China Herald: Libya

Showing posts with label Libya. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Why China is not collapsing - Shaun Rein

Image by Fantake via Flickr

The main difference between Tunesia, Egypt, Libya on one hand and China? Most Chinese support their government, argues Shaun Rein in CNBC in response to those who predict China might be the next on the block of governments under siege. Shaun Rein:

Sure, the system has shortcomings and continued reforms are necessary – corruption in particular is a significant problem area. But any unrest is more akin to the protests in Wisconsin than those in Tripoli.

People are far more likely to blame local governments than the central government. Many levels of society, from the military to the middle class to even the rising lower class, benefit from the status quo – no one wants a return to the chaos of the pre-opening up era.

China is not a one-family government, but a tidbit more complicated than many foreign observers think, and on a much more solid foundation, Rein argues in CNBC.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Educational reform key for China - Shaun Rein

Shaun Rein by Fantake via Flickr

Ahead of the opening of the annual meetings of the CPPCC and the National People's Congress, Shaun Rein gives in CNBC an overview of the current challenges for the country. The mismatch on the labor market, caused by a failing education is key. Other issues: inflation, Libya and the oil prices, jobs and sustainable growth.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

China is no Libya, but not out of danger - Helen Wang

Helen Wang

China has no Khadaffi-style ruler, lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, writes Helen Wang in Forbes. But the increased government control shows its rulers do not think China is immune for a home-made popular uprising.

The last few years saw a regression in the government’s openness. Since 2008, the Chinese government has increasingly censored the Internet, detained dissidents, and disbarred lawyers who are actively involved in civil rights and corruption cases.

If the government thinks the tightened control will help maintain stability, it will prove to be the opposite. The demonstrations in the Middle East provide a clear case that the more repressive the regime, the more chaos and protests it will brew. The “Jasmine Revolution” seems not going away. Boxun issued a new call for protest in 23 cities around China this coming weekend. It encourages people to take part of the “non-violent and non-cooperative” demonstration by “strolling, watching or pretending to pass by.” “As long as you are present,” the statement says, “the authoritarian government will be shaking with fear.”

Read in Forbes why Helen Wang thinks the government should loosen control.

Helen Wang is the author of The Chinese Dream: The Rise of the World's Largest Middle Class and What It Means to You. She is also a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. When you need her at your meeting or conference, do get in touch.