In spite of China’s economic and international success, there is reason to believe that it is the political system and its ideological weakness that are the problem, notwithstanding the advances of recent years. Many Chinese are delighted with the fact that ideology no longer has the same importance, as this seems to them to safeguard a pragmatic approach and a less conflictual model. But can factionalism without intellectual debate enable the institutionalisation of the handover of power at the top? Can it provide for the future of a Communist Party wrought with tensions in the context of competition between members of the ruling class? It seems that the “harmonious society” and scientific development do not always make for an adequate response.

Summary

– DOMESTIC POLITICS –

Final straight before the 17th Central Committee

Between Maoism and democracy: the Party in search of an ideology

Is the Rise of the Communist Youth League a Good Thing for China?

– ECONOMY –

Does the Anti-Monopoly Law Facilitate Competition?

The Difficult issue of Housing

The Chaotic Restructuring of Chinese Enterprises

The New Role of Private Equity in China

An Appreciation of the RMB, the Last Hope to Avoid a Crisis?

– FOREIGN POLICY AND STRATEGIC AFFAIRS –

President Sarkozy’s Foreign Policy

The PLA finally proves Indispensable to Americans

The “Harmonious World”, an Answer to the Clash of Civilizations

– FROM AND ABOUT TAIWAN – 

Taiwan’s Annual Military Exercises

Ma Ying-jeou Disappoints Beijing

Strategic and Electoral Implications of the proposals for a Referendums on admission to the UN

China Analysis N 15 EN