Contemporary Society
Thoughts to End the Year
"Shiba Da," the 18th Party Congress, concluded last month with the seven (not nine!) members of the reconstituted Politburo Standing Committee appearing together for the first time on the red carpet in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. Many have asked what implications the Congress has for Christians in China. While it is known that religious policy was on the agenda this year, only time will tell how the closed-door discussions on this topic will play out in terms of actual policy.
The Urban Paradox: Together, Alone
As of this year, China officially has more people living in cities than in the countryside. Returning recently to one of China's sprawling megacities, I was again brought face to face with the human reality underlying the most massive migration in the history of the world.
China: Nothing Is as It Seems
In order to understand China today, it's helpful to understand this simple rule: nothing is as it seems. In fact, I would say this rule applies when observing and analyzing nearly all segments of life in China: politics, economy, social relationships and even religion. To put it another way, whatever China seems to be at any given moment, it is in fact, the opposite. This can be difficult for Westerners because we tend to be dichotomist in our thinking, wanting something to be either this or that. We don't do well with this and that.
Peoples of China
For Such a Time as This
Exploring the current trend of many Mainland youth to receive their education outside of China, the authors examine cultural and societal issues that can help us understand the situations and challenges these students face as they study in Western countries.
The End of Cheap China
A new book is on its way and this will be of interest especially to those involved in business one way or another. It's supposed to be out in December so if you get this as a Christmas present and read this book, please do post a review.
Peoples of China
Finding the People in the People’s Republic
There are numerous challenges that could derail China's march to super-power status including a collapse of the banking system, regional disintegration, environmental disaster, and military miscalculations. However, perhaps the most likely factor to prevent China's rise will be the one the government can least do anything about: demography. China, as always, has too many people; now, however, it is also lacking in females, youth, and sooner rather than later, a workforce to support its retired population.
Editorials
Waking Up to the Future
Editor's Note: This editorial originally appeared in "Looking Ahead in China" (ChinaSource, 2010 Fall).
View From the Wall
Great Expectations
Medical care and other social services are taking highly positive trends throughout China.