China has a socialist political system led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The central government consists of the legislative body (the National People's Congress), the executive branch (the State Council), and the judicial system (headed by the Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate). The CCP holds substantial control over political, economic, cultural, and social affairs through its party structure at various levels. While economic reforms and openness to globalization have occurred, the authoritarian nature of the Chinese government limits public participation, free speech, and political pluralism. Local governments operate within the framework set by the central government but enjoy certain degrees of autonomy and flexibility.