DOCSLIB.ORG

Proquest Dissertations

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Proquest Dissertations The diffusion of the Internet in China Item Type text; Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) Authors Foster, William Abbott Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 04/10/2021 12:10:22 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/289812 INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality Illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough. substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overiaps. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. ProQuest Information and Learning 300 North Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor. MI 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 THE DIFFUSION OF THE INTERNET IN CHINA by William Abbott Foster Copyright © William Abbott Foster 2001 A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY WITH A MAJOR IN MANAGEMENT In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 200 1 UMi Number 3010214 Copyright 2001 by Foster, William Abbott All rights reserved. UMI* UMI Microform 3010214 Copyright 2001 by Beli & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17. United States Code. Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company 300 North Zeeb Road P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor. Mi 48106-1346 2 THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA « GRADUATE COLLEGE As members of the Final Examination Committee, we certify that we have read the dissertation prepared by William Abbott Foster entitled The Diffusion of the Internet in China and recommend that it be accepted as fulfilling the dissertation requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy March 30, 2001 nour E Date March 30, 2001 Date {aJoIM March "/O, 2001 Date (0 March 30, 2001 i^en S. Whitinq 7 Date Date Final approval and acceptance of this dissertation is contingent upon the candidate's submission of the final copy of the dissertation to the Graduate College. I hereby certify that I have read this dissertation prepared under my direction and recommend that it be accepted as fulfilling the dissertation requirement. £ £• Lu. fferch 30, 2001 Disse^atlon Director Date Seynoxir E. Gdocinan 3 STATEMENT BY AUTHOR This dissertation has been submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for an advanced degree at The University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this dissertation are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the copyright holder. SIGNED: 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Seymour Goodman for creating an opportunity for me to study the diffusion of the Internet in China over the past four years. I will always be grateful for his intellectual guidance. It has been a wonderful experience being part of the MOSAIC Group and the Global Diffusion of the Internet Project under Sy's leadership.. I am grateful for all my fellow team members: Grey Burkhart, Larry Press, Bill McHenry, Peter Wolcott, and Jonathan Woodard. I would like to thank the members of my dissertation committee: Barbara Sands, Chia-lin Pao Tao, Sherry Thatcher, Alan Whiting, Ed Zajac as well as again Peter Wolcott and Sy Goodman . John Lewis, Michael May, Fei-Ling Wang, Tao Wenzhao for reviewing an earlier version of this manuscript.. Ted Dean, Marcus Franda, Ken Grant, Yufu Huang, Hui Pan, Peter Lovelock, Changbo Quo, Alex Tan, Emie Wilson, Ling Zhu and many others for opening doors and providing both conceptual frameworks and data. Levi Fimio, Holly Henning Foster, Stephen Halpert, Tasha Halpert, Canela Meyers, Susan Newman, June Posatsek and Virginia Welford for supporting me as I have matured as a writer, a scholar, and a person. I would like to acknowledge the influence of my parents and their belief in the value of education. And finally I would like to acknowledge Austin who is the most inquiring mind I have ever met. I can not even imagine what the Internet or even the world will be like when he is my age, but I hope that the Global Diffusion of the Internet Project will have played a role in the evolution of both. 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF FIGURES 13 TABLE OF TABLES 14 ABSTRACT 17 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 18 CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY FOR STUDYING INTERNET DIFFUSION 29 E-Readiness Indicators.—............. .............. ........— 30 A Framework for Analyzing the Internet within a Country ......— 32 Research Methods...... .... ...... ...... 