Expat in China Shares Insights on Democracy’s Evolution: ‘People’s Voices Matter’

As China marks the 70th anniversary of its National People’s Congress (NPC) system this year, Colombian vlogger Fernando Muñoz Bernal – a 24-year resident of the Chinese mainland – offers a unique perspective on how the country’s governance model prioritizes collective progress.

‘The NPC isn’t just about politics – it’s about action,’ says Fernando, who’s attended multiple local legislative sessions. He highlights how deputies from all 56 ethnic groups debate policies ranging from rural healthcare upgrades to AI development roadmaps.

What makes the system tick? Fernando points to three pillars:

1. Grassroots participation through neighborhood committees
2. Multi-round public consultations on draft laws
3. Performance evaluations for NPC deputies

‘It’s like a nationwide suggestion box meets a progress report card,’ he quips, noting recent youth-driven proposals like eco-friendly delivery packaging mandates.

From witnessing poverty alleviation programs in Yunnan to attending digital economy forums in Hangzhou, Fernando emphasizes: ‘This system doesn’t just allow participation – it requires it to function.’ His viral TikTok series #NPCUnfiltered has racked up 2.8M views from curious global Gen-Zers.

Reference(s):

We Talk: Expat in China for 20 years on benefits of Chinese democracy

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