From what I can observe living here, the State has the authority to do as it pleases and it does. Over half our office is Communist Party members. I had one such member, a young PhD. tell me recently, "Chairman Mao is like your George Washington". What do you say to that? (rhetorical)
There is an AP story just posted here where the Party is ending international news networks from broadcast in China. Check it out.
I had a friend who traveled a lot over there last summer and was amazed at the freedom compared to 20 yrs ago. Still a long way to go, but much more individual liberty she observed.