CCP’s PLENUM

CHINA’S COMMUNIST PARTY PREPARES FOR A SHOWDOWN

Russell Leigh Moses is a Beijing-based analyst and professor who writes on Chinese politics. He is writing a book on the changing role of power in the Chinese political system

China RealTime Report, October 15, 2010

It’s not often that we get to see a real showdown in Chinese politics. But that’s what the next few days here in Beijing promises, as the upper echelon of the Communist Party convenes an annual plenum.

Economic policy centered on the five-year plan is supposed to be the main topic, along with personnel.

But a growing number in the government would like to expand the conversation and take on a far more vexing question: political reform.

For some time now, there has been a debate within the Party, not about how to survive in power but how to thrive and grow. Under the rubric of “Party-building”, cadres have been in constant conversation about just how much reach the Party should have when it comes to the economy, how much control is needed over society.

Would a smaller, smarter Party be more efficient? Is oversight of the Party best achieved by anti-corruption campaigns or the steady stare of a public that would hold officials accountable? Would that mean elections? Should the Party be in the business of persuading the populace through a more attractive ideology or should it focus on helping local governments provide needed services to society?

[artículo aquí]