<strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Thursday <strong>May</strong> <strong>13</strong> <strong>2021</strong> Decoding Chinese Political System With the rise of China and its increasing international influences, the West has put more emphasis on the ideological differences in recent years. China’s path of development is sometimes labelled as a challenge to the universality of Western formula, and the Chinese political system has drawn suspicion and smear from some Western countries. As the Communist Party of China (hereinafter referred to as “CPC”) is to celebrate its centennial this year, it is worthwhile to get a better understanding of the CPC and China’s governance. In 1840s, China’s door was kicked open by western powers during the Opium War. From 1840 to 1949, China signed hundreds of unequal treaties with 23 western powers. All Chinese ports, waterways, railroads & coastlines were controlled by major powers owning all kind of privileges, even concessions. With its sovereignty and independence suffering serious damage, China was plunged into a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. In order to build a free and democratic new country, China had ventured into many political experiments like the constitutional monarchy, parliamentary system and multi-party system, but none of them worked out. China and its people were still left in chaos with rampant corruption and endless misery. <strong>The</strong> Japanese aggression against China in 1931 further aggravated the sufferings. Communism was introduced to China in the early 20th century. <strong>The</strong> ideal for creating an equal society and emancipating the mass from oppression echoed the aspiration of the Chinese people. <strong>The</strong>refore many patriotic intellectuals introduced, adopted and promoted Communism to find a way to save China from deep water. <strong>The</strong> CPC, since its founding in 1921 with only dozens of members, soon rallied massive support among Chinese people. Although faced with different challenges, the CPC always took the lead in uniting and liberating the Chinese people from imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat-capitalism. After 28 years of arduous efforts, under the leadership of CPC, the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949. Ever since then, the Chinese people stood up again. <strong>The</strong> new China wiped out the vestiges of feudalism and made remarkable achievements in all important fields including economy, education, health, science, technology and culture within less than two decades. In the early days after the founding of the new republic, China couldn’t even produce a bicycle on its own. By 1966, China has established complete agricultural and modern industrial systems. China also broke sanctions and blockades imposed by certain western countries. By 1976, among more than <strong>13</strong>0 independent countries in the world, 110 of them established diplomatic relations with China. <strong>The</strong> CPC has served as the leading force in China’s reform and openingup. Market economy was introduced in China more than 40 years ago, leading China into fast track of development. A socialist path of Chinese characteristics has been established successfully. From 1978 to 2020, the GDP per capita of China has amounted to more than USD 10,000 from USD 200 and the world’s largest middle class of more than 400 million people has been created. More than 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty. <strong>The</strong> average life expectancy has more than doubled from 35 years old to 77 years old since the founding of the new China. Chinese people enjoy higher living standards and more personal freedom today than any other time in Chinese history. Looking back at the history, we can easily draw the conclusion that the leadership of CPC in China is the choice of the Chinese people and the Chinese history. While some parties strive for power and political gains to serve their own interests, the CPC always seeks to serve the interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people. <strong>The</strong> CPC has always adopted a down-to-earth approach, and sought to apply the Marxist doctrines to fit China’s domestic situations. <strong>The</strong> CPC always uses merit-based mechanism for appointing senior officials. Before taking charge, officials appointed normally have rich experience and outstanding performance rather than professional politicians elected in western political system. <strong>The</strong> CPC has always been committed to selfrenewal and self-improvement. This has enabled the CPC to ensure that the Party will resolutely correct its own problems. A survey conducted by Harvard Kennedy School last year shows that more than 93 per cent of Chinese people are satisfied with the performance of the government under the CPC leadership at central and local levels. History has proved that the Chinese system and development path fit the country. <strong>The</strong>re is no fixed mode worldwide for modernization. Countries should learn from experiences of each other rather than simply force one’s shoes on others’ feet. (Author: Wang Zhijian, Chinese Consul General in Christchurch) This advertisement is paid for by the Chinese Consulate 24 OPINION Visitors are welcome at the city council building I’M WORKING in my office on Saturday, not because we have hearings on this weekend, but because we have people coming into the city council building, Te Hononga, as part of Open Christchurch, a new festival of architecture organised by Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City Making. Te Hononga is one of 46 open buildings in the festival. Most of the buildings are walk-up opportunities – the ones that required bookings including the guided city walks are fully booked now (unfortunately for those who haven’t booked, but great in terms of the popularity of the festival). I will be welcoming people to what is called the <strong>May</strong>or’s Lounge, but which is really a place where we hold many of our all-important workshops and briefings, as well as informal meetings. <strong>The</strong>se are opportunities to canvas issues before we go into a formal decision-making environment, enabling questions to be asked and further information provided if necessary. So they are an important part of what we do. It is also the place where we host overseas dignitaries and other visitors to the city. Based on the sixth floor, it has a great view of the Arts Centre and across the city to the west. On a clear day the view of the Southern Alps is spectacular. It PRE wintER HEAt PUMP SPECiALS Phone now for prompt expert advice and installation (we can install the same week) <strong>May</strong>or Lianne Dalziel IDENTITY: Architecture will be on show on Saturday at Te Hononga, the city council building. is great to be able to show visitors just how special our location is at the centre of the South Island. I hope you take a chance to visit some of these places over the weekend and enjoy seeing and hearing about the architecture both modern and historic that helps create our unique identity as a city. Details are on the website http://openchch. nz/. Heat Pump Sp GE35 4kW Heat Pump fro GE50 5.8kW Heat Pump FH50 6.0kW Heat Pump INCLUDES INSTALLATION. CON 379-3589 7 Dalziel Pl, www.snowtemp.co.nz Woolston, Christchurch Heat Pump Installation/Repairs • Refr T
Thursday <strong>May</strong> <strong>13</strong> <strong>2021</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong> 25 CHRISTCHURCH MITSUBISHI 386 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch Ph: 03 379 0588 christchurchmitsubishi.co.nz 10 year / 160,000km Powertrain Warranty (whichever comes first) (non transferable). 5 year / <strong>13</strong>0,000km New Vehicle Warranty (whichever comes first) (non transferable). DRIVE A NEW NISSAN STOCK AVAILABLE TODAY AVAILABLE FROM AVAILABLE FROM *Price shown excludes on road costs which includes registration, WoF and a full tank of fuel. CHRISTCHURCH NISSAN, 380 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch Ph: 03 595 6820 www.christchurchnissan.co.nz AVAILABLE FROM HAS ARRIVED $29,990 * $33,990 * $36,790 * THE ALL-NEW NISSAN 150,000 KM’S 5YR FACTORY WARRANTY christchurchnissan.co.nz