by Jerome A. Cohen
THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY AT 90: RELYING ON REPRESSION - U.S. - Asia Law Institute: "On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party’s ninetieth birthday, many will celebrate its extraordinary economic achievements, and the political and military power they sustain. Even human rights critics acknowledge China’s impressive progress in health, housing and education. Greater openness at home and expanding global exchange are also helping to transform an increasingly urban people into a more sophisticated society. China has indeed “stood up”.
During its tenth decade, however, the costs of the party’s success are likely to become more apparent. Massive official corruption and the growing gap between rich and poor are eroding Communist legitimacy, and environmental disasters loom ever larger. The struggle over land and other scarce resources is daily spawning social conflicts. Management-labor tensions have been rising rapidly. The number and breadth of mass protests, better known to Party leaders than to the world, cry out for a governmental system that will adequately reflect popular demands and effectively respond to widespread grievances."
During its tenth decade, however, the costs of the party’s success are likely to become more apparent. Massive official corruption and the growing gap between rich and poor are eroding Communist legitimacy, and environmental disasters loom ever larger. The struggle over land and other scarce resources is daily spawning social conflicts. Management-labor tensions have been rising rapidly. The number and breadth of mass protests, better known to Party leaders than to the world, cry out for a governmental system that will adequately reflect popular demands and effectively respond to widespread grievances."
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