The 1990s & 2000s: Jiang Zemin & 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).
The crisis of 2008-2010 was overall handled well by the Chinese government, mitigated through state intervention.
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.
What is the first factor of liberalization and optimism that took place during the Zemin years ?
- This began with the internet. 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. 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 ?
- Along came the commercialization of the media and advertising. They still operated within certain strict bounds, but it did become a more lively environment. Unfortunately, corruption was also important in this area.
What is the third factor of liberalization and optimism that took place during the Zemin years ?
- Elections in village committees of 1998. 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.
There is secret ballot, public counting and the person with the most ballots cast for them wins.
Unfortunately, today the elections are circumscribed by the party so the party members win.
What is the fourth factor of liberalization and optimism that took place during the Zemin years ?
- More foreign influence - students, people, companies etc. This is considered by some to be spiritual pollution, they fear a peaceful evolution away from party rule and ideology.
There are more cultural, ideological and economic exchanges, increase of civil society.
Did the party remain in control during the Zemin years ? Give an example supporting your claim.
Yes, the party does remain in control.
EX 1: Charter 08 demands democracy and freedom of religion, organizer dies in Chinese prison.
EX 2: Falun Gong. This is a type of meditation and slow exercice movement. It was banned.
In 1999 10 000 people protested in Beijing. 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.
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.
- 2008 Sichuan earthquake - buildings were not as solid because of corruption, so there were more deaths.
- Baby formula scandal and cover up - formula laced with melamine because of lack of oversight and corruption.
- 2011 Whenzhou train crash - signal faults and oversight followed by an attempt to cover up by burring the train.
- The country’s environmental policy - generally lies and is not transparent concerning environmental issues.
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”.
