The political ranking of the People's Republic of China is the ranking of political leaders in China, by order of presumed political power. Although there is no formally published ranking, the relative positions of Chinese political figures can usually be deduced from the order in meetings and especially by the time and order which figures are covered by the official media.

Depending on the person and the time period, the hierarchy will vary accordingly. Although Chinese political positions are becoming increasingly institutionalized, part of the power of Chinese leaders still derives from who they are, rather than what position they hold. Special consideration deserves the informal role als paramount leader.

Individuals could hold multiple top leadership titles but also be unable to claim to be the de facto ruler as was the case with Hua Guofeng, when "paramount leader" Deng Xiaoping was present. The traditional ranking system was based upon the hierarchial line of the politburo standing committee, however "special" cases do arise as it is the case with Jiang Zemin and the 4th Generation leaders. Jiang, although retired from the politburo and the central committee, was nonethless ranked number two for being the all powerful CMC chairman until his resignation on September 19, 2004.

Typical Ranking is as follows:

Type 1:

1. General Secretary of the Party,
2. President of the PRC,
3. Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC),
4. Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC),
5. Premier of the state council,
6. Chairman of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference
7. Vice President of the PRC

Type 2:

1. General Secretary of the Party,
2. President of the PRC,
3. Chairman of the NPC,
4. Chairman of the CMC,
5. Premier of the state council,
6. Chairman of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference
7. Vice President of the PRC

Type 3:

1. General Secretary of the Party,
2. Chairman of the NPC,
3. Chairman of the CMC,
4. Premier of the state council,
5. President of the PRC,
6. Chairman of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference
7. Vice President of the PRC

Type 4:

1. General Secretary of the Party,
2. President of the PRC,
3. Chairman of the CMC,
4. Premier of the state council,
5. Chairman of the NPC,
6. Chairman of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference
7. Vice President of the PRC

Type 5: (CURRENT)

1. General Secretary of the Party,
2. President of the PRC,
3. Premier of the state council,
4. Chairman of the CMC,
5. Chairman of the NPC,
6. Vice President of the PRC
7. Chairman of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference

See also:

• Politics of the People's Republic of China
• Generations of Chinese leadership