Key advantages held over Western democracies, experts say

A centralized political system such as China's may be better equipped than Western liberal democracies to meet the challenges of the 21st century, according to leading experts.

Responding to the novel coronavirus pandemic, tackling climate change and advancing technology, along with other challenges, require the huge mobilization of resources that a centrally planned economy working effectively and efficiently might be best able to achieve. However, this is not accomplished by standing still.

As Beijing hosts the annual two sessions, improving the operation of the governance system is high on the agenda.

A program of national governance modernization was set in place at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee in October.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, made clear the challenge when he set out the session's agenda.

"What we need to do now is to advance the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance in the practice of upholding and improving the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics," he said.

Koh King Kee, president of the Centre for New Inclusive Asia, a leading Asian think tank based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said the pandemic has brought into focus the effectiveness of government systems around the world as never before.

"The World Health Organization and many international leaders have complimented China on its achievements in combating the coronavirus. China's centralized system has demonstrated its strength in being able to do this," he said.