33 Diffusion of Innovations—...... ...... ........ ....... ..... ......—. 35 Pervasiveness............................................................................................................ 36 Geographic Dispersion .... ....... ....... .... ... ............ 36 Sectoral Absorption... ................... ........— ... ...... ........... 37 Connectivity Infrastructure....................... ............. ...... ......— 39 Organizational Infrastructure.......—......... ............. ...... .......... 39 Sophistication of Use... ... ........—.........—..—..... .......................... 40 Framework Determinants.....—......—.............................—..—.............. ..41 Determinants and Dimensions........—.......—................—....—..—.................. 42 Perceived Value........................ ...........................................—.....—..........44 Ease of Use....................—.....................—.........—......—...—................... 45 Cost of Internet Access.....— ................................. ...—..—......— 46 Access to Constituent Technologies.... .........—.............—...—...—.... 46 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued Demand for Capacity and Connectivity......................................................... 47 Geography .... 47 Adequacy and Fluidity of Resources.............................................................. 47 Ability to Execute... .... 48 Culture of Entrepreneurship ..... ... 48 Regulatory and Legal Framework.................................................................. 49 Forces for Change......—.... .... .... ...—..........—........... 49 Enablers of Change 50 Government 50 CHAPTER III: GOVERNMENT POLICY ON THE INTERNET 52 State Council...—.—..—.....— ....—....— 54 History of Conflict between MPT and MEL.—....— 56 State CounciPs Steering Committee on National Information Infrastructure.. 58 The Steering Committee and Key Internet-Related Issues.....—....—..—.—.. 60 The Ministry of Information Industry ... ....—.........—...—...—...........—. 62 China Telecom and the National Backbone....— .......—............................ 63 Let the Sons Compete................ ............—............—..............................—.... 64 Unicom.................................—..—...........—...........—.......—..........—......... 64 China Netcom...................... ............—.................................—......... ..66 China Mobile Telecommunications Network....................—........—.......... 67 Mn and SARFT and the Convergence of Cable with the Internet............—... 67 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued Internet Content Providers..................................................................................... 68 Negotiating with the WTO...................................................................................... 69 Voice Over IP: Can the Bureaucracy Keep Up with Convergence? 74 Class One and Class Two: The New Telecommunications Regulations............. 75 CHAPTER IV: INTERNET SECURITY 78 Encryption............ ........... 78 Information Control .......— 81 ICP News 83 Chat Rooms............ ...... ....... .....— 87 Website Blocking ... ....... ............ 87 Prosecutions.............................................................................................................. 88 LinHai 88 Tunnel................................................................................................................ 89 Falun Gong..............—....... ...... .................... .......... 89 National Security...............................—.................—.................. .....
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Hong Kong SAR
    China Data Supplement November 2006 J People’s Republic of China J Hong Kong SAR J Macau SAR J Taiwan ISSN 0943-7533 China aktuell Data Supplement – PRC, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan 1 Contents The Main National Leadership of the PRC 2 LIU Jen-Kai The Main Provincial Leadership of the PRC 30 LIU Jen-Kai Data on Changes in PRC Main Leadership 37 LIU Jen-Kai PRC Agreements with Foreign Countries 47 LIU Jen-Kai PRC Laws and Regulations 50 LIU Jen-Kai Hong Kong SAR 54 Political, Social and Economic Data LIU Jen-Kai Macau SAR 61 Political, Social and Economic Data LIU Jen-Kai Taiwan 65 Political, Social and Economic Data LIU Jen-Kai ISSN 0943-7533 All information given here is derived from generally accessible sources. Publisher/Distributor: GIGA Institute of Asian Affairs Rothenbaumchaussee 32 20148 Hamburg Germany Phone: +49 (0 40) 42 88 74-0 Fax: +49 (040) 4107945 2 November 2006 The Main National Leadership of the PRC LIU Jen-Kai Abbreviations and Explanatory Notes CCP CC Chinese Communist Party Central Committee CCa Central Committee, alternate member CCm Central Committee, member CCSm Central Committee Secretariat, member PBa Politburo, alternate member PBm Politburo, member Cdr. Commander Chp. Chairperson CPPCC Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference CYL Communist Youth League Dep. P.C. Deputy Political Commissar Dir. Director exec. executive f female Gen.Man. General Manager Gen.Sec. General Secretary Hon.Chp. Honorary Chairperson H.V.