2032: The Future We Want - UNDP video

- By Taviana MacLeod

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEOBJ1LK7kc

The United Nations Development Program recently released this video questioning various Chinese citizens, of many generations, about how they feel China should be like in 20 years from now. According to an article in Want China Times; "The randomly selected members of the public thus had the chance to share their vision for the future with more than 200 world leaders and thousands of delegates engaged in talks on sustainable development at the Rio+20 summit held in June in Brazil." Many requests were quite  reasonable; for instants, not to stretch natural resources to their limit, no war, no terrorism and happy families. On the other hand, some issues that were brought up (most likely without the knowledge of anyone in political power) were quite shocking to hear, for the simple reason that many of these would never be seen as issues in Canada. Education was an important one and as one  women puts it she wishes that "professional success will not be regarded as the main indicator of a person's success." Today, Chinese youth (15-24 years) have a 99% literacy rate and [Unicef, 2004-2008 data ] Chinese children typically start their formal education at age two. [ The New York Times “China’s Winning Schools?” Jan. 15, 2011 ] Many other surprising facts about the strongly intense education system can be spoken about, but how much is all this taking away from a genuinely happy life? If all that is to be done is study in order to get a job, to then work like a beast for the rest of your life... According to me, this is very important but should not be the absolute main priority of the people, nor of the government to in force this on the people.  

Another topic that was brought up was that of the physically or mentally handicapped, which is in fact is something to pay attention to in every country because it is important that all citizens be treated equally regardless. One man says he wishes "That all mute people as well as physically and mentally challenged people can have equal opportunities for education and work."One young girl says; "I hope we will not be restricted to routines like I am."  and another states that "People should dare to be adventurous; chase the girl you like, eat the food you want, make mistakes when you are young."  I believe that although citizens cannot say as they wish about the Chinese Communist Party in power, the way they seam to describe the China they want is simple. A simple and just state where citizens are aloud to just "take it easy".  More than three million people in China had taken part in the online conversation by the end of July to share their vision and make suggestions for a better world in the global The Future We Want campaign via social media. 

Who is this New Leader?

            ~ By Cynthia Dawn Roy

           

            The world is watching China as power is shifting from the hands of Hu Jintao and passing to Xi Jinping, China’s vice-president. This change of leadership in China only happens once every ten years, and China is very eager to prove to all its critics that it can make this change smoothly, though Xi’s Houdini act has already raised questions and reaffirmed doubts. Like most politics in China, this transition has been marked by secrecy and rumours.

            Questions continue to rise concerning Xi’s 15 day absence. On Wednesday September 19, Xi met with U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, his first meeting with a foreign official since returning to the public scene. Tung, vice-chairman of the Political Consultative Conference said officially that Xi hurt himself in sports, but he is now recovered and back to work. He also said that the health of a senior leader is not a public issue in China.

 

            Across China, Xi is known as the ‘Crown Prince,’ a nickname given to him because of his father’s involvement with the politics of China. Xi Jinping’s father was Xi Zhongxun, vice-premier under the leadership of Mao Zedong. After showing his support remembering a former comrade and party martyr, Xi was stripped of all leadership positions and sent to prison and rehabilitation.

(Right: Xi Zhongxun)

(Below: Xi Jinping is to the left, age 5. Beside him is his younger brother, Xi Yuanping and their father Xi Zhongxun)

            During this time, Xi Jinping was sent to work in the countryside, and when he ran away to Beijing he was captured and sent back. When he was finally able to return to Beijing he found favour with the Communist Party’s youth league. From 2002-2007, Xi was appointed the executive secretary of the Secretariat (a bureaucratic body that helps manage political work), the same position Hu Jintao once held.

            As leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi is expected to tackle income inequality in China and prepare for economic hardship. He’s also expected to build up a sense of security for the people. Chinese officials seem confident that Xi will be a capable leader. Xi will likely be holding this position for two five-year terms. Hu Jintao will still continue for another term with control over military as chairman of the military commission.

Dear China, Where is Xi?

~ By Cynthia Dawn Roy

One of the last pictures taken of Vice President Xi before he disappeared

Rumours are running amuck as the world is looking to China, a country that is striving to display firm political stability, and wondering what on earth has happened to Xi Jinping.

