Mechanical Responsiveness: China’s Online Petition System

Abstract

Using quantitative analysis and qualitative in-depth interviews conducted in China in 2022-2024, this study explores a new form of grievance expression and dispute resolution adopted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): the online petition. While digital technology can receive and handle public complaints more efficiently, local officials under intense top-down pressure and increased accountability often only address citizens’ demands performatively to satisfy the political needs of their superiors. The study of “mechanical responsiveness” reveals that the CCP’s reinforced scrutiny of petitioners as well as local officials not only fails to prevent and resolve disputes at the source but also may lead to increased social discontent and pent-up resentments in the long run when the government fails to live up to its promises. Citizens will also lose faith in the institution and become politically disengaged if grassroots officials are always trying to curry favour with their superiors and avoid punishment rather than address public demands.