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Taipei Journal: The true nature of China's leadership Publish Date:05/16/2003
Story Type:Commentary;
Byline:TJ Editors
- The Tiananmen massacre 14 years ago unveiled
the true, ugly face of communist totalitarianism under Deng Xiaoping. In a
similar vein, the outbreak and rapid spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
in China has exposed the wicked, corrupt nature of the post-Deng communist
leadership.
- It is more than just a coincidence that in
both episodes, communist authorities attempted to cover up the tragedies by
imposing a media blackout and lying until the truth surfaced. In fact, the
manner of handling human and natural disasters is their preferred method of
dealing with crises. The scale of the tragedy of the Tangshan earthquake, which
hit China 27 years ago, for example, is still shrouded in mystery.
- China's handling of the SARS epidemic not only
shows the regime's disregard for public health and safety but also reveals its
lack of humanitarian consideration in promoting economic development. The health
and safety of a handful of top communist leaders, rather than that of the
population in general, has become the priority in the fight against SARS. The
attitude changed only after international pressure became irresistible and the
rapid spread of the epidemic threatened to negate China's hard-earned economic
achievements.
- Suddenly, Chinese citizens as well as
outsiders came to realize that the havoc brought about by SARS showed that the
Chinese economic giant has feet of clay. Small wonder that China's new
leadership headed by Hu Jintao has left no stone unturned in trying to beat the
epidemic. The reason they did so, however, was to save their own skins.
- Taiwanese investors have pumped more than
US$100 billion into China. The crisis triggered by Beijing's poor management has
become a nightmare. Many have withdrawn managers and staff or are trying to
repatriate their investments.
?China admitted that the crisis will greatly
reduce international contact, scare away investors and reduce trade. This, in
turn, will have a great impact on economic development, employment and social
stability.
- Meanwhile, investors are deeply worried that
China's poor leadership will trigger a new round of internal power struggles to
the detriment of social order and economic development.
- China may eventually overcome SARS; however,
there is no question that many are now more realistic about the "great" Chinese
market. In fact, many have indicated a strong desire to reinvest in Taiwan as
soon as the government implements measures to improve the island's investment
environment.
http://publish.gio.gov.tw/FCJ/current/03051661.html
Posting date: 5/16/2003 |