Before I started taking Politics in China I knew absolutely nothing about the Chinese political structure, and admittedly I still know very little. When I first learned of this assignment my first instinct was to ask some of my friends what accountability in Chinese politics is like. The people I asked are all Chinese citizens, and they all became very offended that I would even question their government and became very hostile. None of them would give me an answer, and one even started criticizing my country’s involvement in Iraq. Not wanting to offend them, I moved on and will write this on my accounts from the readings and discussions in the class; however, I believe their reaction hints at the accountability of their government to at least a slight degree.
I do know about the increasing call for democratization in China, as represented in their post-Mao state where they are gradually changing while also trying to prevent the capitalist nature of the free mark from creating class discrepancies. I know that the accountability often comes from government actions against corruption, but bribery in local elections is still a commonly accepted practice. The recent move to the World Trade Organization and giving rights of ownership to farmers shows that they are moving away from the strict socialist regime and towards a more open and accountable state. In the video from class we saw that the party is still heavily invested in the people and while such actions would never happen in the US, the regime is still looking out for the safety of its people. I think that Chinese politics are very utilitarian in that they don’t look to elites or other forms of upper tiered classes, but rather equality. This is why I think that the changes are moving in positive directions. The democratization of China is slow but the recent protests such as the Umbrella Revolution show the resolve of many people, especially young students who generally try to bring about change.
All in all I feel that the Chinese political system is still maturing into an open system where the people’s input can make its way into the decision making processes. Now many people feel compelled to take actions such as protests, but the increasing availability of an open market and the growth of a legal system are causing the government to be more accountable for its actions. Hopefully the state continues to grow and provide the support and accountability it owes its citizens as they finish their transformation into the modern international political era.