May 17, 2013

Editors from the EO's Chinese website publish a daily collection of extracts from commentary pieces on topical issues that appear in the mainland press alongside reactions on Sina Weibo. Every Friday, the EO's English team translates a selection of these opinion pieces.  

Liu Tienan’s Case
Background: On Dec 6, 2012, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Caijing Magazine Luo Changping (羅昌平) on Weibo accused National Energy Administration (NEA) Director Liu Tienan (劉鐵男) of having shady ties with businessmen, fabricating academic qualifications and having extramarital affairs. The NEA immediately denied this, but five months later, it was revealed on the Ministry of Supervision’s website that Liu was under investigation for grave disciplinary violations.

Commentary:
The interaction between government and the people in this case signals that the government needs to listen to the public more. The discipline inspection and supervision departments should listen to, respect and respond to public opinions and fully understand their expectations about anti-corruption.
Beijing News
Original article: [Chinese]

Whenever the whistleblowers are forced to keep silent and are unsure about what’s happening, what the public really needs is a timely, frank and honest response from authorities about whether the discipline inspection departments have started an investigation; or whether they’ve even noticed the reports on the internet. This is the key to transparency of power.
Nanfang Metropolis Daily 
Original article: [Chinese]

Combating corruption isn’t a game. It’s not necessary for the government to respond to every accusation on Weibo. Doing something like carrying out a just and thorough investigation without arousing suspicion is more complicated than simply responding to public opinion. That Liu Tienan was officially under investigation five months after the whistleblowing shows that we should have faith, as well as patience, in the central government’s anti-corruption efforts.
Beijing Times
Original article: [Chinese]

The “Old” Post-80s Generation
Background: Recently an article in People’s Daily said that many of the post-80s generation complain about becoming old. Living during a period of change, the young generation enjoys more material goods, but also faces more pressure in the fast-paced modern society.

Commentary:
 “To be old” is abnormal for the post-80s generation. It shows the problems existing in our society. Our system should be changed to give youth back to this generation. Those "young elderly" need reforms in our institutions and a structural adjustment on income distribution to ease the pressure on their shoulders
Beijing News
Original article: [Chinese]

There are many reasons for the lack of vigor in the post-80s generation. But we should also note that all generations face pressure in their youth. Bai Yansong, a famous CCTV anchor, said, “I think every generation has its own pressure. You worry about your mortgage, but I lived in the basement when I was your age and never thought about buying my own car or house. Youth is a symbol of uneasiness.” It would be a waste of time to spend youth too casually, but young people need a fair environment in which to pursue their dreams.
China Youth News
Original article: [Chinese]

Zhang Yimou Violating the One-Child Policy
Background: Recently rumors have spread that Zhang Yimou, a famous Chinese director, had seven children with four different women. Officials from the Population and Family Planning Commission in Jiangsu Province said that it still needed to be investigated and verified. If this is the case, they will impose fines on him according to relevant provisions.

In modern China, to give birth in violation of the one child policy is not an expression of individual rights, but a use of public resources. The government’s policy cannot meet the fertility desires of most people. Therefore, all who violate the policy should get a severe penalty in order to ensure sustainable development, or it wouldn’t be fair to others. To give birth to seven children is wrongdoing and people’s anger won’t be eased until Zhang Yimou is punished.
Li Yinhe on Sina Weibo
Original article: [Chinese]

In contrast to Zhang Yimou, people who struggle to get into key universities, live in first-tier cities, buy houses and give birth to a child are considered “losers.” Many parents followed the rules and gave birth to just one child, only to leave that child with the difficult situation of supporting four elders. And those families who lost their only child become major losers in the social system.
Souhu News
Original article: [Chinese]