Socialist market economy
The socialist market economy (SME) is the economic system and model of economic development employed in the People's Republic of China. The system is based on the predominance of public ownership and state-owned enterprises within a market economy. The term "socialist market economy" was first used during the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 1992 to describe the goal of China's economic reforms. Originating in the Chinese economic reforms initiated in 1978 that integrated China into the global market economy, the socialist market economy represents a preliminary or "primary stage" of developing socialism. Despite this, many Western commentators have described the system as a form of state capitalism.
Democracy in China
Modern Chinese leaders state that they run a "socialist democracy" where the Communist Party of China is a central authority that acts in the interest of the people. The Communist Party approves what political parties can run. The Democracy Index scores China a 3.1 out of 10, classifying its government as authoritarian.