CHINA – POLITICS
Arrest of Tan Zuoren and Xu Zhiyong
Rights activist Tan Zuoren, whose investigation of shoddy school construction in Sichuan and remarks on the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown angered mainland authorities, went on trial on Aug 12 for “inciting subversion of state power”. The court rejected all evidence submitted in defence of Tan and all witnesses Tan’s lawyer had planned to call. One key witness, fellow activist Ai Weiwei , said he and other Tan supporters were roughed up by police and detained ahead of the trial. Hong Kong journalists were also prevented from covering the trial. A Now TV reporter and cameraman held by police on a “tip-off” they had drugs hidden in their hotel room. On the same day of Tan’s trial, rights lawyer and founder of Open Constitution Initiative (Gongmeng) Xu Zhiyong was formally charged after being taken away by police on July 29. The government’s main accusation is that Gongmeng failed to pay taxes on a $100,000 grant from Yale that was earmarked for the legal center. But human-rights advocates and foreign political analysts are agreed that the charges are politically inspired, part of what seems to be a growing effort by security officials to shut down independent advocacy and especially advocacy that is supported with foreign funds.
While most mainland media went silent on Tan’s trial, western media widely reported the arrest of Tan and Xu. The arrest is considered as the government’s renewed move in cracking down dissidents and groups ahead of the 60th anniversary. In a rare case, China Daily reported on the trial of Tan and Xu. It even quoted Ai Wei Wei’s complain about the assault of police preventing him from going to the court, plus the comment of Tan’s lawyer on the government’s ridiculous charge against Tan. In the article on Xu, it quoted Xu’s lawyer as saying that ‘We will try to defend him for the charge of tax evasion and I hope people won’t associate too much with it.’ At the end of the article, it read ‘information about Xu has been blocked on the internet Tuesday as the search for “Xu Zhiyong (Chinese characters)”on Google.cn and Baidu, two major search engines, generated: “Your search results don’t conform to related laws and policy”. (China Daily, Aug 13 & Aug 19)
In HK, news reports and commentaries on the arrests and crackdown on dissidents are widely noted. A SCMP editorial argued that if Tan’s fact-finding activity seriously damaged the image of the Communist Party and the government after the quake, the National Audit Office should bear the same charge as it found that embezzlement by rural officials of funds for school construction was rife, forcing schools to run on 55 per cent of their budgets. The conduct of proceedings did little to improve the government’s image. SCMP said, the whole affair is a reflection of the extent to which the notion of a harmonious society based on the rule of law is still at odds with the ideological view of the judiciary as an instrument of the state. Courts still function as instruments of political control, rather than as independent, impartial adjudicators. (SCMP, Aug 13) A leading commentator and political analyst (Willy Lam) called for the government’s reflection of recent arrests of dissents, pledging President Hu not to destroy China’s hard-earn image from soft power. He said that the Communist Party is really lucky. After numerous failures in policy and political campaigns, the Chinese people remain so ‘obedient’ to the regime. He warned that internet police and patriotic education are not the right policy in the long term; the rise of soft and hard power won’t uphold party power forever; and people will rise up when they can bare no more. (Ming Pao, Aug 5)
New tactic to prevent journalists covering sensitive cases
In Hong Kong, the focal point of discussion is on Chengdu police’s drug allegations against a HK journalist, an excuse to stop reporters from covering a sensitive case. Journalists and news executive associations in HK expressed concerns over safety issues and the rights of HK reporters to cover mainland news. They have urged the central government to investigate the incident. They also raised concerns to the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and urged the China government to scrap requirements that foreign journalists, including HK journalists, must get permit for news reporting. The rule is amongst one of the 10 regulations announced in February this year. Yet, the Office responded that these rules are ‘necessary’ and ‘understandable’. (SCMP, Aug 19)
Tai Kung Pao ran a harsh commentary subtly refer to the incident. It argued, given that the [Tan] case involves subversion and state security charges, not even mainland reporters would recklessly report on the case, let alone foreign and HK reporters. The commentator questioned whether the HK reporter had obtained official permission to cover the case, and said that she should bear the consequences of not following the rules. The commentary added that the case is complicated and Tan’s activities involved more than collecting the quake victim list, but contacting ‘foreign forces’. It questioned in such complicated case, how much would the foreign media know about the whole story? (Tai Kung Pao, Aug 13)
