Social unrest 'on the rise' in China

[pampango]

Source: BBC

Social unrest is on the rise in China, according to an analysis by a Chinese think-tank. The country is grappling with more acute social problems than ever before, according to a report from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Although continued economic growth has provided a greater number of jobs, China has seen more social conflict in 2009 than before.

The authors believe deep resentment has been accumulating over the past few decades against unfairness and power abuses by government officials at various levels. They quote six large-scale popular protests - from taxi strikes to unrest in central China in June - involving tens of thousands of people. This does not include the rioting in the north-western region of Xinjiang, where nearly 200 people were killed in early July.

The report admits some of China's policies have prevented more people from sharing the benefits of the economic development. The urban-rural income gap, for example, has become even bigger and the country's phenomenal GDP growth has been achieved at the expense of the rural population, the environment and overall social cohesion.

The report is a damning indictment on the authorities' slogan of building a harmonious society.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8425119.stm

[Goldstein1984]

1. Capitalism + Oligarchy = Plutocracy

Oh the joys of capitalism.

Peasants all over the world have more in common with each other than with their own "leadership."

[girl gone mad]

2. I'm sure the unrest will spread.

Especially when they realize buying our debt is a losing proposition.

[David__77]

3. The "move left" by Chinese leaders is attempting to address this (kind of)...

Some Chinese leaders are really attempting to revise the "reform and opening" policies significantly, for the first time since 1978. They recognize that the formula of increasing polarization and putting GDP growth above all else is a threat to political stability. And so there is the "go west" campaign to divert resources to underdeveloped areas, which is a start. Secondly, taxes are being lowered on poorer people and raised for wealthier people. Third, some sectors are being renationalized, like coal, for instance. Fourth, a social safety net is being recreated, including health care particularly. Fifth, school fees are being eliminated at the primary level. Sixth, economic stimulus funds are directed toward New Deal style public works, creating many jobs. Will this do it? I don't think so. They need to do a lot more if they want to preserve socials stability. That polarization must be reined in. Probably this can be done through tax policy and nationalization of shares in large corporations that are now private.