Given my recent look at the current politics in Britain, I thought it necessary to look at politics in China to assess how they differ. I found a very useful documentary on youtube (below) that looks at the peoples relationship with power in China.
Key Points
The gap between the rich and poor is widening, with no way for the poor and weak to voice their discontent without fear.
One-party political system. That party is the communist party.
The party says the modernisation of china should be people at the bottom slowly working their way up.
Government openly admit to opposing any independent movements.
If anyone uses religion to affect national security they'll be cracked down on
Religion is controlled, it's an Atheist state.
They believe in communism
Only around 1 in 22 people are members of the communist party in china
The party claim that they don't have their own interests, just the interests of the people, a prosperous and harmonious society
Any economic gains made through capitalism is controlled by the party.
The government claim to 'manage' the people, which in China has the possible meanings of "I'm going to take care of things for you" or "I'm going to control you".
Propaganda is used to spread the word of the family planning laws and other government laws to far reaching and isolated places.
Decisions are reached within the party by the minority obeying the majority, but the idea of disagreeing isn't common place and is looked down on.
The party "promotes democracy" by allowing small towns and villages in the countryside to elect their own representatives in the committee that makes decisions for the party, which keeps people happy.
Sometimes these votes are openly rigged, annulled when 'the wrong person' wins, or openly use bribery.
Many party members have been found guilty of corruption, with some executed. Others have fled abroad with about £30 billion of the publics money.
High ranking party members of the party are seen as profiteers by the public.
Conclusion
What is clear from this documentary is that aiming a campaign at the Chinese public to put pressure on the government isn't going to work, because the Chinese system doesn't tolerate disruption and disagreement. The way to go is to target the Chinese government directly. The Western influences on Chinese culture that are taken place are proof that China are happy to consider what the West has to offer in terms of lifestyle, even if they still are aiming to achieve communism.
For this reason, a Western campaign aimed at the Chinese government illustrating the emotional campaign the West has with Pandas could be successful, as this would not only give the government an extra reason to protect the Pandas, but it could influence the Chinese people to do more for the Pandas themselves, even if it didn't involve political protests or activism.
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