Vienna-based Li Ling observes that while it seems that Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed all obstacles to his rule, actually the outcomes of the 20th Party Congress has shown another side of him: a level-headed and even disciplined man who can act in a measured and controlled fashion. Being able to show restraint while holding on to great power will be a delicate balance that one has to strike in Xi’s “new era”.
Chinese Communist Party
Politics
Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan presents the life and achievements of Jiang Zemin, following his passing at the age of 96. While he was seen as not having enough heft on his own when he first began as CCP general secretary, he had chalked up various achievements by the end of his tenure and graceful exit.
Politics
Taiwanese academic Chang-Ling Huang explains the importance of gender quota laws in pushing forward women’s representation in politics, observing that while China and Japan have had poor women political representation, Taiwan has managed to be a bright spot in East Asia.
Economy
Cooperatives that used to manage agricultural and other daily resources in China faded away during China's reform and opening up, but recently, they were highlighted again by the state media and promoted in various regions. Chinese people are concerned if this means that the government is going to further tighten its grip on the economy or that China is preparing for the likelihood of containment and even war?
Politics
Taiwanese academic Wen-Hsuan Tsai attributes the demolition of the Youth League faction after the 20th Party Congress to Xi's belief that the Communist Youth League should focus on grassroots youth work and unite Chinese youths under the party and the leader. With the whole of China's society united, what could be the most destabilising factor?
Politics
With the installation of those close to Chinese President Xi in the CCP’s Politburo Standing Committee and other factional groups practically eliminated, it is no longer useful to construct new factions based on autobiographical information. It could even be said that Xi now does not even have to follow his own rules.
Politics
East Asian Institute senior research fellow Lance Gore observes that “Xi Jinping Thought” is really Leninism of the 21st century, or an amalgam of dictums that bear the risk of stifling social vitality and creativity. Not only that, a high concentration of power is a strength but also a weakness if cadres are afraid of deviating from the views of “the great leader”.
Politics
Academic Lu Xi notes that the traditional notions of factional politics of the Chinese Communist Party has changed following the 20th Party Congress. With a greater centralisation of power, jousting among any remaining factions or subfactions will likely prove less relevant.
Politics
As members of the 20th Politburo and its Standing Committee take the helm and usher in a new era of “China-style modernisation”, the market and public are showing clear signs of anxiety and dissatisfaction. Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that the new leadership will have their work cut out for them to deliver the Chinese story well to its people and the outside world.