Political Culture – China

1. Political Culture – China

2. Dedication to Communism • Government no longer expects people to actively support communism, so long as the don’t actively oppose it. • Since 1978, leaders have chosen to be judged by their ability to generate economic growth and increased standards of living for the people. • In modern China, legitimacy is directly tied to economic performance • In 2006, in colleges all over the country, the state reduced the number of required political ideology courses from 7 to 4

3. Economic Development • The government has supported and advanced a policy of “some get rich first.” • This, of course, has led to tremendous income inequality. • Rural income is 30% lower than urban. • Government also supports a policy of “first development, then environment.” • Economic development has become the key in promotion through the system

4. Geography • It’s the 2nd largest country in area • It’s the largest country by population • But, only about 25% of the land is arable • Farmland is shrinking as industry and private property grows

5. The “Rule of Law” • There are laws and all are equally governed by them • Historically, the “rule of law” has no place in communism as “law is a weapon of the state” • While Chinese government often violates the latter part, reform began in 1978 • First, there was a need to undo the wrongs of the Cultural Revolution and restore stability and order • Second, Deng Xiaoping wanted to show a commitment to “system building vs. arbitrary rule” • Finally, hoped to encourage economic growth and investment

6. Legal Reform • 1982 constitution subjects the party to authority of law • 1996 reform gives the right to counsel at early stages of criminal investigation • 1997 reform created laws dealing with economic crime • It also eliminated the crime of “counterrevolution” • Instituted property rights and contract law • Done to encourage foreign investment, to provide codes for growing capitalism, and to appease outside pressure (particularly surrounding the Olympics)

7. Problems with law • Capital punishment used in “lesser crimes” (e.g., rape, theft, smuggling, and child trafficking). • Trials are inquisitorial in nature – by the time you get there, you’re already guilty • There are several thousand political prisoners despite the removal of the counterrevolutionary law • No judicial review • The party controls the legal system

8. Mass Media • The explosion of telecommunications around the world have benefited China • Decreased the importance of state-controlled media • There are 10x as many periodicals (9,500) and newspapers (2,000) today as there were in 1978 • Censorship is still alive • the government can shut down papers that “go too far” • regular monitoring of the Internet • objection to foreign publication

9. Political Participation • Mao expected people to participate in political activity. Lack of participation was opposition to the regime. • Today, apathy is accepted. • The government has also moved away from mass mobilization campaigns. • Finally, mass demonstrations are discouraged over private complaints through local channels.

10. Parties and Mass Organizations • There are 8 “satellite” parties under communist control • They participate in the NPC, but have no real policymaking power • Mass organizations • headed by party officials • they don’t represent groups which are looking to have interests advanced in politics • rather, they meet with those groups and explain relevant party decisions

11. Corruption • Chinese people consistently view corruption as a serious problem with the government • In fact, the Tiananmen protests were as much about corruption as democracy • Procuratorates are supposed to prosecute corruption as criminal offenses, but party discipline precedes criminal investigations

12. Other Issues – Part 1 • Environmentalism • 8-12% of GDP lost annually to pollution • When village committees created in 1987, environmental protection became very difficult • State EPA is horribly under funded • Population Control • Officially, China has a one-child policy • Rules change from province to province • Rules are less strict in rural areas • Enforcement is difficult • Despite objections, the policy has worked

13. Other Issues – Part 2 • Hong Kong • In 1984, China established “one country, two systems,” to support capitalism in Hong Kong • In 1996, after taking over, China replaced elected officials with its own • Greater freedom there than elsewhere • Taiwan • Nationalists fled there after losing the civil war • In 1971, it lost its official standing as the government of China • Tension remains high with the mainland

14. Final Thoughts • Can economic growth continue without breaking the communist party and establishing democracy? • Can China continue to survive as a communist regime when most of the others collapsed years ago? • Will nationalism help continue to protect communism in China?