'County party secretary' is the highest-ranking official of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at the county level. The title reflects China’s dual administrative–party system: while the county magistrate heads the government, the county party secretary holds greater authority over personnel, policy direction, and major decisions. Each character contributes meaning: 县 (xiàn) means 'county', a basic administrative division; 委 (wěi) is short for 委员会 (wěiyuánhuì), 'committee'; 书记 (shūjì) literally means 'secretary', but in CCP usage denotes the top leader of a party organization.

This position is pivotal in local governance—overseeing economic development, social stability, poverty alleviation, and implementation of central policies. County party secretaries are appointed by higher-level party committees (usually at the prefectural or provincial level) and serve as key links between national leadership and grassroots implementation. Though not elected by the public, they wield significant influence over local officials, budgets, and planning.