China launches propaganda campaign

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Financial Times:

China launched an all-out propaganda offensive on Sunday as the ruling communist party sought to drown out online calls for a democracy movement in the country.

State media blanketed the nation via the internet, television and radio on Sunday morning with two hours of remarks by Wen Jiabao, the premier, in response to questions posted by internet users.

It was the third time Mr Wen held such a web chat, and it is not unusual ahead of the annual sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the two organs through which the ruling Communist party demonstrates that it is taking bottom-up input for its policies.

But Mr Wen’s latest web chat was announced abruptly late on Saturday and came as anonymous bloggers were calling for low-profile, non-violent gatherings in 22 Chinese cities on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Wen repeated pledges to rein in inflation and soaring property prices – two issues that have triggered widespread concern and dissatisfaction among Chinese citizens. “Rapid price rises have affected public and even social stability,” Mr Wen said.

He added that China would set its target for average annual economic growth at 7 per cent in its next Five-Year Plan, markedly lower than for the past five years, and would not sacrifice social justice and environmental protection for rapid growth.

Mr Wen also pledged that the government would take steps to fight corruption. “The main leaders in our government have too much power, power is too concentrated, and there are no limits to it,” he said. Mr Wen promised “systemic reforms” to allow the people to supervise their political leaders.
________

Sounds like Mr. Wen is trying to get ahead of what's been happening in the Middle East and is trying to remake himself as a Chinese Tea Partier.

[pollyannaish]

For ome reason, this song has been floating around in my head these past few weeks...

 

[Saltbag]

I pray for a Chinese revolution for democracy. The impact for them (and us ... to be selfish) would be profound.