How many political parties are officially recognized in China alongside the CCP?

The correct answer is that eight political parties are officially recognized in China alongside the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This unique political system operates under the principle of "democratic centralism," where the CCP maintains its leading role while allowing other minor parties to exist. These eight parties do not function as opposition parties; rather, they operate within the framework set by the CCP, participating in advisory roles rather than competing for power.

The eight parties include organizations such as the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the China Democratic League, and the China Association for Promoting Democracy. They participate in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), contributing to policy formulation and political discourse, but they are not allowed to challenge the authority of the CCP.

This system emphasizes the CCP's dominance and reflects China's approach to political pluralism, which differs significantly from multiparty systems found in other countries. The acknowledgment of these parties showcases a controlled environment where the CCP seeks to create a façade of political diversity while ensuring its supremacy in governance.