-Chp. Honorary Vice-Chairperson MPC Municipal People’s Congress NPC National People’s Congress PCC Political Consultative Conference PLA People’s Liberation Army Pol.Com.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of Current Chinese Affairs
    3/2006 Data Supplement PR China Hong Kong SAR Macau SAR Taiwan CHINA aktuell Journal of Current Chinese Affairs Data Supplement People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan ISSN 0943-7533 All information given here is derived from generally accessible sources. Publisher/Distributor: Institute of Asian Affairs Rothenbaumchaussee 32 20148 Hamburg Germany Phone: (0 40) 42 88 74-0 Fax:(040)4107945 Contributors: Uwe Kotzel Dr. Liu Jen-Kai Christine Reinking Dr. Günter Schucher Dr. Margot Schüller Contents The Main National Leadership of the PRC LIU JEN-KAI 3 The Main Provincial Leadership of the PRC LIU JEN-KAI 22 Data on Changes in PRC Main Leadership LIU JEN-KAI 27 PRC Agreements with Foreign Countries LIU JEN-KAI 30 PRC Laws and Regulations LIU JEN-KAI 34 Hong Kong SAR Political Data LIU JEN-KAI 36 Macau SAR Political Data LIU JEN-KAI 39 Taiwan Political Data LIU JEN-KAI 41 Bibliography of Articles on the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and on Taiwan UWE KOTZEL / LIU JEN-KAI / CHRISTINE REINKING / GÜNTER SCHUCHER 43 CHINA aktuell Data Supplement - 3 - 3/2006 Dep.Dir.: CHINESE COMMUNIST Li Jianhua 03/07 PARTY Li Zhiyong 05/07 The Main National Ouyang Song 05/08 Shen Yueyue (f) CCa 03/01 Leadership of the Sun Xiaoqun 00/08 Wang Dongming 02/10 CCP CC General Secretary Zhang Bolin (exec.) 98/03 PRC Hu Jintao 02/11 Zhao Hongzhu (exec.) 00/10 Zhao Zongnai 00/10 Liu Jen-Kai POLITBURO Sec.-Gen.: Li Zhiyong 01/03 Standing Committee Members Propaganda (Publicity) Department Hu Jintao 92/10 Dir.: Liu Yunshan PBm CCSm 02/10 Huang Ju 02/11
    [Show full text]
  • Edited LOEBS Cites Plus List of Elements 1 30
    C MCYMK Y K Nxxx,2012-10-26,A,001,Bs-BK,E3Nxxx,2012-10-26,A,001,Bs-BK,E3 C M Y K Nxxx,2012-10-26,A,001,Bs-BK,E3 Late EditionLate Edition C M Y K Nxxx,2012-10-26,A,001,Bs-BK,E3 Today, morning fog and clouds, par- Today, morning fog and clouds, par- tial clearing,Late high 68. Edition Tonight, most- tial clearing, high 68. Tonight, most- ly cloudy,Today, morning mild, low fog 56.and Tomorrow, clouds, par- ly cloudy, mild, low 56. Tomorrow, periodictial clearing, clouds high and 68. sunshine, Tonight, most-high Late Edition periodic clouds and sunshine, high 66. lyWeather cloudy, mild,map lowis on 56. PageTomorrow, Today,B12.morning fog and clouds, par- 66. Weather map is ontial clearing,Page high B12. 68. Tonight, most- periodic clouds and sunshine,ly high cloudy, mild, low 56. Tomorrow, 66. Weather map is on Pageperiodic B12. clouds and sunshine, high 66. Weather map is on Page B12. VOL. CLXII . No. 55,936 © 2012 The New York Times NEW YORK, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 $2.50 VOL. CLXII . No. 55,936 © 2012 The New York Times NEW YORK, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 $2.50 VOL. CLXII . No. 55,936 © 2012 The New York Times NEW YORK, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 $2.50 VOL. CLXII . No. 55,936 © 2012 The New York Times NEW YORK, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 $2.50 POLITICAL MEMO POLITICALPOLITICAL MEMO MEMO 2 CHILDREN SLAIN Billions Amassed in the Shadows POLITICAL MEMO 2 CHILDREN2 CHILDREN SLAINObama SLAINBillions Campaign Endgame: Amassed in the Shadows 2 CHILDREN SLAIN Billions Amassed AmassedAT HOME IN CITY; in inBy the thethe ShadowsFamily Shadows of China’s Premier ObamaObama Campaign Campaign Endgame: Endgame: Grunt Work and Cold Math NANNY ARRESTED Obama Campaign Endgame:AT HOMEAT HOME IN CITY; IN CITY; Many relatives of Wen Jiabao, including his son, daughter, younger brother and AT HOME IN CITY; By JIMBy RUTENBERG the Family of brother-in-law,China’s have become extraordinarily Premier wealthy during his leadership.
