Governance by platforms: Configuration of the relationship between Party-government and society in China

Abstract

Platforms have emerged as the dominant mode of communication in China, empowering individuals to express their opinions and question the authority and credibility of the ruling party. To illustrate the impact of platforms on Party-government relations and society in China, we analyze four representative Chinese platforms: the Sina Microblog matrix of @Yinchuan for Governing Online, Shenzhen Baoan Tong APP, Shanghai Baoshan Community Link platform, and the smart party building platform in Beihai City. Drawing on these case studies, we argue that platforms not only provide channels for party control and government transformation, but also contribute to social progress by shaping the relationship between the Party-government and society, thus reshaping Chinese governance.