A Ming Pao article said that the central government had expressed discontent over the Chengdu police’s drug allegation against the journalist because it has seriously damaged China’s image. The article cited sources close to senior officials that Beijing had ordered Sichuan government to investigate the incident. Sichuan government responded that, according to their initial investigation, the HK journalist mistook the police’s saying of suspecting her ‘carrying forbidden items (藏禁)’ with ‘hiding drug (藏毒)’. The forbidden items include subversive newspaper or magazines. Beijing government seemed to accept the excuse that Chengdu police made a wrong judgement in the incident. Yet, it demanded a detail investigation report from Chengdu government. (Ming Pao, Aug 17)
Police and security forces mobilized to ensure National Day celebrations go safely and smoothly
In the run up to the 60th anniversary in October, the Public Security Minister has called for police forces to ‘carefully guard against and relentlessly crack down on sabotage activities carried out by hostile forces from both home and abroad, in order to protect China’s national security and social stability.’ Special attention should be laid on combating terrorism, adding that ‘attempts of violence and terrorism must be foiled before they are turned into real actions.’ The stability campaign includes the nationwide crackdown on explosives, gun-related crimes and the trafficking of children and women. To help keep social security, police are also urged to help resolve disputes among the people to help keep social security. (China Daily, Aug 18) Earlier, it is reported that Beijing planned to mobilize 800,000 volunteers throughout the city to strengthen safety ahead of 60th anniversary (China Daily, Aug 14)
A commentary on HKEJ said that in light of the escalation of social conflicts, petitions and mass incidents, the CPC’s Leading Group on Strengthening Central’s Work in Maintaining Stability (中共中央强化中央维护稳定工作领导小组) had ordered the setup and/or reorganise sub-group at provincial level to ensure work coordination following through at central and local levels. The commentator said, it was a clear symbol of a ‘left-turn’ in the government. The Leading Group reports directly to the Politbureau Standing Committee, and is led by senior leaders in Politbureau, police and security forces. At the local level, sub-group members are also consisted of leading figures in government, party, police and judicial departments. The structure of the leading group seems to show the government’s anxiety about the political situations, and hope to use the Leading Group’s strong influence in police and security forces to create ‘peaceful and safe’ atmosphere in China. (HKEJ, Aug 17)
Lawyers asked to weigh in politics and the wider interests of the country when taking up sensitive cases
In the National Justice Conference, the Minister of Justice asked courts to beef up efforts in providing adequate guidance to lawyers and legal personnel for taking up sensitive cases and cases related to mass incidents. Courts should also educate lawyers to behave, observe rules and ensure political direction in their work in order to fulfil their commitments as a lawyer (note: the original text is‘讲政治、顾大局、守纪律，忠诚履行律师职责使命’) A Nanfang Weekend article criticised the comments, arguing that it may violate the Lawyers’ Law. It added that according to the Law, lawyers should fulfil its professional duties to serve his clients and seek justice. Under the current system, lawyers are already a marginalised group in the judicial system. Numerous rights of lawyers are not protected. The commentator said that if lawyers are asked to emphasis on讲政治、顾大局, they would not be doing the lawyer’s duty. More, the commentator criticised local governments and some industries of being blindly stuck to the 讲政治、顾大局 notion, which often ended up in ignoring the interests of the people and harm the wider political situation. The handling of many mass incidents is the case in point. (Nanfang Weekend, Aug 13)
State media step up efforts in attacking Rebiya Kadeer’s role in separatist activities
Pinpointing Rebiya Kadeer’s central role in Xinjiang riot in July, the state media publicized two letters of apology written by children and relations to Kadeer, reinforcing the government’s claim of Kadeer’s role in separatist activities. CCTV and Xinhua interviewed Kadeer’s youngest son Alim, saying that ‘it was my mother who dodged taxes before that. When mother was in charge, my step-father called us almost every day to urge us not to pay taxes to the government.’ Kadeer and overseas Uighur groups said that the letters were forged or were written under threats of the police. Most Western media appear to share the view.
China Daily argued in an editorial that it is ‘implausible that the Chinese government would bother to squeeze such letters from the family members of someone they so dislike … no authority will stray so far from the path of reason because it will totally destroy the government’s credibility.’ The editorial added that the act of Kadeer’s children is ‘perfectly sensible and understandable.’ The spirit behind the letters is: ‘To distance the family members from guilt or taint by association. The letter writers, as innocent citizens, deserve a peaceful life free of prejudice and misunderstanding. All that said, we cannot imagine the Chinese government would risk its credibility to forge two letters like these.’ (China Daily, Aug 5). Chinese media and internet forum also air complaints about Kadeer’s attendance to the Melbourne Film Festival. The tactics of asking children to shame their parents are one often used during the Cultural Revolution.