    [Show full text]
  • China Dream, Space Dream: China's Progress in Space Technologies and Implications for the United States
    China Dream, Space Dream 中国梦，航天梦China’s Progress in Space Technologies and Implications for the United States A report prepared for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Kevin Pollpeter Eric Anderson Jordan Wilson Fan Yang Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank Dr. Patrick Besha and Dr. Scott Pace for reviewing a previous draft of this report. They would also like to thank Lynne Bush and Bret Silvis for their master editing skills. Of course, any errors or omissions are the fault of authors. Disclaimer: This research report was prepared at the request of the Commission to support its deliberations. Posting of the report to the Commission's website is intended to promote greater public understanding of the issues addressed by the Commission in its ongoing assessment of U.S.-China economic relations and their implications for U.S. security, as mandated by Public Law 106-398 and Public Law 108-7. However, it does not necessarily imply an endorsement by the Commission or any individual Commissioner of the views or conclusions expressed in this commissioned research report. CONTENTS Acronyms ......................................................................................................................................... i Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... iii Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1
    [Show full text]
  • The Rise of Liu He: China's New Economic Czar
    APS INSIGHTS Tan Kong Yam 27 March 2018 The Rise of Liu He: China’s New Economic Czar (1) Liu He and Xi Jinping: Colleagues who have been friends for decades When President Xi Jinping rose to the pinnacle of power in Beijing in 2012, his political position in the Communist Party of China was tenuous at best. More significantly, few in his trusted inner circle had the requisite extensive experience at the highest levels in economic policy and finance. For the newly minted President Xi, Liu He was the right man at the right time. Beijing’s economics and finance bureaucracy in 2012 was still packed with supporters of former President Jiang Zemin, who still wielded substantial power nationwide via a vast personal network. Governor of the powerful People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Zhou Xiaochuan was a key Jiang protégé. His father Zhou Jiannan was in charge of the First Ministry of Machine Building when Jiang was a director there in the 1980s. Jiang rose under the elder Zhou’s patronage, eventually replacing former Premier Zhao Ziyang as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China in the wake of the 1989 Tiananmen incident. Zhao was purged by then paramount leader Deng Xiaoping for taking an overly conciliatory stance with the student protestors, and Zhou Xiaochuan went into exile on account of him being Zhao’s protégé. However, his father’s links with Jiang led to the younger Zhou being able to return after just a year, and he was promoted steadily under Jiang’s patronage. Zhou was eventually appointed PBOC governor in December 2002, just months before Jiang was succeeded by Hu Jintao as President.
    [Show full text]
  • Download/Manual/Statistical Report I 3Th.Of, Accessedon February 12,2004
    University of Warwick institutional repository: http://go.warwick.ac.uk/wrap A Thesis Submitted for the Degree of PhD at the University of Warwick http://go.warwick.ac.uk/wrap/2442 This thesis is made available online and is protected by original copyright. Please scroll down to view the document itself. Please refer to the repository record for this item for information to help you to cite it. Our policy information is available from the repository home page. Globalization and Media Governance in the People's Republic of China (1992-2004) By Huaguo Zeng A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies University of Warwiclk Department of Politics and Inte Imational Studies July, 2006 CONTENTS Acknowledgments V .............................................................................. Abstract VI ........................................................................................... Abbreviations VII ................................................................................... List Tables Figures VII of and ...................................................................... Notes Text VIII and the ............................................................................... Declaration IX ........................................................................................ CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1. China's Media Politics 1980s 2 since the ..................................................... 2. Hypothesis, ResearchQuestions, Definitions
    [Show full text]
  • Discord Or “Harmonious Society”?
