What does it mean for workers to collectively own means of production? Am I supposed to own only the laboratory I work at or everything everywhere? What if I decide to change a place of employment? Why doesn't owning it though the intermediary of the state and your representative in the communist party qualify?
As for what democratic mechanisms exist, the PRC has a similar government, constitution and election system as DPRK and Cuba, with guiderails to ensure that no reaction ever takes hold, and Capital doesn’t purchase influence (Xi has an entire book talking about his anti-corruption policies to purge the influence of Capital from the state).
The proof is in the pudding, again all you need to look at is the 95% approval rating of the party and the unity of the nation behind them - the near unanimous support for most policies, and the responsiveness of the government to adapt when it does not match up with public opinion
I guess I need to actually read up on the political and electoral system, it's a little much to ask you to explain those to me. I guess you're right that if the people support the state (which they certainly seem to) then it by definition represents the will of the people. If anything at this point I'm just curious how they manage to be so responsive despite governing over a billion people. Thanks for taking the time to reply to me!