China's political landscape is dominated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has been in power since 1949. The country operates under a one-party system, meaning that the CCP controls the government and does not allow for opposition parties. Key decisions are made by a small group of leaders, with the General Secretary of the CCP being the most powerful figure. The government emphasizes stability and economic growth, often prioritizing these over individual freedoms. While there are local elections, they are limited in scope, and the central government maintains strict control over political expression and dissent, ensuring the CCP's continued dominance in Chinese society.