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
Beijing's sensitivity to people with disabilities received sensitively
I was alerted by the China Hearsay to a story titled "Disabled groups outraged by Beijing snub," at the Times. It reported the indignation expressed by some to an official guide for volunteers at the Beijing Olympic Games in August and the Paralympics in September. “I’m stunned,” said Simone Aspis, a parliamentary campaigner at the UK Disabled People’s Council. “It’s not just … [Read more...] about Beijing's sensitivity to people with disabilities received sensitively
Farmers Laboring In the Rubble
This touching blog entry was referred to us by long-time reader Bing Ma Yong. Thanks, BMY. After interviewing on the front lines for more than 10 days, I've seen too much tragedy, I've witnessed too many touched moments, I've seen too many shocking pictures. But there is one more thing that has really moved me with an indescribable sense of sadness mixed with pride: the … [Read more...] about Farmers Laboring In the Rubble
Questions for the Dalai Lama
It has now been more than 2 months since the Lhasa riots, and weeks since the Beijing government met with the Dalai Lama's personal envoys in Shenzhen. The passions aroused by the protests associated with the Torch relay has cooled a little. Now, we can turn to deeper, less emotional consideration of the Dalai Lama and what he stands for. The Dalai Lama's recent trip to … [Read more...] about Questions for the Dalai Lama