China
on edge: Police break up a gathering in Shanghai,
where
social networks called for 'Jasmine Revolution'
protests to reflect
public anger with the government, Feb. 20.
Demonstrators were
later asked to hold 'strolling protests.'
Global Times, People's Republic of China
Western Reporters
Yearn in Vain for Revolution in China
Are
Western journalists, who have been reporting attempts by people in China to
demonstrate against their government, aspiring for China's "collapse"?
This editorial from China's state-run Global Times tells its readers
hopefully, 'Chinese society has no interest in resolving problems through
revolution.'
EDITORIAL
February 25, 2011
China - Global Times - Original Article
(English)
In the wake of Tunisia's
"Jasmine Revolution," popular protests have swept the Arab world.
Some lost no time in hyping that the wave would make its way to China.
Nevertheless, such a belief will result in only disappointment.
A few Western media outlets
are looking for clues of a Chinese-style Jasmine Revolution. Inevitably, with its
colossal population, China has a few dissidents who have become energized by
the public revolts in the Middle East, and who are calling for protests or even
a revolution. Especially in larger cities, such people do exist.
A number of Western
journalists recently gathered at an appointed place to watch several Chinese offer
a performance art version of the "Jasmine Revolution." The crowd of journalists
and bystanders far outnumbered the "performers." However, some
overseas media reported the event as though it were a massive popular movement,
and could hardly disguise their anticipation for turmoil in China.
Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
Their reports were
essentially theatrical photography rather than investigative journalism.
Strictly speaking, such careless sensationalism is more a forgery of news than
journalism.
Anyone with an understanding
of Chinese society would know better than to predict a Chinese-style
"Jasmine Revolution." This society is now generally stable. This
isn't merely a reflection of the state of society, but widely held public
opinion.
China has many problems and
conflicts - imbalanced development and a wide gap between rich and poor have triggered
plenty of complaints. But the nation has the political determination to address
these problems, and possible solutions are being considered.
Chinese society has no
interest in resolving such problems through revolution. Many still vividly
remember the social upheavals that occurred decades ago. People today have more
confidence in the strength of reform and development.
China is far more stable than
some would think. Thousands of years of history demonstrate the stability of
Chinese civilization, and the nation's social complexity has contributed to
creating a stable social balance.
Police arrest two men in front of the Peace Cinema in Shanghai
after calls for a 'Jasmine Revolution' protest, organized through
the Internet, Feb. 27.
Most of China's problems are
by-products of the nation's growth. China is not a problem-filled dumpster.
It's more like a wharf where both accomplishments and problems are laid. As
long as the nation maintains its momentum of growth, our disappointments need
not become a Gordian knot.
No theory or wisdom can top
or question success. China is now seeing impressive economic and social
progress. It drew global attention in the first decade of the 21st century. Whether
they are applauded or rebuked now, these achievements will in the end be
regarded as historic successes for our nation. History's dustbin is littered
with those who aspire for China's collapse.
