1990-2000 Jiang Zemin and the Hu Wen years Flashcards
what are the 10 most important points from the ‘The 2000s: Jiang Zemin and the Naughty Aughties’ reading/
- Acceptance of Values and Ideologies: Some individuals or groups within the Party are adopting values and ideologies that are contrary to the Party’s official stance.
- Internet and Direct Communication: The 2000s saw an influx of foreign and domestic investment into the Internet, which enabled direct communication between citizens and provided exposure for small newspapers.
- Southern Metropolis Daily Report: In 2003, the Southern Metropolis Daily published an investigative report about Sun Zhigang, a migrant who died in police custody. This report gained widespread attention.
- Internet Users and Influence: The article about Sun Zhigang went viral among China’s large population of Internet users, which numbered around 80 million at the time.
- Abolition of “Custody and Repatriation” Policy: Due to public outcry following the Sun Zhigang incident, the government abolished the “custody and repatriation” policy in June of the same year.
- Blogging and Online Media: Blogging gained popularity as a means of publishing content without editorial or censorial oversight. It became a widespread practice among both ordinary citizens and professional journalists.
- Commercialization of Media: State-owned media companies, like the Beijing Youth Daily Newspaper Group, turned to the stock market for funding as government subsidies dwindled. This led to a shift towards prioritizing interesting news over propaganda.
- Super Girls Talent Show: A reality talent show aired by Hunan television station in 2005, which featured finalists who did not conform to conventional ideals of femininity.
- 2008 Olympic Games: The 2008 Beijing Olympics were a significant event for China, symbolizing the country’s emergence as a major global player.
- Global Financial Crisis: The collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 triggered a global financial crisis, but China was partially insulated due to its limited integration with world financial markets. The Chinese government implemented stimulus packages to maintain economic growth.
What are the 10 most important points from Liu Xiaobo’s famous speech “I Have No Enemies: My Final Statement” ?
- Turning Point in 1989: Liu Xiaobo describes June 1989 as a major turning point in his life. Before this, he had a successful academic career and was well-received as a teacher.
- Imprisonment and Restrictions: Following his involvement in the 1989 pro-democracy movement, Liu was imprisoned. He lost the ability to publish and speak freely in China due to his differing political views.
- No Enemies, No Hatred: Liu expresses a remarkable sentiment of forgiveness and understanding towards those who persecuted him. He asserts that he has no personal enemies and no hatred, even for those who imprisoned and interrogated him.
- Dangers of Hatred and Enemy Mentality: Liu warns about the corrosive effects of hatred on individuals and the dangers of an enemy mentality on a nation’s progress and freedom.
- Reform and Opening Up: He credits China’s development and social change to the policy of Reform and Opening Up, which he sees as a shift away from class struggle towards economic development and social harmony.
- Weakening of Enemy Mentality: Liu believes that abandoning the mindset of hostility and class struggle has been crucial for China’s progress. This has led to greater tolerance for diverse views and a move towards the rule of law.
- Human Rights Progress: Liu notes positive steps in China’s acceptance of universal human rights standards, such as commitments to international human rights covenants and constitutional amendments.
- Optimism for China’s Future: Despite his imprisonment, Liu remains optimistic about China’s political progress. He envisions a future China where freedom of expression is respected, and citizens can voice their political views without fear of persecution.
- Love and Support from His Wife: Liu expresses deep gratitude and love for his wife, Liu Xia, who has supported him throughout his struggles. He believes that their love will endure.
- Final Plea for Freedom of Expression: Liu concludes by reiterating the importance of freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. He states that he has done nothing criminal and is prepared to face any charges brought against him.
Which facts does the lecturer open with for the Jiang Zemin years ?
There is an economic boom at the beginning of his term.
This boom accompanied with strict regulations from the World Trade Organization (WTO) (china joined WTO in 2001)
The crisis of 2008-2010 was overall handled well by the Chinese government, mitigated through state intervention. (6% in 2009, impressive in terms of the global recession)
why was 2000’s to 2012 considered a period of liberalisation for China?
from 2000s to 2012, there was a period of liberalisation of China (not democratisation)
the possibilities for liberalisation seemed wider
this led to an optimisation that the party may open up more politically
What are Zemin’s Three Represents ?
They were finalized in the 2000s.
