---
title: "All-China Federation of Trade Unions — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The All-China Federation of Trade Unions is China's only official trade union body, linking the Communist Party to workers, with no independent unions allowed."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/all-china-federation-of-trade-unions"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The All-China Federation of Trade Unions is China's sole legally recognized national trade union body, functioning as a Communist Party-led mass organization rather than an independent labor union.
- Why is the ACFTU not considered an independent trade union?
- Do Chinese workers have a constitutional right to strike?
- How does the ACFTU compare with trade unions in India?
- Which ILO conventions has China not ratified regarding the ACFTU's role?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2006, under pressure from the ACFTU, the US retailer Walmart agreed to allow trade union branches in its China stores, marking the federation's high-profile push to unionize foreign-invested enterprises.

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