Political "reforms" hinted at by Chinese CP

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The Communist Party of China has hinted at so-called democratic reforms that will be implemented later this year. These are supposed to include free discussion and more elections, for what, we can only scratch our heads and wonder. This editor feels that the reforms are either a gift to the rising capitalist class of China, a way to smoke out troublemakers, or both.

Chinese Communist Party Signals Possible Political Reforms

Jul 18, 2003 -stratfor.biz

Summary

Two editorials appearing in the People's Daily suggest that anticipated political reforms in China might be announced soon.

Analysis

Two editorials appearing July 17 in the Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece, the People's Daily, strongly suggest President Hu Jintao still might make an announcement -- which was expected for the July 1 anniversary of the party -- about political reforms. One article touts a meritocracy; the other argues the virtues of democratic policymaking. Both arguments support "party democracy" -- the advancement of party officials through internal elections -- which would be a major political evolution.

The People's Daily articles show strong party support for liberalizing the political system, despite Hu's apparent reluctance to introduce the measures. Hu was expected to present reforms at a symposium promoting former President Jiang Zemin's contribution to the CCP canon, an event coinciding with the party's 82nd anniversary. Instead, he advised greater study and implementation of Jiang's "Three Represents" theory, which calls on the party to support economic development, cultural advancements and the fundamental interests of the people.

Hu's speech was a let-down to many analysts watching the leadership in Beijing. In early June, media sources reported that Hu would introduce significant political and economic reforms July 1, which included introducing "party democracy" and giving private businesses the same rights as state-owned companies. Hu's failure to introduce the reforms was attributed to a maneuver by Jiang to contain the new president in a power struggle -- and widely was seen as a triumph for conservative party members over a new generation of leaders in Beijing.

At the time, Stratfor argued Jiang's impetus for intervention was to censure Hu -- not to prevent the reforms, which already were debated within the party and fall soundly within the rubric of Jiang's "Three Representatives." The reforms will be implemented if and when the time is appropriate, probably in the near future.

The People's Daily editorials offer staunch, albeit veiled, support for the reforms -- a potential indication that the party or some of its members are anxious to get the ball rolling.

The first editorial, "Implementing a Strategy of Building a Strong Country by Relying on Talents," proposes building the CCP into a meritocracy. The author says the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is poised "on the strategic height of advancing reform," and that the party must adhere to market demands in allocating human resources.

The second article, "Democracy Brings Efficiency Too," says more democracy in policymaking processes would result in greater efficiency in government. The author describes divergent practices used by Beijing and Guangdong province to regulate the consumption of animals -- a significant topic, since SARS in humans is believed to have originated with consumption of civet cats. Beijing issued an edict declaring a ban on the consumption of nearly 1,800 categories of wild animals. In sharp contrast, the southern province -- famed for including a wide range of exotic animals on its menu -- chose to accomplish the same goals by introducing new legislation, which reportedly caused a heated public debate. The editorial, typically enough, espoused the actions of Beijing and Guangdong province, but primarily put its weight behind the virtues of democratic decision-making.

That the two editorials were published at the same time shows the CCP is serious about the reforms. The emphasis on relying on talented individuals and pluralizing the decision-making process is an apparent call for the introduction of party democracy.

One of two things is happening in Beijing: Either some leading party members who badly want reforms are trying to push them through -- which is not likely, since the People's Daily usually represents the unified voice of the CCP -- or the leadership already has made the decision to implement the changes and is signaling that they are on the way. In either case, the editorials indicate that the reforms are gaining momentum.

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