The uncompromising approach to calls for political reform reflected in the crackdown on the Jasmine rallies that I’ve talked about in recent weeks is being echoed at the highest levels of the Chinese Communist Party leadership.
Delivering a work report at the Fourth Session of the 11th National People’s Congress yesterday, China’s top legislator ruled out Western-style reform, warning of an ‘abyss of internal disorder’ if China strays from the ‘correct’ path.
Speaking in the Great Hall of the People, the People’s Daily quotes Wu Bangguo as saying:
‘On the basis of China's conditions, we've made a solemn declaration that we'll not employ a system of multiple parties holding office in rotation…Following our own path and building socialism with Chinese characteristics is…the only correct road to development and progress for our country.’
Stability, stability and stability are the three watchwords for the CCP leadership, which is determined to drum home the idea that anything but what it offers would be a dreadful mistake that would put at risk ‘the achievements gained thus far in development’ noted by Wu. It’s a well-worn political tactic, by no means exclusive to China.
The same day, Li Fei, vice director of the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the NPC Standing Committee, continued with this theme of a ‘uniquely’ Chinese system when discussing law enforcement on the sidelines of the Congress.
Recognizing that corruption among officials is one of the biggest concerns among Chinese, Xinhua News Agency quotes Li as saying:
‘We have set up various oversight mechanisms to supervise their work, such as the oversight system by the people's congresses.’ Li also pointed to other oversight mechanisms, ‘including the disciplinary inspection within the Communist Party of China, supervision from the public and the media.’