Nick Kristof continues his quest in search of topics that should be "sensitive" to Chinese by heading to Xinjiang where he found little to write about. This follows earlier editorials on Tibet that we discussed here and here. On his blog, he tries to incite commentary with these questions: Especially for those of you in China, do you expect the Olympics to go smoothly? Do you … [Read more...] about Kristof on Xinjiang: Terrorism and the Olympics
Political dissent in China – glass half full, or completely empty?
This article from the IHT inspires me to write about a topic that's been on my mind in recent months. The article is about the well-known Tibetan-Chinese writer Woeser. The title of the article alone gives you a pretty good idea of what its going to say: "Tibetan writer alleges harassment by Chinese police..." Woeser lives in Beijing, and is the daughter of a Han Chinese … [Read more...] about Political dissent in China – glass half full, or completely empty?
"I'm just here to buy soy sauce."
And the newest expression sweeping the Chinese internet: "I don't give a $@*&; I'm just here to buy soy sauce." (关我鸟事，我出来打酱油的) It comes to us from Guangzhou TV last December, when an average man on the street was asked his opinion about a pressing social issue (the Edison Chen photo scandal if you must know). He gave a very, uh, candid and straight response. This … [Read more...] about "I'm just here to buy soy sauce."
Shenzhen aims for major political reforms
Many in the West appear unaware that the Chinese political system is reforming itself... (it might be more accurate to say many in the West see the political system in China as old Communists waving their hands and issuing imperial edicts.) The truth is, although the pace of this reform is painfully slow compared to economic reforms, it is happening. One of the more … [Read more...] about Shenzhen aims for major political reforms
"The sky has cleared after the rain": KMT Chairman Wu Boxiong in Beijing
Wu Boxiong, chairman of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), has landed in Beijing. The Chinese Nationalist Party currently controls both the presidency and the legislative yuan in Taiwan, giving his visit special weight. He earlier visited the southern-capital of Nanjing, the original capital of the Republic of China (now in Taiwan). As is tradition for all KMT visitors, he … [Read more...] about "The sky has cleared after the rain": KMT Chairman Wu Boxiong in Beijing