State Council of the People's Republic of China

State Council of the People's Republic of China
The State Council of the People's Republic of China, also known as the Central People's Government, is the chief administrative authority and the national cabinet of China. It is constitutionally the executive organ of the National People's Congress, the highest organ of state power, and the highest administrative organ of the country. It is composed of the premier, vice premiers, state councilors, ministers of ministries, directors of committees, the auditor general, and the secretary-general.
The premier is responsible for the State Council and exercises overall leadership of its work. The secretary-general of the State Council, under the leadership of the premier, is responsible for handling the daily work of the State Council and heads the General Office of the State Council. The executive meeting of the State Council, consisting of the premier, vice premiers, state councillors and the secretary-general, meets two to three times a month, while the plenary session, consisting of all members of the State Council, meets every six months
The State Council directly oversees provincial-level People's Governments, and in practice maintains membership with the top levels of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Aside from a few, members of the State Council are also members of the CCP's Central Committee.
Organization
The State Council is described by the Chinese constitution as the executive organ of the National People's Congress (NPC), as well as the "highest state administrative organ". Constitutionally, the main functions of the State Council are to formulate administrative measures, issue decisions and orders, and monitor their implementation; draft legislative bills for submission to the NPC or its Standing Committee; and prepare the economic plan and the state budget for deliberation and approval by the NPC. The State Council is under authority of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with the ultimate decisions being made by the Politburo.
Currently, the State Council work rules state that it "adheres to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" and "resolutely safeguards the authority of the Party Central Committee"
Composition
The State Council is composed of the premier, several vice premiers, several state councillors, ministers of ministries, directors of committees, the auditor general, and the secretary-general. The premier leads the State Council, and is appointed by the NPC upon the nomination by the president, though in practice the premier is chosen within the CCP leadership, including the Politburo Standing Committee. The vice premiers (one executive and generally three others), state councillors, and a secretary-general (who normally also serves as a state councillor) all assist the premier.
Each vice premier oversees certain areas of administration in support of the premier. In practice, the vice premiers and State Councillors assume responsibility for one or more sectors or issues, and remain in contact with the various bodies responsible for policy related to that area. This allows the Standing Committee to oversee a wide range of government functions. Each State Councillor performs duties as designated by the Premier. The secretary-general heads the General Office which handles the day-to-day work of the State Council.
The State Council includes 26 constituent departments, and oversees the province-level governments throughout China. Each ministry supervises one sector. Commissions outrank ministries and set policies for and coordinate the related activities of different administrative organs. Offices deal with matters of ongoing concern. Bureaus and administrations rank below ministries. In addition to the ministries, there are 38 centrally administered government organizations that report directly to the state council. The heads of these organizations attend full meetings of the state committee on an irregular basis.
The State Council controls the Ministry for National Defense but does not control the People's Liberation Army, which is instead controlled by the Central Military Commission (CMC). The State Council previously had joint command over the People's Armed Police (PAP) together with the CMC, principally through the Ministry of Public Security, though 2018 reforms placed the PAP solely under CMC command.
Meetings
The plenary session of the State Council meets every six months, composed of all members of the State Council. Between meetings it is guided by a which is held two to three times a month, and can be called at the discretion of the premier. The Executive Meeting is composed of the premier, vice premiers, state councilors, and the secretary-general.
Members
Executive Meeting
Plenary Meeting
The Plenary Meeting of the State Council is hosted by the Premier, joined by Vice Premiers, State Councillors, Ministers in charge of Ministries and Commissions, the Governor of the People's Bank, the Auditor-General, and the Secretary-General. It usually runs bi-annually and when necessary, non-members can be invited to participate.
See also
Department of State Affairs in the Three Departments and Six Ministries system
Ming dynasty: Central Secretariat → Grand Secretariat
Qing dynasty: Grand Secretariat → Grand Council → Cabinet
Republic of China: State Council (1912–28) → Executive Yuan (1928–present)
People's Republic of China: Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government (1949–54); Ministries of the PRC
References
External links
China, People's Republic of, State Council
Government agencies established in 1954
1954 establishments in China