China Presentation

The concept of “Good Governance” or “Shan Zhi” was first introduced in a high-level Chinese Communist Party (CCP) document in 2014. Since then, this term has become an important part of China’s political discourse. But, the meaning of “good governance” in the UN and EU frameworks is quite different from the Chinese interpretation. Here the focus is on efficient service delivery, controlling corruption and ensuring public order, but elements such as individual rights and non-governmental participation are given less importance.

In the UN and EU frameworks, good governance means efficiency, accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, rule of law, and civic participation. In these frameworks, non-governmental actors and civil rights are quite central. But China’s approach is more centralized and authoritarian. Here collective rights such as public order and social stability are prioritized over individual rights.