This term encapsulates an age-old Chinese belief, rooted in the value of collective wisdom, which advocates extensive consultation with the public on important issues in governance. As stated in the ancient Chinese classic, The Book of History, when addressing important issues in governance, a ruler should not make decision purely by himself. Instead, he should take a more inclusive approach to decision-making. A ruler should not only give full consideration to the issue involved himself, he should also consult with advisors and the public at large. This approach would help ensure that the decision made represented the consensus of wider society and was therefore rational and enforceable. This concept, viewed in the context of modern times, is seen as representing an early emerging value of democracy in China’s political history. Sometimes this concept is also used to refer to the process of decision-making that occurs within the lower house in the two-house parliamentary system in the West.

When you face great uncertainty, think about it yourself; then seek counsel from your advisors, engage in conversation with the broader public and consider the wisdom shown in characters carved in the tortoise shell and divining stalks. If an agreement emerges between you, the oracles, your advisors, and the public, then a consensus is reached. (The Book of History)

For those countries, whenever there are significant actions to be undertaken, these actions are first presented by the leader of the nation to the upper legislative body for consideration, an act which we would refer to as “consultation with advisors.” Subsequently, these matters are submitted to the lower legislative body for deliberation. This is what we would call “engagement with the broader public.” (Draft History of the Qing Dynasty)