The People's Republic of China is in many regards a single-party state. This means that only one political party, the Communist Party of China, is legally allowed to hold effective power at the national level. Eight minor parties are allowed, but they are legally required to accept the leadership of the dominant party. In the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau multi-party systems exist, remaining from before their transfer from European colonial territories to integration into the PRC. Currently in effect is a one country, two systems plan whereby the political structure of the former colonies is ostensibly preserved despite return to Chinese control.
The parties
See also