Updates on casualty number of Xinjiang Riots
Global Times gives an update on the police action in Urumqi to apprehend those responsible for the deadly riots in the city last month. Authorities in Xinjiang confirmed that innocent civilians accounted for 156 of the 197 lives lost in the Urumqi riot July 5. Twelve people were shot and killed while allegedly committing violence or criminal activities. The identities of the remainder have yet to be determined. In terms of ethnicity, of the 156 civilians killed, 134 were Han Chinese, 11 were from the Hui ethnic group, 10 were Uygurs, and one was from the Man ethnic group. (Global Times, Aug 6)
80% of earthquake donations are with the government
According to a research conducted by Tsinghua university professor and his research team, it is noted that of the 76.7 billion yuan worth of charity donations collected last year for the Sichuan earthquake victims, about 80% ended up in the government’s coffers and was spent no differently than the government’s regular tax income. It is also revealed that, the local governments of the quake-stricken regions were the direct recipients of about 58% of the donations while about 31% were received by NGOs such as the Chinese Red Cross. Except for a small fraction of the donations which donors had specified must be used by NGOs, most of the money streamed into the government’s bank accounts. In some cases, NGOs were allowed the right to use part of the donation they received, but the uses were limited to participating in government reconstruction projects. Part of the reason is that Chinese NGOs lacks the execution ability, and unable to carry out tasks such as building schools or hospitals independently.
The research report has drawn considerable debate on media. Many said that the findings clearly show the anomalous of charity activities in China. Even though the Ministry of Civil Affairs said that the donations are not embezzled, this won’t prevent people from raising concerns over the effectiveness and efficiency of government-led charity projects. The government is urged to take an open approach to let NGOs and civil society organisations to involve in charity projects. The first step to promote their participation is to address the long-standing issue of the legal status of these organisations in existing Chinese laws. (Changjiang Daily, Aug 13). An article said that ‘in the rest of the world, it is usually true that the governments buy service from NGOs, while in China, the reverse is true’. (Yang Cheng Evening News, Aug 12)
A China Youth Daily commentary said that, this shows the fundamental problem of the civil society development in China. It also reflects the imbalance in the state-citizen relations: the imbalance in the control of wealth and resources of the society, and the imbalance in power and rights. For instance, it is reported assets controlled by the government (including fiscal income, land resources, state-owned business, and etc) is accounted for about 76%. A large portion of the donation is given by people and organisations within the state system (e.g. SOEs), in part justifying why the control and implementation of projects out of the donations come under the government. The powerlessness of civil society organisations reinforces their marginalisation in the society. A strong and powerful government has significantly constrained the rights of civil society to build capacity and grow, making them ever weaker in the society. This is the situation where China’s civil society organisations stand. (China Youth Daily, Aug 13) Nanfang Du Shi Bao said that the concerns over donations in the hands of government are due mainly to the lack of transparency in information disclosure and rampant corruption. It urged relevant government departments to give immediate attention to the public concerns. (Nanfang Du Shi Bao, Aug 14)
While admitting the risk of fund misappropriation, a China Daily article argued, there is no such belief of a NGO being more efficient, honest and clean than the government in allocating the donated money and materials. Everybody is fallible and can be corrupt when the power in his or her hands is under no effective supervision. Timely disclosure of information concerning its use and transparency of accounts is necessary for donors to know that the funds are used in the right place and in the right way. (China Daily, Aug 14). This apparently echo to the response of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, saying that it is a ‘realistic system matter’, which include budget plan making, that quake donations ultimately go to the government from the public because some NGOs in China don’t have much credibility. (China Daily, Aug 13)
Building a “charitable city”, good idea but not by force
Xingyang city (荥阳市) authorities in Henan province plan to create more than 1,000 charitable organizations and select 5,000 charity ambassadors. This aims to turn the city into a ‘charity city’. The idea, first advocated by the Xingyang City Charity Association, quickly became a directive circulated to numerous government agencies and departments. While it is good to make efforts to promote charity, it is wrong for the city to issue government directives to achieve that goal.
The charity plan is widely criticised in media. Many see it one of the tricks officials have been playing for long to please their superiors. Charity should be run by NGOs, for only they can rid charity of official restraints; while a government should strengthen the social security network so that disadvantaged groups get the basic social protection. (China Daily, Aug 13) A Yangzi Daily article said that immediate consequence of the ‘charity campaign’, including put up donation boxes and corporate donation activities, is to make people alienate to the charity concept. This clearly demonstrates how government uses their power to influence people’s behaviour, not to serve the people. The article said that this is one of the worst cases of abusing the power delegated to the government. (Yangzi Daily, Aug 14)
Reduction of Lu Xun’s works in textbooks for fear of nurturing China’s angry youth
In the latest Chinese textbooks for senior high students published by the People’s Education Press, the number of Lu Xun’s works has been reduced from six to only three. The reduction is said to be the result of years of complaints from students and schools who say Lu’s articles are too difficult to learn. Some students don’t like his works because they make them feel depressed. A Shenzhen writer said that, in current textbooks, the study of Lu’s political meanings was emphasized too much. For instance, in his works such as ‘She Xi’ and ‘Hometown’, he added, editors of the textbooks focus too much on the political and social meanings behind the story, rather than the vivid words and novel writing skills of these stories. This made students dislike his works, and may even hate it.
