Bombs exploded at China's top two universities yesterday -- at Beijing University and Tsinghua University. The explosions injured nine people. Despite all the unanswered question at this point regarding the motive and identity of the perpetrators, the incident sends this very important message: China is not, as some would have people in Taiwan believe, a rose garden. And garden or not, it has some very thorny problems to deal with.
In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the US, some have mused that China had become just about the only safe place to do business -- an oasis in the desert for thirsty businessmen. After all, the Chinese government gives top priority to stability and safety, willing to resort to all possible means to accomplish that objective -- even if it meant violating human rights by driving beggars and migrant workers out of the cities or spying on and imprisoning political dissidents.
According to news reports about the bombing incidents, the evidence suggests that the manner in which the crimes were committed make it more than likely that the bombings are the work of someone with a severe grievance against society. Others think that the crimes were expressions of the dissatisfaction and frustration about the slow pace of political reform in China.
Whatever the mindset of the bombers, in view of the timing, locations and the targets of the crimes, many believe that the perpetrators are trying to send a message to the Chinese government. After all, the bombing took place just days before the convening of National People's Congress, during which China's Vice President Hu Jintao's (
Indeed, the people of China have good reason to feel frustrated and dissatisfied. They remain among the most deprived people in the world when it comes to freedoms, democracy and human rights. And while China's economy may be thriving, the country's serious wealth-gap indicates that most Chinese are left out in the cold -- far from the prosperity brought by China's economic boom.
According to statistics released by the People's Daily, in 1990 the average income of the top 20 percent o households was 4.2 times greater than the average of the bottom 20 percent. By 1998, the households at the top were making 9.6 times as much as those at the bottom. There is little to suggest that things have improved in the past five years; in fact they have probably become worse.
The public resentment has built up to the point that even the Chinese government feels the need to make some high-profile token gesture to alleviate it. Reportedly, it was that desire to assuage the public outrage that had led to arrest of famous Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing (
Among the hordes of problems keeping the Chinese government busy is the ever expanding issue of official corruption. Even Chinese President Jiang Zemin (江澤民) characterized it as a crisis that could bring about the fall of the Chinese Communist Party.
It is time that Taiwanese businesspeople realize a simple truth: The grass may appear greener on the other side of the Strait, but the alluring oasis they see is only a mirage.
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry