Transparency in government remains one of the major obstacles in China's social and political reform. The Communist Party has publicly acknowledged the need for more transparency; only in the last 3-5 years has government offices at every level around the country begun to add press departments, issue press releases, and hold regularly press conferences. But this is only one … [Read more...] about Southern Weekly: New rules on "Release of Information"
Wang Xizhe bashes Hong Kong Olympic protests
Wang Xizhe is an active US-based Chinese dissident who's spent many years in opposition to the Communist government. He is co-chairman and founder of the China Democracy Party. Wang is rarely mentioned in the English press in the West, although he's very well known in the Chinese community. Many believe this is because he's allegedly refused to accept financing from American … [Read more...] about Wang Xizhe bashes Hong Kong Olympic protests
Tianya and Chinese online: A brief introduction
Many people probably know that the number of people going on line in China has just recently, officially, passed the number of people going online in the United States . (Many believe China passed the United States long ago, since hundreds of millions login through anonymous internet-cafes where they aren't "counted".) But many people might not understand what this really … [Read more...] about Tianya and Chinese online: A brief introduction
Massive crowds swamp torch in Shenzhen
The torch has successfully completed the run in Shenzhen, although there are stories of difficulties navigating the crowds. The torch might have even been extinguished and transported via bus along part of the route... something similar to what happened in Paris, but for precisely the opposite reason. Reportedly 8 million people were on the streets for the torch. Here are … [Read more...] about Massive crowds swamp torch in Shenzhen
Tibetan exiles reaction to Shenzhen talks, Olympic torch
Lodi Gyari, one of the Dalai Lama's special envoys sent to Shenzhen, has issued the statement below in reference to the recent talks in Shenzhen. Most of the statement is a reiteration of the exile government's negotiating position, which few Chinese find acceptable in full. The idea that those directly involved in murder, vandalism, and assault on 3/14 can be released is … [Read more...] about Tibetan exiles reaction to Shenzhen talks, Olympic torch