(Shenzhen Daily, Aug 19) It is reported that since 2004, many high school at provincial levels has begun to reduce the number of Lu Xu’s work in textbook.
An Oriental Daily commentary said that one of the reason of the reduction is to reduce the influence of cynical ideas to the youth. The government doesn’t want to see so many angry youth, who are angry and criticise the government and social injustice. The commentator argued that Lu Xun is one who advocates for commitments to the nation and his cynicism is based on wide and deep thoughts of the issues, so he is not the kind of angry youth in China. (Oriental Daily, Aug 17) A Shantou University professor said that some people in the academia incline to reject Lu Xun and his sharp wit and cynicism. If the reduction of Lu Xun’s work aims to prevent some kind of emotional feelings inspired to the society, such a view is too short-sighted. (People’s Daily, Aug 16)
China set date for emissions cut, but no hints for softening position on post-Kyoto negotiation
The NDRC has just issued a report 2050 China Energy and CO2 Emissions Report. The report says that with the right policies, emissions growth could slow after 2020, with a peak around 2030. The right policies, as indicated, refer to the use of advanced low-carbon technologies that could keep China’s economy growing at a fast pace and would make China a major supplier of nuclear, wind and hydropower technologies and electricity transmission by 2030. The report added that if China can achieve these goals, by 2050, its carbon emissions from fossil fuel ‘could fall to the same emissions levels as in 2005 or even lower’. A panel member of the report said that government should pump an average of 1 trillion yuan ($146.5 billion) into low-carbon technology development each year until 2050. But some experts hold a rather pessimistic view, saying that carbon output will keep rising until 2050 unless radical controls are adopted.
This is the first time China has given such a time-frame. Chinese experts said that China might consider a reduction in carbon emissions per unit of GDP as early as the start of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15), and that it would decide the career path of bureaucrats by their performance in carbon reduction. (China Daily, Aug 18). In an interview with Financial Times, director-general of the climate change department of NDRC said “China’s emissions will not continue to rise beyond 2050.” His comments signal not only increasing flexibility in Beijing’s approach but also continued unreadiness to accept an emissions ceiling in the short term. China’s stance and unwillingness to commit some kind of cap on its emissions remains a critical question ahead of global climate change talks in December in Copenhagen. (Financial Times, Aug 17)
Hukou sets barriers for marrying couple
A Nanfang Weekend article revealed how collective hukou hinders white-collar migrant workers getting married in cities. China’s hukou system and its actual practice are complex and often set barriers to non-residents (those without hukou or having no local resident hukou) access to social services. The article reported that many white-collar workers (esp in big cities), whose hukou is a collective hukou one attached with the employment agencies. According to existing law, a collective hukou holder must change to a family hukou after they married. But the family hukou must be attached with a property. This has become the impasse of many young working couples in cities, who cant’ afford buying a property to change their hukou status for marriage. As their hukou is attached with employment agencies, they can’t get the hukou certificate to get marriage registration from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The article also reveals that, some cities even have their own rules. For instance, in Beijing, a collective hukou holder can’t change to a family hukou even with a property. Mainland lawyers said that the hukou restriction significantly hinders people’s right to marry. The original idea of the collective hukou rule is to restrict migration and enforcement of family planning policy. (Nanfang Weekend, Aug 6)
What kind of Think Tanks does China need?
