democracy on others.

Political systems vary from civilization to civilization, and each has its own strengths. All countries should uphold the principle of nondiscrimination, respect others’ models of democracy, share experience with others, explore their own paths, and contribute their due share to human progress.

“一人一票”是民主的一种形式，但绝非民主的唯一和全部。长期以来，民主本义被少数国家异化歪曲，“一人一票”、政党竞争等西方选举制度被包装成民主的唯一标准。少数国家把民主作为政治工具，以同我即对、非我即错的霸权思维，以民主名义干涉别国内政、侵犯别国主权、服务自身政治目的，打着民主旗号在世界上煽动对抗与分裂，加剧国际紧张局势，成为世界乱源。人类文明要继续向前迈进，各国要实现和平共处、共同发展，必须探索民主真谛，把民主擦亮。

One Person, One Vote is a democratic principle, but it is by no means the only principle, nor does it of itself create democracy. However, it has long been misinterpreted and its meaning distorted by a small number of countries. The principles of One Person, One Vote and party competition underlying the Western electoral system are propagated by them as the sole criterion for democracy. A handful of countries exploit democracy as a political tool. Adopting the hegemonic mindset that “whoever disagrees with me is wrong”, they interfere in the internal affairs of others in the name of democracy, and infringe on their sovereignty to serve their own political interests. They also incite antagonism and secession on the pretext of “bringing democracy”, causing endless instability in many parts of the world and aggravating international tensions. To advance human progress and achieve peaceful coexistence and common development, all countries must understand and promote genuine democracy.

政党是现代国家治理中的重要主体，是推动人类社会进步的重要力量。在人类文明发展的历史潮流中，各国政党应本着对人类前途命运高度负责的态度，担当起引领推动人类民主事业发展的责任，以民为本，开放包容，求同存异，相互尊重，更好实现本国民主发展，更好实现人民幸福。中国共产党愿继续同各国政党和政治组织一道，深化交流，加强互鉴，共同促进人类社会发展进步。

Political parties in all countries are the major entities of modern governance and an important force for social progress. They should therefore assume their responsibility to spearhead democracy in pursuit of a shared future for humanity, and to achieve greater democracy in their own countries in pursuit of the greater wellbeing of their peoples. They should be open and inclusive, put people first, seek common ground while setting aside differences, and demonstrate mutual respect. The CPC is willing to work together with other political parties and political organizations around the world to increase exchanges, learn from each other, and promote human progress.

There is always scope for improving the system of democracy. Humanity’s quest for and experiments with greater democracy will never end.

中国的民主发展取得了显著成就，同时，与现代化建设的新要求、与人民对民主的新期待相比，中国的民主还需要不断发展完善。在全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程上，中国共产党将继续高举人民民主旗帜，始终坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，坚定不移推进全过程人民民主，在不断推动人的全面发展、全体人民共同富裕中实现民主新发展，让民主之树根深叶茂、永远常青。

China has achieved considerable progress in developing democracy; to meet the new requirements of modernization and the people’s new expectations for democracy, China still needs to make further improvements. On the path towards comprehensive socialist modernization, the CPC will continue to uphold people’s democracy, embrace the people-centered development philosophy, promote whole-process people’s democracy, ensure the sound development of democracy, and pursue well-rounded human development and common prosperity for everyone.

当今世界，正处于百年未有之大变局，既充满机遇和希望，也充满风险和挑战。只有尊重各国人民自主选择的民主道路，坚持和平发展，维护公平正义，拓展民主自由，提升人民幸福，才能汇聚全人类文明发展的强大合力，共同迈向更加美好的明天。

Today’s world is experiencing change on a scale unseen in a century. It can anticipate hopes and opportunities as well as risks and challenges. All paths to democracy chosen by the peoples themselves deserve proper respect. We should pursue peaceful development, safeguard fairness and justice, increase democracy and freedom, and improve the people’s wellbeing. This is the only way to build synergy among all civilizations in the quest for a better future.

文明因交流而多彩，文明因互鉴而丰富。中国人民愿同世界各国人民一道，弘扬和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由的全人类共同价值，本着相互尊重、求同存异的精神，共同丰富发展人类政治文明，共同推动构建人类命运共同体。

Civilizations are enriched by exchanges and mutual learning. The Chinese people are willing to work together with all other peoples around the world to carry forward the common values of humanity – peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. In a spirit of mutual respect and following the principle of seeking common ground while setting aside differences, we will add new elements to the world’s political structure and advance towards a global community of shared future together.

来源：新华社  中国外文局

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