"China’s rulers face an ongoing crisis of legitimacy. There is abundant evidence that very substantial discontent exists among its population. We must never forget that China’s leadership is frightened not just of losing power, but of the disintegration of China itself. There is ample historical precedent in a culture which reveres its history."
I stopped reading after this paragraph.
The author may have some understanding of Chinese history, but he has no understanding of Chinese culture, society or politics.
Yes, it is true that Chinese party members are frightened of losing power, but the majority of the discontent lies in land ownership. They don't give a damn about democracy or all the other things that we westerners make such a big deal about. In fact, this may shock you, but most of the countryside peasants that I talk to sincerely miss what they call the "good old days" under Mao. There was no rich or poor because everyone was equal and everything was distributed evenly (so-to-speak).
The Chinese value their history only because it is so long..they're not trying to relive it. If anything, they hope to move on and leave it behind as something they can refer to only when talking to someone who comes from a country that is only 200 some years old.
Believe me, the rural unrest has nothing to do with democracy and everything to do with land ownership.
"The Chinese value their history only because it is so long..they're not trying to relive it. If anything, they hope to move on and leave it behind as something they can refer to only when talking to someone who comes from a country that is only 200 some years old.
Believe me, the rural unrest has nothing to do with democracy and everything to do with land ownership"
I see you finally got it :) Congrats.
1989's protest has nothing to do with Democracy -- it's more to do with economic. Out of all the stuff the students wanted, ALL are available in China today except for democracy.
What China needs is RULE of law and the problem is that the Communist has taken away basic morality studies (Such as traditional Confucius) from the populus. I don't see how they can solve the rule of law problem without basic education on the youngin's.