New Weekly (新周刊) ran a cover feature on China’s think tanks. This is apparently a follow-up of the 1st Global Think Tanks Submit held in July. It gave a closer look at China’s public and private think tanks and how they survive in the business. It raises questions why there are only 74 out of the over 2000 so-called ‘think tank’s’ in China is recognized in the 2008 Global Think Tank reports. It argued that China desperately needs think tanks to advice government on policy. But they should neither be an academic institutions nor government planning units. They should have high level of independence in looking at issues concerning the long-term development of China, not just to defend certain government policy, or etc. In addition, the feature introduced a number of private think tanks that appears to have been doing a good job. But these handful ones are well-connected to government so that they have the ‘space’ to do it. (News Weekly, July 15 Issue)
People are misled by the so-called forced installation of Green Dam
Minister of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said that the controversial ‘Green Dam’ software will ‘absolutely not be compulsorily installed on all computers’ sold in China. The minister said that the so-called forced installation was the result of a misleading impression, which itself was the outcome of awkward representation. They had no intention to monitor people’s online activities, nor did they want to impose the filtering device on all personal computers. This notion is clearly different from what people heard two months back. China Daily said that it is a pity that a well-thought-out public interest initiative turned into a public relations disaster for the ministry. It added that ‘never again should something like this be repeated’ and ‘making public an ill-conceived decision is as bad as misrepresenting a good one. (China Daily, Aug 14)
In brief:
- China says 2.75 million security cameras installed since 2003 (AP, Aug 10)
- China to release judicial document to reject evidence and confessions obtained through torture (Nanfang Du Shi Bao, Aug 11)
- Survey shows mainland officials less trustworthy than sex workers. (SCMP, Aug 12)
CHINA – ECONOMY
Should we trust China’s GDP figures?
It is reported that economic statistics about regional economic growth aren’t tallying with the aggregate number. It found that the latest set of first-half numbers provided by provincial-level authorities are far higher than the central government’s national figure, raising fresh questions about the accuracy of statistics in China. GDP totalled 15,376bn yuan ($2,251bn) in the first half, according to data released individually by China’s 31 provinces and municipalities, 10 per cent higher than the official first-half GDP figure of Rmb13,986bn published by the National Bureau of Statistics. The criticism has prompted the NBS to launch a campaign last week, entitled “Statistical Feelings: We have walked together – Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China,” to boost confidence among statisticians.
Even state-controlled media reports and editorials have in recent days raised questions over their accuracy. The Global Times reported that the public reacted with “banter and sarcasm” to NBS figures showing average urban wages in China rose 13 per cent in the first half to $2,142. It quoted an online poll showing 88 per cent of respondents doubted the official numbers. (Global Times, Aug 13) Beijing News urged the authorities to seek legal responsibility of officials who inflate or report inaccurate GDP figures. (Beijing News, Aug 13)
In response to the criticisms, Chief of the accounting department with the NBS wrote in a People’s Daily article that the credibility of the system had been hurt by systematic double counting, incoherent accounting standards and deliberate manipulation at a local level. He said that ‘we also can’t rule out the possibility of officials inflating figures as it [GDP growth] is tied to their promotion.’ (People’s Daily, Aug 12) Currently, lower-level statistics agencies are held accountable to local governments rather than the national body and follow local rules of data collection. But NBS is pushing for change. Analysts said that centralisation was the right step as the whole statistics collection system is problem-ridden, and requires an overhaul of the way politics operates in China.’
Will trade take over to be the engine of recovery after credit boom?
There is discussion whether trade will take over as the engine of the next phrase of economic recovery, after growing worries about excessive credits to boost the economy. In early August, China Customs released latest trade figures, showing positive trade growth for 5 consecutive months. This also indicates that trade is gradually picking up with a stable trend. A CASS researcher said in an interview that the trade statistics may indicate a positive outlook, but it is still a big challenge for China to register a positive export growth in the 3rd quarter. This is because global demand remains weak, given an anticipated contraction of 10%-13% this year. Yet, he said that, as long as the decrease in China’s export growth is smaller than that of world’s, China would secure its share in world export. He added that if China has an early comeback to a positive export growth figure, or registers a higher-than-expected positive export growth figure, this may prompt many countries to adopt protectionist trade measures. This may backfire China’s economy. He said that China’s growth should focus domestic consumption, with the primarily task to address the issue of income disparity in the country. (21st Century Business Herald, Aug 12)
CHINA – DIPLOMACY
China rejects US invitation to discuss North Korea’s future
A op-ed article on Global Times quoted Chinese scholars as saying that ‘Beijing had refused the invitation of Washington to take part in discussions about North Korea’s future, saying that allowing the collapse of the regime would be unacceptable.’ It revealed that the US was drawing up a broad contingency plan to handle a predicted major power reshuffle in Pyongyang. The US seeks more control over the North by coaxing China into its initiative of a contingency plan to eventually form a pro-US Korean Peninsula, putting pressure on China and Russia. Mainland scholars generally believed that participation in such discussions and actions would be against China’s overall foreign policy. The US and South Korea have exaggerated the fragility of Pyongyang, while China would never allow the ‘collapse’ of the regime to happen. (Global Times)
China-India Boundary Talks, still no outcomes after 13 rounds of talks
The 13th China-India Boundary Talks were held in New Delhi between August 7 and 8. The agenda of the talks are not disclosed. Both sides agreed to press ahead with the framework negotiations in accordance with the agreed political parameters and guiding principle so as to seek for a fair and reasonable solution acceptable to both countries. BBC reported that, after the meeting, India agreed that China would not be a threat in the short term, but it would require constant monitoring over China’s action re the border disputes. It is pointed out that Indian government’s announcement of building three nuclear submarines indicated India’s determination to resolve China’s influence in the region. Analysts and government officials are generally agreed war between China and India is unlikely, but they believe that China would take a different strategy to deal with India’s rise of economic power. (BBC, Aug 10) It seems that both sides strive to have a different strategy to due with the issue.
