Abstract: The objective of reforming the administrative system is to dismantle the prevailing configuration pattern characterized by “institution-responsibility-power”. In practice, there are primarily two modes of reform: the power center and the responsibility center. Certain aspects of the comprehensive administrative law enforcement system and administrative approval system reforms adopt a power center model, resulting in a disjunction between responsibilities and authorities for administrative entities. This issue stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between responsibility and power. To establish a responsibility center within administrative system reforms, China should reconstruct this relationship to facilitate a transfer of authority accompanied by accountability, prioritize primary responsibilities, ensure alignment between responsibility and power, and clarify responsible parties. To evaluate both the trajectory and direction of these reforms concerning responsibility-power dynamics, it is essential to adjust administrative duties through modifications in power; amend regulations governing the separation of responsibility from power within reform initiatives; promote an evolution in administrative reform models from absolute centralization towards relative centralization; shift from horizontal distribution to vertical allocation; refocus efforts from communities centered on power towards those centered on shared responsibility; as well as transition from lists delineating power alone to those encompassing both power and corresponding responsibility.