CHINA: an International Journal

Sep 2006: volume 4, number 2

Is the Chinese state stirring up popular anger at Japan to promote nationalism at home and constrain Japan abroad? Or are Chinese leaders trying to pursue engagement with Japan, only to find their hands tied due to powerful public sentiments? Although government propaganda may have laid the foundations for popular anger, public protests have largely responded to Japanese government policy and the behaviour of Japanese companies and individuals.

The Chinese Government's performance, in terms of economic development and political reform, has been well received by the public. Such satisfaction translates into a high level of public trust. At the same time, the Government has cracked down on potentially destabilising factors, thereby checking open challenges to its political power. As a result, the Chinese Communist Party regime will likely hold on to power for some time to come.

The Chinese prostitution industry in the post-Mao era is comparable in some ways with that which flourished in the second half of the 19th century. As ever, the Government must try to prevent the transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases to the general population from prostitutes, their clients, the transient population and people involved in long-distance transport. It must also cope with the spread of HIV/AIDS.

With the recent warming of Sino-Indian relations and the confidence gained through successful cooperative projects, it seems very plausible that both China and India may reach their shared development goals more quickly if they choose to deepen their mutual interaction, exchange and aid. The international community must responsibly foster and facilitate the stable and sustainable development of both these global giants.

Over the past twenty years, the Chinese Government has sought to delegate more authority over basic education to local governments. However, in practice, local governments and schools are still directed by the central government. Local governments are delegated partial authority as encouragement to implement the national policies efficiently.

In responding to US pressure for changes in China's exchange rate regime, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has repeatedly said that the reform of the RMB exchange rate was a matter of China's sovereignty and that any external pressure or politicisation of an economic matter would not be conducive to a solution of the issue.

Soon after the Hong Kong Government changeover in 1997, the IT industry could have created substantial revenues for the Government and business sectors alike, and also somewhat rescued the economy following the collapse of the housing market. However, the use of royalties instead of an auction for four 3G licences scuppered this opportunity.

The French Government believes that China, as an independent player in international relations, can contribute to balancing the US' "hyperpower" and help raise France's influence in global affairs. Instead of a Paris-Beijing axis, the relationship is more that of an entente cordiale based on common economic, strategic and cultural interests.