Concerns what the Party represents.
- Advanced productive forces: they welcome capitalist and business people in the party. This is the most important of the three represents.
- Advanced culture.
- The overwhelming majority of the people of China. (china becoming more democratic?)
What is the first factor of liberalization and optimism that took place during the Zemin years ?
This began with the internet.
some commercialisation of the media
The government wondered whether or not this would be a liberalizing agent
The expected it to be a mass-democratizing tool that would be unregulated. (partially true)
Now, we can see it can very well be regulated.
What is the second factor of liberalization and optimism that took place during the Zemin years ?
the commercialization of the media and advertising - allowed to sell products and have advertisers
They still operated within certain strict bounds, but it did become a more lively environment.
began to report on issues, local corruption scandals or grievances of people (important media which wasnt state propaganda)
corruption still existed
What is the third factor of liberalization and optimism that took place during the Zemin years ?
Elections in village committees of 1998.
introduced law establishing village elections - democratised village level politics (600 million people)
Everyone over 18 is allowed to vote, and candidates do not need to be party members. There is a form of competition, which is democratic (more candidates than positions elected)
There is secret ballot, public counting and the person with the majority wins.
village committees had limited power via a vis party control
Unfortunately, today the elections are circumscribed by the party so the party members win (early days saw non party others win elections suggested liberalisation is difficult to control fully)
What is the fourth factor of liberalization and optimism that took place during the Zemin years ?
More foreign influence - students exchanages people, companies etc.
foreign influence isn’t inherently liberalising, but exposes to new and different ideas
This is considered by some to be spiritual pollution, they fear a peaceful evolution away from party rule and ideology. (internal infiltration of China by the West)
There are more cultural, ideological and economic exchanges
what is the fifth factor of liberalisation and democratisation during the Zemin years?
increase in civil society
- a realm of life independent, but not completely private, from the state
in the 90s, Chinese civil society saw an increase in this activity from clubs, advocacy organisations, NGOS (for environment, HIV/AIDS, etc)
since 2017, the foreign sponsor and NGO activity has been restricted, though they are still tolerated (provisions tackling social issues, eg elderly people, rather than explicit political issues)
civil society was influential in eastern europe (2000s) in the transition to democratic values from communism - CCP knew this, tolerated civil society activity but maintains heavy restrictions
Did the party remain in control during the Zemin years ? Give an example supporting your claim.
yes, the party does remain in control - Zemin views the party as democratic
it still represses perceived threats
- Charter 08, document signed by over 300 intellectuals, demands democracy and freedom of religion, Lu Shaobao (organizer) dies in Chinese prison.
- arrested for 10 years for inciting subversion of state power
- won nobel peace prize
EX 2: Falun Gong. This is a type of meditation and slow exercice movement. It was banned as it was considered an alternative power centre
gov tolerated it, but later attempted to co-opt it (failed) - conflict leading to gov restriction and negative media coverage
In 1999, 10 000 people protested in Beijing to request legal recognition and freedom from state interference (symbolism) - increased threat status to gov
Falun Gong is still considered a cult in China.
EX 3: 2008 Beijing Olympics - China’s Coming Out party, Optimistic tone, the party want to display their progress to the world
put their best foot forward as an international powerhouse of progress and development (show off from the last few decades)
What are some cover-ups from the Zemin years that were displayed on the international scene ?
This externality of the model was reported by international news outlets.
the effects of the rapid economic growth became apparent in late 2000s - corruption
corruption became very apparent in 2000s - the party has to self regulate - no media or check on party power to hold accountable
- bribery and nepotism are common and even required to do business
- elite families make millions/billions
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake - buildings were not as solid because of corruption (developers cutting corners), so there were more deaths (school children)
- Baby formula scandal and cover up - formula laced with melamine (artificial protein) because of lack of oversight and corruption (during Olympic era ) - 100,000s of babies sick and 6 died
- 2011 Whenzhou train crash (40 died) - signal faults and oversight followed by an attempt to cover up by burying the train.
- environmental degradation - corruption, bad regulation and economic growth create major issues for air, soil, water and pollution - destroying the environment and having negative impact for citizens
What happens following Zemin’s death ?
It is the end of China’s liberalization.
Xi Jinping is selected because the party “needs a strong hand” (deal with corruption, liberalisation, public safety etc)
