---
title: "Autonomous Regions Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "Autonomous regions are province-level divisions in China for ethnic minorities, allowing limited self-government. Key for understanding China's governance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/autonomous-regions"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Autonomous regions are province-level administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China established for areas with concentrated ethnic-minority populations, granting limited self-government under unitary cent…
- How many autonomous regions does China have, and which are they?
- What is the constitutional basis for autonomous regions in China?
- How do autonomous regions differ from Special Administrative Regions like Hong Kong?
- Does autonomy in China imply a right to secede?

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

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In 1965 the People's Republic of China formally established the Tibet Autonomous Region, with its government chairperson required by the Constitution to be of Tibetan nationality, though the dominant regional Party secretary post has remained held by Han officials.

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