On 4th April 2010, some 500 audiences got a glimpse of the real China when Dr Yang Jinlin, renowned Hong Kong Phoenix TV commentator, shared his observations on the critical issues and prospects for modern China. Dr Yang was invited to speak at the inaugural forum of China Insight Series organized by Business China.
China Insights Series is a programme which Business China has created to help its members and the public in deepening their knowledge about modern China, as well as enhancing their bilingual and bicultural skills.
Touching on the theme of this forum, ”China’s critical issues and prospects”, Dr Yang pointed out that there were five critical issues confronting China now:
1. Challenges for the ruling party
2. Unfair social distribution
3. Low social mobility
4. Increased social tension & group “protests”
5. Diminishing of humanity & ethics
He shared in detail that changes have to be made in the political system due to prevailing corruption. At the same time, the increasing income gap between rural and urban areas, large amount of money flowing to the property and capital markets resulting in uneven social distribution; hence the less privileged becoming more vulnerable to losing their rights. The lack of social justice has led to lower social mobility as a result, grievances were accumulating among the educated. The increased number of group protests displays its citizens doubting the ability of the government in solving problems. It is also apparent that humanity and ethics that the government advocated are diminishing in their appeal.
An optimistic Yang says hope remains, despite the critical issues at hand. He complimented the rapid development of China and raised examples of China’s top performance in various areas. According to his observations, the ruling party has taken steps to make changes in its political governance taking a leaf from past history. He foresaw more measures will be rolled out in the 18th National Congress of Communist Party of China due in 2012. China has also made notable progress when it comes to sensitive issues relating to foreign affairs. He felt that Chinese generally are more intelligent now so good governance and policies are needed in place quickly. As a historian, Dr Yang pointed any flourishing empire will need to pay attention to their critical issues as history has proven many dynasties declined after they reached their golden age. Hence, China has to be more humble in facing itself and the world to earn heartfelt admiration.
Following Dr Yang’s sharing, the floor received enthusiastic response by attendees at the Q & A session. During the interaction, Dr Yang cited many experiences and conclusion based from his numerous visits to China rural areas for his TV programme production. In an exchange on views regarding “crisis-consciousness”, he pointed the social inequality reflects the inadequacy of such mindset among the majority of Chinese. “Crisis-consciousness” among citizens, he felt is a pre-requisite for a country to become a great nation. Dr Yang said the “kiasuism” among Singaporeans are in fact a showcase of “vigilance”, and it was this that helped Singapore, a resource-scarce little red dot, to have attained great achievements.
The session was moderated by host of MediaCorp TV current affairs programme, “Focus”, Chun Guek Lay. She is also a Business China member.
The forum ended with CEO of Business China Mrs Josephine Teo presented Dr Yang with a plague in appreciation of his time and insightful sharing.
This forum is supported by Xiamen (Amoy) University Alumni Association (Singapore).