    Discord or “Harmonious Society”? China in 2030 by John P. Geis II, PhD, Colonel, USAF Scott E. Caine, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Edwin F. Donaldson, Colonel, USAF Blaine D. Holt, Colonel, USAF Ralph A. Sandfry, PhD, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF February 2011 The Occasional Papers series was established by the Center for Strategy and Technology (CSAT) as a forum for research on topics that reflect long-term strategic thinking about technology and its implications for US national security. Copies of no. 68 in this series are available from the Center for Strategy and Technology, Air War College, 325 Chennault Circle, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112, or on the CSAT Web site at http://csat.au.af.mil/. The fax number is (334) 953-6158; phone (334) 953-6150. Occasional Paper No. 68 Center for Strategy and Technology Air University Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama 36112 Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center Cataloging Data Discord or “harmonious society”? : China in 2030 / John P. Geis II . [et al.]. p. ; cm.–(Occasional paper / Center for Strategy and Technology ; no. 68) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-58566-209-8 1. National security—China—Forecasting. 2. China—History. 3. China—Politics and government. 4. China—Economic conditions. 5. United States. Air Force— Planning. 6. United States—Foreign relations—China. 7. China—Foreign rela- tions—United States. I. Geis, John P. II. Series: Occasional paper (Air University [U.S.]. Center for Strategy and Technology) ; no. 68. 320.951—dc22 Disclaimer The views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of Air University, the US government, or the Department of Defense.
    [Show full text]
  • Xi Jinping's Inner Circle (Part 2: Friends from Xi's Formative Years)
    Xi Jinping’s Inner Circle (Part 2: Friends from Xi’s Formative Years) Cheng Li The dominance of Jiang Zemin’s political allies in the current Politburo Standing Committee has enabled Xi Jinping, who is a protégé of Jiang, to pursue an ambitious reform agenda during his first term. The effectiveness of Xi’s policies and the political legacy of his leadership, however, will depend significantly on the political positioning of Xi’s own protégés, both now and during his second term. The second article in this series examines Xi’s longtime friends—the political confidants Xi met during his formative years, and to whom he has remained close over the past several decades. For Xi, these friends are more trustworthy than political allies whose bonds with Xi were built primarily on shared factional association. Some of these confidants will likely play crucial roles in helping Xi handle the daunting challenges of the future (and may already be helping him now). An analysis of Xi’s most trusted associates will not only identify some of the rising stars in the next round of leadership turnover in China, but will also help characterize the political orientation and worldview of the influential figures in Xi’s most trusted inner circle. “Who are our enemies? Who are our friends?” In the early years of the Chinese Communist movement, Mao Zedong considered this “a question of first importance for the revolution.” 1 This question may be even more consequential today, for Xi Jinping, China’s new top leader, than at any other time in the past three decades.
    [Show full text]
  • The Importance of Thorium to China
    Fuel for Thought: The Importance of Thorium to China by Cindy Hurst February 2015 Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) The Institute for the Analysis of Global Security is a Washington based non-profit think tank dedicated to research and public debate on issues related to energy security. IAGS seeks to promote public awareness to the strong impact energy has on the world economy and security and to the myriad of technological and policy solutions that could help nations strengthen their energy security. WWW.IAGS.ORG Cindy Hurst is a government contractor working as an analyst for the U.S. Army's Foreign Military Studies Office, Fort Leavenworth, KS. The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. Introduction Over the past few years China has launched efforts to develop the world’s first commercial thorium-fueled reactor based on the use of liquid salt. At one point thorium was widely used in gas mantles. It has also been used in night flares from the Milan weapon system and in magnesium alloy aircraft components, optical lenses, refractory ceramics, and some laboratory compounds. As a magnesium alloy, a small quantity of thorium can be used for its hardening and lightweight properties, making it ideal for the aerospace industry.1 One problem with thorium is its mildly radioactive nature, producing concerns over its safety and potential harmful effects. Therefore, today there is little use for thorium.