In China, prior to the talk, media reports on possible compromise China was about to make over disputed territory before the talks – which created an uproar on the Internet and was immediately rejected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Internet opinion and media showed discontent as no outcome is achieved in the talk. An Internet poll showed that over 93% of respondents said that India are not sincere in the border negotiation. Some even said that ongoing negotiations are meaningless, just a waste of time. (EastDay.com, Aug 9) China Daily defended that the Talk’s ‘significance should not be downplayed.’ It said that ‘Sino-Indian relations are too important to be interrupted by the single issue of border disputes. If the problem cannot be solved by this generation, the two giants can leave it to the next generation. There is no other option for both sides than living in peace and developing side by side.’ (China Daily, Aug 11) This seems that China tries to avoid taking real efforts in resolving the border issue with India.
Provocative essay clouds Sino-Indian relations
A Chinese essayist (user name as Zhanlue (战略)) posted an article on China International Strategy Net (http://www.iiss.cn), a patriotic website focused on strategic issues, claiming that ‘China can dismember the so-called ‘Indian Union’ with one little move!’ It argued that India’s sense of national unity was weak and Beijing’s best option to remove an emerging rival and security threat would be to support separatist forces, like those in Assam, to bring about a collapse of the Indian federal state. The article said, “there cannot be two suns in the sky,’, and ‘China and India cannot really deal with each other harmoniously.’ The article suggested that India should be divided into 20 to 30 sovereign states.
Such was the outcry about the article that the Indian government issued a statement reassuring the country that relations with China were calm, but saying that but it also expresses concern over the endorsement of the Chinese government. The statement said ‘the article in question appears to be an expression of individual opinion and does not accord with the officially stated position of China on India-China relations conveyed to us on several occasions’. But, Indian academics were angry and see it as provocative incitement of the country’s demise. They said that message conveyed in the article showed that ‘China is speaking in two voices’. (FT, Aug 12) Chinese scholars hit back, accusing Indian media of misleading the public and triggering the antipathy of India’s general public toward China. The article was first posted on a public opinion forum (www.club.xilu.com) and was then transferred to the iiss.cn, which is accused of linking with China International Institute for Strategic Studies. But, chief editor of iiss.cn denied any relationship with the Institute. A statement of clarification was reportedly sent to the Indian embassy. (Global Times, Aug 20)
State secrets charge drops but tensions remain
China has formally charged the four employees of Rio Tinto of using bribery to obtain sensitive data from China’s steel producers, crimes tantamount to commercial espionage under the vague statutes of the Law on Guarding State Secrets. Various Western media, most notably The Economist, have speculated that the arrests were a political act of retaliation after recent conflicts between China and Rio Tinto.
The Chinese media has been no less eager to cover the Rio Tinto case. Many state media have affirmed the legitimacy of the government’s actions. Nanfang Du Shi Bao, for instance, alleged that computers seized from Rio Tinto’s Shanghai office showed the existence of confidential government data; and China Daily quoted an anonymous “industry insider” to suggest that Rio had bribed managers at all 16 of China’s largest steel companies; and just this week, a state-secrets watchdog alleged that Rio Tinto extracted charges of over $100 billion from China over the past six years. Chinese media has produced more diversified commentary on the case, discussing its legal, commercial, and political implications. While there is criticism of Rio Tinto and the suspects, there is also a great deal of introspection about the problems of China’s legal system and the structural inadequacies of the steel import sector. Nanfang Du Shi Bao’s editorial urged the Chinese government to hold Stern Hu and his colleagues accountable of their ‘treason acts’, as well as demand responsibility of monopolistic SOEs (i.e. Steel companies) for harming national interests. (Nanfang Du Shi Bao, Aug 13)
On a broader level, the case has fueled debate about Sino-Australian relations and Western media depictions of China. These debates illustrate that Chinese attitudes toward the West continue to sway ambivalently between hardline and liberal opinion. China Daily’s editorial on August 13 criticised the opinion in some local media in Australia of painting ‘a Chinese diplomat’s attempt to brief them about the realities in Urumqi as one to censor the Australian press. Diplomats talk. It is an established practice that government officials and diplomats explain a government’s point of view to their audience wherever they travel.’ It went further to criticize Australia of being unfairly sympathetic to Uighurs, and ‘turn a blind eye to the loss of other human beings.’ (China Daily, Aug 13) On Aug 19, after the Foreign Ministry announced the cancellation of a visit to Australia by Chinese vice-minister, China Daily said it is ‘a restrained and reasonable response on the part of Beijing when that country has challenged China’s core national interests’. It said, Australia no need to feel ‘regret’, because ‘a little soul-searching would point to the self-evident fact that it has no one other than itself to blame for the souring of Sino-Australian relations.’ (China Daily, Aug 19)
