culture - The Chinese characteristics of democracy

Well, I asked for it myself. A few days ago I wondered how to struggle through the new white paper on democracy and how to make soup out of it. I was not alone in this struggle. Shanghaiist gives a list of links of others who have tried the same.
Somebody at the China Daily in Beijing must have seen that we were struggling, so they try to explain it, here in a reprint of Xinhua.

The reading process may be a little tedious considering the prevalence of unfamiliar political jargon. But ample rewards are guaranteed - you will find out what democracy means in terms of official Chinese political ideology, and how democracy - the Chinese brand - is practised.

Hmm. You might have seen my earlier thoughts on the way China issues labels. You look at the label and try to think that what is behind that label does not comply with the real situation anymore: something that is a traditional way of changing in China.
We already know that despite its label the Communist Party of China is not communist anymore. By referring to 'Chinese characteristics' academics tend to explain unexplainable inconsistencies. But we know better.
Now, what if it is also not really a party anymore? It is just not a party in the classic meaning, as an entity that can be replaced by another party - as is often the case with real parties. It is a hybrid form that is really what other countries would call their administration. Changes are done within the frame work of that administration. Only a revolution or a change in dynasty could really change that framework and there might not be even the beginning of an alternative. Just some thoughts coming from my obsession in looking behind Chinese labels. Maybe we should have a look at this label that is called 'democracy' too.