Bending Without Breaking, the Adaptability of Chinese Political Institutions

Chinese economic reforms in the past 20 years have brought profound changes on China’s economy and its society. During that period, the Chinese government has undertaken limited, albeit significant, political changes, at a time when economic reforms have unleashed forces that jeopardize political stability. This paper examines the extent to which such cautious political changes can accommodate, ameliorate, or diffuse political tension. The increase in overt expressions of rural and urban discontent might stem from the complex strategy that the state has employed to encourage political participation and redirect blame in order to secure its control. These efforts to relieve political tension and preserve legitimacy by gradually yielding to societal demands represent a “bending-without-breaking” approach, of which the Organic Law on Villagers’ Committees is an excellent example. After presenting a more realistic assessment of the political impact of social unrest, this paper concludes that, although there is still room for political maneuvering through gradual political reform, challenges for the state remain significant.