The Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) has just ended. Here are two stories about Wen that I found interesting. I have no personal insights beyond what is reported, but I thought it is helpful to bring attention to such stories to balance the distorted view in the West that the Chinese government somehow has in its DNA a fear of criticisms and a … [Read more...] about Wen Jiabao Urges Political Reform and Praises Internet Criticism of Government
Wen Jiabao
Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirms political and economic reforms
China Daily has just reported Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirming political and economic reforms. On the table are government transparency, creating conditions allowing people to criticize and supervise the government, and media being a watch-dog. Given how Wu Bangguo's speech was skewed by the BBC (see my prior post, "Wu Bangguo on 'multi party rule' ruffles some feathers in … [Read more...] about Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirms political and economic reforms
Outline of China’s 12th 5-year Plan
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has just reported on the work of the Chinese government and outlined the country's 12th 5-year plan (2011-2015). For China watchers, it would be a shame to not be familiar with at least some of these specifics. CCTV has all the materials in English, Russian, Spanish, French, and Arabic. For convenience, I have quoted below "Key targets of China's … [Read more...] about Outline of China’s 12th 5-year Plan
Chinese Premier Wen dons apron for Year of the Rabbit
This image of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao struck me, because it captures well how the Chinese population views him. Check out his bunny apron. Anhui is one of the poorest provinces in China. … [Read more...] about Chinese Premier Wen dons apron for Year of the Rabbit
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao interview by CNN’s Fareed Zakaria ignored by English ‘China’ blogs
Fareed Zakaria of CNN's GPS recently interviewed Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. It's a great interview, and I am glad to learn that CNN agreed to not make commentary on what Premier Wen said. In exchange, CNN was given permission to ask whatever they wanted. Zakaria acknowledged "it was one of the most open and frank discussion he has ever seen with a Chinese leader." Here … [Read more...] about Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao interview by CNN’s Fareed Zakaria ignored by English ‘China’ blogs