China must seize the moment of the inevitable
James J. Y. Hsu (許正餘)

For more than half a century, more than half of the world’s population has experimented with the idea of communism, only to prove its incapacity to eliminate wealth disparity and class struggle. The modified ideology, similar to capitalism in economic pursuit and socialism in political endeavor, generated great wealth for China.

Prosperity might have continued had the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) established an open and democratic society.

However, under an authoritarian regime, China could not escape the disastrous result: a great depression.

Soaring unemployment and sinking deflation might push hundreds of millions of people into poverty, with millions at risk of starvation.

Young people in China have lost hope, with some committing mass suicide, such as the cases of four young people at Tiananmen Mountain and nine at Shangzhuang Bridge in Beijing.

The “cultural revolution 2.0,” featuring the “melt the pot to sell the iron” strategy, did not go as planned. Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) is reported to have been restrained. While unconfirmed, facts have emerged supporting a peaceful coup and challenge to Xi’s power. For example, Xi’s self-reproach was published in a government paper, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping’s (鄧小平) economic reform was celebrated and many of Xi’s allies were removed from key positions in the military, which is evidently under the command of Chinese Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia (張又俠).

Xi’s days are numbered.

When a dictator is banished, it is important to ensure democracy and freedom. As institutions and culture need reform, it will be a long time before democracy can take root. A separation of powers by military, government and party, as advocated by Deng, would not ensure a peaceful transition of power, let alone democracy, freedom and hard-earned wealth.

New leaders should avoid making mistakes that have been made before.

To minimize corruption, it is crucial to establish local control and allow people to elect leaders they trust at all levels of government. The freedom to form political parties is essential for people to choose the lesser evil in all circumstances.

It is time for activists to form opposition parties in counties and provinces to voice opinions at the national level.

Checks and balances must be defined in the constitution, as power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The independence of the judicial branch and rule of law must be respected. All laws must be passed by elected representatives to be legitimate.

The saying “no taxation without representation” recognizes the natural law that people are the rightful masters, voicing their opinions and paying taxes to enable a functional government.

The military must be independent of political parties, as reason should prevail over guns.

Chinese are talented and innovative. Under democracy, freedom and rule of law, they will create wealth through free enterprise, as vibrantly proved by Hong Kongers before 1997. They will become positive members of the world.

Meanwhile, an open and transparent culture will be vital to secure democracy and freedom.

However, lest we forget, economic woes are the reason for China’s implosion. To prevent further economic deterioration and political violence, with public officials being murdered at an alarming rate, unfinished housing units should be given to people who need shelter while the properties are still valuable and salvageable.

Distributing wealth to the masses might be the first step in jump-starting the economy and soothing public sentiment at this political crossroads.

James J. Y. Hsu is a retired professor of theoretical physics.

This article was originally published in Taipei Times Editorial: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2024/10/23/2003825713.