China shows new openness in military matters
- By Hardev Sanotra
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E-mail China.org.cn, July 17, 2015
What emerged from this interaction was a sense of China's willingness to engage in discussing issues which were previously deemed to be too "sensitive." Officials stressed that China's approach is defensive and not offensive, no matter what the dispute in question is. "There are disputes in East Asia, South Asia and South East Asia," Yang said, adding that in all of them China has sought solutions through "peaceful negotiation and consultation."
In terms of openness, academic institutions may be at the forefront rather than bringing up the rear. An interview session with researchers at the National Institute of International Strategy (NIIS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences showed that there were no taboo subjects. When asked about democracy, Ye Hailin, editorial department head of the Journal of South Asian Studies, said that China has its own level of democracy.
"Just as India has democracy, but it's not at the level of the United States, so does China, though this may not be of the level of the two countries," said Ye. According to him, China is formulating a "system of good governance."
Ye is a well-known figure in academic circles and is seen regularly on Chinese TV news. His views may appear to conform with State policies and would usually be noted without comment, but for the fact that he was immediately contradicted by another academic. "I do not agree with that. I want to make my own choice whether I want to go on Google or not," said Dr. Liu Xiaoxue, associate professor in the Department of International Economic Relations Study at the National Institute of International Strategy, referring to the blocking of Google and many other websites and services in China. The exchange indicates that, in a small way, differences of opinion on political issues may no longer be brushed under the carpet in China.
As China grapples with its economic strength, which has given it a high profile in world affairs, it may be coming to terms with the need for openness. Yet these may only be baby steps in a journey that requires giant strides.
Hardev Sanotra is Managing Editor of Indo-Asian News Service, India's largest independent newswire with headquarters in New Delhi's National Capital Region. He recently visited China with a group of journalists.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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