           

            Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping was last seen by the public eye on September 1, and during that time he has missed meetings with Singapore’s Prime Minister, the U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and an appointment that had been scheduled with the Danish Prime Minister. Foreign journalists had been invited to a photo appointment between Xi and the Prime Minister of Denmark, but on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry claimed that the meeting had never been scheduled and other officials met with the Danish leader.

            It is unlikely that all the government officials know as little as they claim to, but no one is talking. This is causing rumours across the country to rise up in swarms. Common speculation as to Xi’s disappearance blame it on a back injury Xi got while playing soccer or swimming. Some wonder if he may have had a mild heart-attack. The most dramatic rumour being spread included the Vice President being injured in a car accident staged by a military official in a revenge plot.

            This year represents a year of dramatic change in China’s politics, as leadership will be shifting from President Hu to Vice President Xi in a couple of months. NewYork Times reported that Xi was chosen internally as “the presumptive heir to Mr. Hu as the leader of the Communist Party, head of state and chairman of the top military oversight body” five years ago. Political analysts say the transition is still likely to happen… but as long as Xi stays missing, no one can guess what this year will hold for China.

New criminal law will seal records for China's youth

By: Kassy Sangster

Youth in China will soon be reaping benefits from a new criminal law which will be starting January 1st, 2013. This law, for better or for worse will hide the criminal record of minors who have had sentences that have been less than 5 years long. 

This will allow individuals who previously struggled to get a job or go in the military or get into university to apply without having to reveal their criminal past, which the current law enforces. While employers can still find the record by going to the police and applying to see them, it will certainly add an extra danger to hiring. Some have complained that it will be a security risk, as knowing ahead of time that someone has stolen before can be crucial in catching them again faster.

 However for those out there that want to leave the past in the past and continue on with their lives as honest citizens, the black mark of a juvenile record is something they will be very glad to part with.

Clinton’s visit: Positive… yet no one’s budging

~ By Cynthia Dawn Roy

Clinton and President Hu

Hillary Clinton’s visit with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang and President Hu on Wednesday seems to have been a peaceful and encouraging one, though what was actually accomplished is still to be seen. Both Clinton and Yang had very positive things to say about their visit. Hu explained that China is eager to maintain and strengthen communications and coordination with the United States and Clinton echoed that she was proud of the strength and resilience of the relationship.

At the same time, nothing was actually accomplished through Hillary’s visit. There were two major issues that were discussed; the conflict in Syria and the quarrels Asia continues to have about several small islands. Besides the problems China has been having with Japan defending the Diaoyu islands, there are also several other islands China has claimed that is causing tension in Vietnam, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. The U.S. has claimed to take no sides on the matter, but it is clear that if the conflict implodes, the United States will defend their allies. Washington’s offer to aid in multilateral negotiations was harshly refused by China, who told the U.S. to mind their own business.

Several newspapers have accused the U.S. of using the conflict in the South-eastern seas for their own advantage, but Clinton insisted that Washington only wanted the disputes to be handled in a diplomatic manner. Neither Clinton nor Hu was willing to waive in the South China Sea debate.

Will crime strain relations between Africa and China or bring them closer?

By: Kassy Sangster

37 Suspected  Chinese criminals took the walk of shame back to Bejing from Angola in late August.

The gangs were taken down by both the Angolan and Chinese police on charges of kidnapping, thievery, extortion and more. Four of the victims, Chinese women who were forced into prostitution, also came back to China. The men had lured these women to Angola with offers of high paying jobs and then stole their passports so they couldn't return.  While there is a sense of relief at these men being locked away and these women being able to go free, its understandable that China is worried about the effects on their national image. It is not very often that a country has to answer a cry to take their citizens out of another country. A cry which they heard from their very own Chinese Embassy. China's joint task force with the Angolan police has had success, they have closed 48 cases together, they obviously are bringing these 37 suspects to court and they have rescued 14 victims from forced prostitution. However there have been multiple kidnappings that have scared the Chinese citizens in Angola and 5 deaths that have business owners leaving. Some of the men go as far as to hire bodyguard protection. Seeing as China and Africa are building a strong relationship together, this fear and crime that is coming from the interaction could very well effect the business of China.