Introduction: “New Normal” under Xi Jinping

Abstract

Under the slogan of “new normal” (xin changtai) the PRC has started to revise its governance model. This new mode of governing the Chinese party-state is based on synchronized reforms in five sectors, coordinated via a “top-level design” (dingceng sheji). While the market is ascribed a leading role for the allocation of resources, reforms also include a modernization of the state bureaucratic system. Furthermore, new frames have been added to the PRC’s official governance philosophy that indicate a turn to a novel concept of state-society relations.