The eternal leader

Chairman Xi, Chinese Idol

Ian Johnson

I was skeptical at first when political analysts suggested that Xi might try to rule past a second term. One reason was that the Chinese political class has fought hard to institutionalize transfers of power. I wondered if Xi would want to risk alienating so many of his peers by taking such a step. Another risk is that this puts Xi in the crosshairs if his policies fail. And while it’s easy to imagine Xi steamrolling opponents until his health fails him, there are small signs of unease among people in China.

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Xi is further than Putin in his power installment. Anyway: clear is, we have again the times of the leader, the strong man, the subordination, the mindless followers, the plebs, the mobs. All the ugly sides of fascism in modern, new cloth. Be it Turkey or Poland, or the leading superpowers...

China: Academic Journal Acquiesces to Censorship Demands

Cambridge University Press, the world’s oldest publishing house, made 300 articles from the website of the China Quarterly inaccessible inside China, at the request of Chinese authorities. John Ruwitch and Fanny Potkin report for Reuters:

Cambridge University Press U-turns on Journal Cuts

Late last week, news came that Cambridge University Press had agreed to remove 315 articles from the China Quarterly journal from its web pages for users in China, as well as some 1000 ebooks. The story thrust the world’s oldest publisher into a controversy similar to that recently facing one of its biggest tech companies, Apple. CUP’s initial decision prompted fierce criticism including a petition threatening a possible boycott. On Monday, Cambridge University announced that the articles’ removal would be reversed:

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China is very inventive and open in areas which are considered as positiv and helpful for her and her economy. But China is afraid – because of its closed structure. It is not open, even not to the market. All is under state control and tight observance. Even the internet is a closed circuit, the hunting of violaters is effective; the number of imprisoned and tortured journalists, scientist, advocates and all who dared to express criticism is very high. China's tough policy has been proven again with the passing of Liu Xiaobo and the unkown fate of his widow Liu Xia. China really is a nation with a totally corrupt and criminal government, nationally as well as regionally, whis is fed by collaborateurs of the USA and Europe and some underdog-Nations who rely on China's help. They all pay a high price, as does the Chinese society.