    [Show full text]
  • Exclusive Report
    SPECIAL EDITION | December 2018 TRUTH AND TRADITION EXCLUSIVE REPORT Huawei plays a key role in China’s programs of mass surveillance, human rights abuse, and technological dominance. Jasper Fakkert, Editor-in-Chief IS CHINA’S HUAWEI WATCHING YOU? A global media in 23 languages and 35 countries. A world leader in reporting on China. THEEPOCHTIMES.COM 2 December 2018 often poorly substantiated, From is the ongoing concern that the company may pose a security threat to foreign Stephen Gregory, Publisher Table of the Editor nations by sharing data Jasper Fakkert, Editor-in-Chief with Chinese authorities. Channaly Philipp, At Home, Travel Editor Chinese telecom company Included in this special Chrisy Trudeau, Mind & Body Editor Huawei has a controver- edition is information that Crystal Shi, Food Editor sial brand, yet details that should end this confusion, Sharon Kilarski, Arts & Culture Editor Contents explain this controversy are as we explain how Chinese rarely made clear in news laws require companies, Huawei Is Cornerstone of CCP Initiative to stories. With the recent including Huawei, to grant arrest of Meng Wanzhou, control over data to the CONTACT US Overtake the United States......3 chief financial officer and state and allow authorities Epoch Times Inc. The Relationship Between Huawei and the vice chairperson of Huawei, access to their systems. We 229 W. 28th St., Floor 5 Chinese Regime’s Factional Politics......5 Te Epoch Times is publish- also detail terms-of-service New York, NY 10001 ing this special edition to agreements for products 212-239-2808 Meng Wanzhou, Chief Financial Ofcer and shed light on the company’s from Chinese companies Advertising opaque operations.
    [Show full text]
  • The Rise of the Bureaucratic Bourgeoisie and Factional Politics of China
    Journal of Contemporary Asia Vol. 42, No. 3, August 2012, pp. 514–521 COMMENTARY The Rise of the Bureaucratic Bourgeoisie and Factional Politics of China WING-CHUNG HO Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong On 1 October 2009, China’s top political leaders presided over the lavish ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of communist rule. On that day, on top of Tiananmen Square, television viewers saw on the screen an unprecedented scene. Standing beside President Hu Jintao (b. 1942) was his predecessor Jiang Zemin (b. 1926). In front of the camera, Jiang, then the 83-year-old party veteran who stepped down from the posts of president in 2003 and Central Military Commission chairman in 2004 still looked healthy and strong. The surprising appearance of Jiang struck many China watchers as significant as it was the first time that the autocratic state, which resolutely upholds single-party rule, apparently had two leaders of comparable power. Equally surprising, albeit with relatively less media exposure, in October 2007 the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Congress abandoned usual practice and announced not one but two heirs apparent: Xi Jinping (b. 1953) and Li Keqiang (b. 1955). The succession plan is that Xi will take up Hu’s presidency, and Li will succeed Wen Jiabao (b. 1942) as premier of the State Council in 2012. Like the Jiang-Hu Tiananmen appearance, the Xi-Li pairing also consists of two persons who share little in terms of family background and factional affiliation. Xi Jinping has a ‘‘princeling’’ (taizi) background with his father Xi Zhongxun (1913-2002) being a former vice-premier, whereas Li Keqiang gained his political power mainly through being secretary of the Communist Youth League (CYL) in the early 1980s.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Princelings' in China Use Family Ties to Gain Riches
    May 17, 2012 ‘Princelings’ in China Use Family Ties to Gain Riches By DAVID BARBOZA and SHARON LaFRANIERE SHANGHAI — The Hollywood studio DreamWorks Animation recently announced a bold move to crack China’s tightly protected film industry: a $330 million deal to create a Shanghai animation studio that might one day rival the California shops that turn out hits like “Kung Fu Panda” and “The Incredibles.” What DreamWorks did not showcase, however, was one of its newest — and most important — Chinese partners: Jiang Mianheng, the 61-year-old son of Jiang Zemin, the former Communist Party leader and the most powerful political kingmaker of China’s last two decades. The younger Mr. Jiang’s coups have included ventures with Microsoft and Nokia and oversight of a clutch of state-backed investment vehicles that have major interests in telecommunications, semiconductors and construction projects. That a dealmaker like Mr. Jiang would be included in an undertaking like that of DreamWorks is almost a given in today’s China. Analysts say this is how the Communist Party shares the spoils, allowing the relatives of senior leaders to cash in on one of the biggest economic booms in history. As the scandal over Bo Xilai continues to reverberate, the authorities here are eager to paint Mr. Bo, a fallen leader who was one of 25 members of China’s ruling Politburo, as a rogue operator who abused his power, even as his family members accumulated a substantial fortune. But evidence is mounting that the relatives of other current and former senior officials have also amassed vast wealth, often playing central roles in businesses closely entwined with the state, including those involved in finance, energy, domestic security, telecommunications and entertainment.
    [Show full text]