Does Xinjiang Crackdown change perception of China in the Islamic World
An article on Jamestown Foundation’s China Brief looks at the reactions of countries in the Middle East to the recent violence in Xinjiang and examine whether the incident would change perception of China in the Islamic World. It said that the official silence from major players in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world reflects the importance of China as a key regional and global actor. This also shows China’s crucial role as a source of investment and reliable customer for oil and gas and other natural resources. So far, only Turkey and Iran expressed discontent with China’s crackdown. The writer concluded that the riot would have little impact on China’s relations with the Middle East and wider Islamic world. Turkish and Iranian criticisms of China are no more than rhetoric; it is unlikely to be an indicator of future trends. (China Brief, Aug 5)
TAIWAN – POLITICS
President Ma’s political disaster
The deadly rainstorm and flood killed over a hundred people and made thousands homeless. Many are still missing and feared dead. Damages are estimated at $3 billion. President Ma Yingjeou is under fire for his slow response and inexperience in handling disaster. He has been faulted for a cautious, by-the-book response. He declined to declare a state of emergency, and said the cabinet should lead the crisis response, not him. Critics say he failed to fully mobilize the military, and passed the buck by faulting local governments and even villagers themselves.
Ma and his government turned the disaster into a political crisis because people think that they didn’t show enough compassion and competence to lead disaster relief work. China Times said that Ma’s handling of the disaster clearly shows his incompetence and indecisiveness; it added that just being incorrupt and honest are not enough to rule a country. (China Times, Aug 14) Media and public opinion pin blame on Ma, even called for his resign. For instance, New News (新新闻) said that Ma’s bow and apology are not enough to ease public anger. Ma and his cabinet should resign (New News, Aug 20). Political analysts said Ma’s handing of the disaster would be a determining factor of KMT’s performance in the county election in December. It may change the politics of Taiwan. (Ming Pao, Aug 17)
Media compared Ma’s handling of the flood with the disaster responses of Premier Wen, President Bush and former president Lee Tenghui. Analysts said that Ma hardly matched the compassionate response of Wen, who won public support in the earthquake. His slow and messy response to the flood is comparable to Bush in his handling of hurricane Katrina. (Ming Pao, Aug 19) Taiwan media said that Lee did a better job in response to deadly earthquake in 1999. Lee showed leadership skills and compassion in the incident. (Phoenix TV, Aug 19) A HKEJ editorial said that Lee and his supporters would use this incident to attack Ma later. This will place even greater political pressures on Ma. (HKEJ, Aug 17) Another HKEJcommentary raised doubts over Ma’s political future. The commentator said that the arrogance and nearly ‘out-of-control’ response to the disaster would make him lose in the re-election. Ma doesn’t have the crisis-management skills and political competence, in spite of his popularity. In the past year, his incompetence is repetitively shown a pattern of error. The commentator said that Ma and Tung Jianhua are of the same type of by-the-book politicians, which fails them in real politics. (HKEJ, Aug 20) Ming Pao’s editorial that Ma’s performance in leading the post-disaster relief and reconstruction work would be key to re-consolidate public supports. (Ming Pao, Aug 19)
In China, news reports focused on the plight and disaster relief work, rather that taking sides on the blame to Ma. Amongst the handful commentary on the disaster, Global Times said that Ma is facing a political disaster as Ma’s disappointing performances may help the opposing DPP win in local elections. Given DPP’s call for a ‘cabinet’ reshuffle, ‘if he doesn’t agree, he may take some risks since public opinion is in favor of change.’ It seems to imply that the change in Taiwan politics, notably the comeback of DPP, may change course of the positive development of cross-Straits relations in the past year. (Global Times, Aug 19)
Hu-Ma summit in HK
A recent Taiwan survey found that 47% of respondents support Hu-Ma summit, of which 72% hope that it could be accomplished by 2012. The survey also found that HK is considered the most suitable place for the summit (35%). Academic said that in spite of the support of such summit, the survey results would not put pressure on Ma. It is said that general public usually responded to opinion poll questions on cross-strait issues and political issues with their intuitive feelings, without giving in deeper thoughts over the issues concerned. Their positive responses may better be interpreted as people’s general support to stable development of cross-strait relations. Ma would certainly weigh in other issues in a decision. Yet, the survey result would provide solid political grounds for Ma if he really inclines to make the meeting happen. (Ming Pao, Aug 5)
