David Peng made a prediction in his blog An Anachronist's Life on July 1st, thee days after the Weng'An riot: ... I predict, the "Hu Jintao style" government response [which emphasises on proactive reporting the news and guiding the public discussion/opinion in order to restore/maintain stability] is going to be followed by acts in the "organizing department style" , that the … [Read more...] about Heads roll (figuratively) in the Weng'An riot aftermath
media
Weng'an Riots: How the state media hurts China
The central government did many things right in response to the Weng'an riots. Beijing's campaign to treat "sudden incidents" with more openness was also obvious; a full news conference revealing the government's version less than 2 days after the riot is pretty unheard of by Chinese standards. Reporters from around the country and world flooded into Guizhou without … [Read more...] about Weng'an Riots: How the state media hurts China
The Chinese debate – Part 1: The West
One of our myriad goals for this blog was to make one simple point: the Chinese debate politics. The Chinese community debate eloquently and foolishly, intelligently and blindly, informed and uninformed, left and right, China and West... the Chinese are not brain-washed robots living in a closed society; we often disagree, often very passionately. To make this point, we … [Read more...] about The Chinese debate – Part 1: The West
Is Fiat too clever?
The story of Fiat apologizing to China for its Richard Gere and Tibet themed ad for a new car was first reported on June 20. At that time, I quickly dismissed it as nothing but another blunder by the marketing department of a global company that should have known better. The ad itself wasn't problematic per se. But it was clearly created with Richard Gere's Tibet oriented … [Read more...] about Is Fiat too clever?
Briefs on Tibet: Action and Reaction
Just as the earthquake shook China last month, the ground has also shifted under the Tibet issue. It seems the protests and counter-protests did not go into a black hole, but are having some effects on the media. But the exiles and their supporters aren't ready to pass up on such a good chance in this Olympic year yet. They are elevating the profile of a different lama. Between … [Read more...] about Briefs on Tibet: Action and Reaction