（Photo/VCG）

We have entered into an era where all Chinese reforms are described as ‘astonishing’ or ‘remarkable’. The whole world is deeply interested in the changes currently being implemented in China and their impact on the rest of the world. However, it is regrettable to see the overwhelming belief amongst Westerners that Chinese government is illegitimate and Chinese development is unsustainable. Such views are biased and overly simplistic. These opinion holders do not treat China as it is and seem to be outsiders of China’s governance. To get an accurate picture of Chinese-related phenomena, case studies are an effective method.  

On a recent forum held in the Huzhou city of China’s Zhejiang Province, political leaders and international scholars from over 20 countries discussed the characteristics and benefits of China’s social governance and its significance for the world. Che Jun, Party Chief of Zhejiang province said that Zhili, a town in Huzhou, is a good example of the success of China’s governance in that it has changed from a polluted back alley town into a promising center of diversified industries and the largest children’s clothing industry cluster in China. This remarkable change is wholly due to the town’s adherence to socialism with Chinese characteristics. 

(Photo/Lin Yunlong)

Zhili is a small town which is located in the Wuxing District of Huzhou city. Nowadays, it has become the largest children’s clothing industry cluster in China and has transformed itself from a once backward place into a promising center of diversified industries.

Statistics indicate that up to the present, a total of 130,000 children’s clothing manufacturing companies have been established in Zhili Town. However, looking at the town today, you would be hard-pressed to believe that several decades ago, Zhili was only a very poor region. The transformation of Zhili is a testament to the social governance in Zhejiang, one of the most vibrant regions in China. Firstly, let’s analyze the development skeleton of Zhili before we discuss its local method of governance.

By the end of the 1970s, Zhili was an outdated village with one small old street and a very limited range of industry. In the 1980s, locals would sell their handmade commodities on the streets, such as embroidery and pillow cases. During the 1990s, the children’s wear industry ushered in an explosive period of growth. In 1992, the People’s Government of Huzhou City approved the establishment of the Zhili Economic Development Zone, which gave Zhili a higher degree of freedom to develop their children’s wear industry. It was during this time that Zhili began to modernize and focus on economic development with its own ambitious regional blueprint. The staggering growth of this town is a direct result of its efficient local governance. 

A synthesis of public services

(Photo/Zhejiang Daily)

This town pioneers in the public service management system. In addition, sub-districts were established within Zhili Town, with 609 members of staff being dispatched to every point throughout the administration network, including city management and public security etc. Following these steps, by 2013 Zhili had built up an administrative service center which now includes 23 departments, 69 windows for services and was capable of handling up to 331 tasks from up-level administrative regions. According to reports from Zhejiang Daily, Zhili has set up a major functional area for social governance, which includes petition, drug control and other convenient services for the public. 

Moreover, in order to promote a local government free of corruption and to develop a clear relationship between local government and the business sector, Zhili published 20 rules to clarify the responsibilities of the government for the purpose of improving the efficiency of public services. 

A strong network of social forces

(Photo/Zhang Dong)

(Photo/Lin Yunlong)

Another highlight of the local governance in Zhili Town is the strong network of social forces. The veterans’ stations were initiated by veteran Chen Jianru, who wants to be a guardian of the local ordinary people and veteran community. The stations are manned by 1,915 veterans who reside in the town. Up to the present, the veterans’ stations have assisted in more than 293 disputes and have provided various services for 112 people. Another example is the “Safeguarding the Public Welfare Alliance” which now consists of more than 800 members and is involved in every aspect of the town’s social governance, including traffic maintenance and security patrol etc. 

In short - reading about China from the perspective of a Western democracy perspective is not a good choice to understand China. To fully absorb the main political philosophy and spirit of China’s governance, it is better to treat it as it is. Socialism with Chinese characteristics has always been people-centered and this is clearly shown in the case of Zhili Town. President Xi said that the democracy of the Chinese people is a whole process: all major legislative decisions in China will be made "after going through procedures and democratic deliberations to make sure the decision-making is sound and democratic." The case of Zhili is a representative microcosm of China’s successful social governance. Once you take a closer look at China and conduct more field research, you will get a better understanding of this country.