Federalism in China

Chinese federalism refers to political theories which argue that China's central government should share sovereignty with regional entities under a form of federalism. Such proposals were made in the early twentieth century, in connection with the end of the Qing dynasty.

More recently, with a view to providing checks against the central government and settling the relationship between Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and other potential political entities (including the provinces of mainland China).

Wu Bangguo, former number two official in China's leadership structure, stated in 2011 that there would be no federal system in China. He said: "There will be no separation of powers between the different branches of government and no federal system. It is possible that the state could sink into the abyss of internal disorder [if this happened]."