Provincial-Level Government in Mainland China: Organizational Structure and Central Control

Abstract

The faithful execution of central policies by provincial-level governments (PLGs) has played an important role in maintaining mainland China`s highly centralized system. The central authorities have been able to control the PLGs through their monopoly over official appointments at provincial level. Notwithstanding this organizational control, PLGs have at various periods since 1949 pursued their own interests to the detriment of the center, the resurgence of localism in recent years being a case in point. During the Cultural Revolution in particular, the PLGs were also able to take advantage of the frequent power struggles at the center which prevented Beijing from exercising effective control over the provinces. The increase in local autonomy since Deng Xiaoping initiated his reform policies in 1978 has resulted in an upsurge in localism, presenting a new challenge to the central government.