More inclusive system will help nation flourish
The view that the mainland's economic reforms will, naturally, be followed by rapid political change is one that is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. There is no sign that Beijing is willing to embrace democracy. Indeed, a hard line continues to be taken against people perceived as political threats and a tight grip maintained on the flow on information. But it could be argued that these authoritarian ways harm the nation's development. As economic growth continues, a shift in thinking is needed to ensure that all citizens enjoy the benefits of a fair and just society.
Many foreign and domestic critics of the mainland system have long predicted that democracy will inevitably follow economic reforms. The assumption was that a more open economy would breed more open politics. Some even argued that assisting the mainland's economic development would accelerate this type of change. So far, reality has been somewhat different. At the helm of an increasingly powerful and secure nation, the government has become even more jealous of its political monopoly. Instead of better protecting rights and freedoms, it has seemingly drawn satisfaction from resisting liberalisation. Evidence lies in the punishment being meted out to those who question the government's authority. Official figures show a sharp rise in the number of people being jailed for endangering state security - a non-specific charge that allows lengthy terms without the need for explanation. There were more than 1,700 such imprisonments in 2008, up from 742 the previous year and 295 in 2005. It was the reason Liu Xiaobo , who had been pushing for rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution to be observed, was jailed for 11 years in December; Huang Qi , who helped the victims of the Sichuan earthquake, was put behind bars for three years the previous month; and Tan Zuoren , who said the deaths of thousands of children in the quake was largely down to shoddy school construction, was last week given a five-year term.
Liu, Huang, Tan and their counterparts were not trying to impress critics of the government - their efforts were to improve the nation's well-being. The drive to push economic growth at all costs has created a slew of problems. Corruption is rampant, the gap between rich and poor is ever-widening, arbitrary land acquisitions remain rife, working conditions are for many poor and unsafe, the rule of law remains weak and free speech is suppressed.
Authorities wrongly assume that wealth is the only solution. If people have a good job or business, a healthy income, a home, car and consumerism, this can help maintain stability and harmony. This approach has generally paid off with the burgeoning middle class, many of whom take the view that improving living conditions are a reason not to rock the boat. For all the success, though, there are significant flaws: the fruits of the economic miracle are far from evenly divided. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that dissatisfaction boils over. The estimated 100,000 protests and riots each year point to mismanagement, not good governance.
It is widely accepted that modern market economies need a free flow of information to function properly. Citizens, business people and investors need ready access to accurate news and data. Checks and balances are essential to prevent abuse of power by interest groups and officials and ensure transparency and openness. If China is to thrive and flourish, a more democratic system is the best way forward. An open and inclusive political system has to be at the core.
