The scandalous downfall of Bo Xilai, the ambitious politburo member, once again made clear one of the fundamental faults of the Chinese political system: the absolute monopoly of power under one-party rule. Bo's ouster has triggered the most serious crisis within the Communist Party since 1989 and sparked a public outcry for political reform that is gathering momentum.
Behind the glossy facade of a booming economy, Chinese society now suffers simultaneously the social ills typical of developing and developed countries. The political system has stymied social transformation, resulting in extreme corruption, widening income gaps, deteriorating moral values and heightened social tensions.
To address the widespread discontent, party conservatives pressed for a revival of Maoist doctrines and practices, with Bo spearheading the effort. This reveals not only a poverty of philosophy, but an abundance of stupidity. The removal of Bo as Chongqing's party boss in March served as a fitting finale to this Maoist resurgence.
Since then, the Chinese people have displayed an insuppressible passion for transformational change. This public call for political reform has burst forth in various forms, with achieving democracy and the rule of law as its top priority.
The reforms that have been suggested include steps that would lead to judicial independence and freedom of the press, speech, and assembly. Scholars are now openly debating on the most feasible path to a multiparty system and how to turn China's current legislative bodies into a bicameral system.
The demand for democracy has also permeated the military, the last bulwark of one-party rule. Recently, the army's mouthpiece, the People's Liberation Army Daily, made a rare if tacit admission of vulnerability in railing against 'nationalising the military' or a 'separation between the army and the party'. It called for 'cadres to resist these fallacies'.
Needless to say, the obstinate refusal of political reform exists within the party ranks. In an official-takes-all society, the ruling class is obsessed only with its own entrenched interests. Meanwhile, political reform is certainly a daunting task, given the byzantine complexity of today's Chinese society.