HONG KONG – POLITICS
Pan-democrat suggests ‘resign en mass’
The League of Social Democrats (LSD) has suggested that pan-democratic legislators resign en masse so that a virtual referendum on 2012 direct election of CE will take place. The proposal has sparked debates. Ming Pao’s editorial criticised the proposal of being a show at which some would position. It urged the pan-democrats to think twice. It would tarnish the pan-democratic camp’s image. The pan-democrats risk their Legco seats if anything untoward happens. It argued that everybody knows where HK people stand on the demand for universal suffrage for the elections of CE and Legco, there is no need for them to reaffirm their stance in a referendum. The 23 seats controlled by the pan-democrats allow them to speed up HK’s democratisation by exercising their veto, the only power they have. The proposed resign en masse incurs a huge opportunity cost and some in the major struggle vigorously fight for their peculiar interests. This then tarnish rather than polish the pan-democratic camp’s image. It will lose public supports (Ming Pao, Aug 10)
A number of commentary is widely noted in major newspapers. The argument has been on the effectiveness, likely cost of the resign en masse plan and the potential harm on the image of the democratic camp. A CUHK professor wrote in a commentary on Ming Pao raised concerns over the effectiveness of the proposal or even a referendum to enhance democratisation. It argued, if they want to use the referendum to put pressure on the central government to allow universal suffrage by 2012, it is meaningless too. Back in the Legco election in 2004 and the by-election in 2007 between Anson Chan and Regina Ip, Democrats also said that it was a shadow referendum on HK people’s support for universal suffrage. Democrats won in 2004, and so did Anson Chan in 2007; yet, the central government made no compromise on the timetable of universal suffrage. It is said that the same tactic is not helpful to push for constitutional reform. Another commentary said that the proposal was no more than a show of Democrats. (Ming Pao, Aug 11 & 14) A HKEJ article said that lack of consensus in the Pan-Democrat camp has marked the failure of the proposal. (HKEJ, Aug 21) There are also competing views, arguing that there is a real need to show solidarity of Hong Kong people in demanding what they want. A HKEJ commentary said, it is a critical moment of HK’s democracy movement. The analysis of ‘scholars’ and ‘analysts’ may be true, but they don’t give constructive solutions as to how to move HK’s democracy movement forward. It is worthy of taking the chance, as no alternative has left. After the by-election, it will bring a real social movement, which should be even radical and proactive to show what HK people want to the Chinese government. (HKEJ, Aug 19)
From ‘one country two systems’ to ‘one country one system’
Hong Kong Journal published an article by a Tsinghua university law professor on China’s new policy to Hong Kong. The professor was a former member of Basic Law Committee of the NPC Standing Committee. The professor said that Cao Erbao’s opinion of ‘HK should be run by two ruling teams’ truly reflected China’s new policy to HK – greater participation and involvement of the central government in HK affairs. The article said that China didn’t want to intervene in HK affairs until the demonstration in 2003, which alerted the central government. Social movements led by Democrats made the central government to face the new realities in HK and determined to adopt new measure in countering the new political situation. The professor seems to signal a gradual shift from ‘one country two systems’ to ‘one country one system’ and people should not be surprised if it does happen. (Hong Kong Journal, Fall issue)
An Apple Daily article said that the analysis illustrates the political reality in Hong Kong and exposed the lies of the pro-Beijing camps. Under the ‘new policy’, there is little hope for any breakthrough in the constitutional reform plan to be discussed in end this year, because the central government would do its best to block bold changes of the reform. The writer supported Democrats’ ‘resign en masse’ proposal as the controversial move would inspire greater discussion of universal suffrage and show solidarity of HK people. (Apple Daily, Aug 17)
Hong Kong lack conditions for universal suffrage
In response to the debate of universal suffrage, a Wen Wei Po commentary said that Hong Kong had yet to meet the basic conditions that make universal suffrage meaningful and feasible. It listed three basic indicators of universal suffrage: state recognition, mature political development, and income disparity. The writer said that Hong Kong people doesn’t fully understand the political reality when demanding universal suffrage. In addition, many countries take a long time to achieve universal suffrage, such as US and UK. The article cited Thailand as an example of universal suffrage that will bring political instability to the country. It urged Donald Tsang to weigh in these three basic indicators when assessing HK’s readiness for universal suffrage. (Wen Wei Pao, Aug 19)
