china from the inside

The renowned Chinese journalist Li Datong reports on the social and political fallout of his country's breakneck transformation.
Tuesday 4th October

The three laws of Chinese politics

Kerry Brown, 4 October 2011
China is moving towards a major leadership transition in 2012. A process that looks opaque is governed by clear if unwritten rules, says Kerry Brown.
Wednesday 20th October

Wen Jiabao: the verdict of history

Li Datong, 20 October 2010
China’s elite is preparing for the succession of power in 2012. But there is still time for the current generation to shape its legacy. In particular, says Li Datong, prime minister Wen Jiabao is an increasingly bold and outspoken figure in China’s political establishment.
Wednesday 18th August

China: a tide of workers’ protest

Li Datong, 18 August 2010
The growing militancy and confidence of China’s industrial workers are rooted in the epic social experience of the reform decades, says Li Datong. 
Tuesday 3rd August

China’s unstable stability

Li Datong, 3 August 2010
The Beijing leadership’s obsession with order and control in face of citizens' search for justice highlights the dysfunctional nature of China’s political system, says Li Datong.
Friday 25th September

Beijing’s credibility crisis

Li Datong, 25 September 2009
Hu Jintao walks tall in the world, but at home China's anniversary party is shadowed by fear 
Friday 17th July

China's civil society: breaching the Green Dam

Li Datong, 17 July 2009
China's netizen victory over internet control is a signal of an emerging political power
Thursday 4th June

Tiananmen: the legacy of 1989

Li Datong, 4 June 2009
The crushing of revolt in Beijing on 4 June 1989 had deep roots and still casts a long shadow
Sunday 10th May

China and the earthquake

Li Datong, 10 May 2009
China's response to the Sichuan tragedy writes a new page in its public culture (archive)
Thursday 23rd April

China's Tibet: question with no answer

Li Datong, 23 April 2009
Beijing's official doctrine and the political system built around it conspire to freeze progress on Tibet
Thursday 19th March

China: democracy in action

Li Datong, 19 March 2009
How meetings of the "people's representatives" fail China's people
Thursday 5th March

The CCTV fire: a voice without restraint

Li Datong, 5 March 2009
A young writer's bold response to a Beijing blaze embodies the spirit the new China needs
Thursday 19th February

China's stalled transition

Li Datong, 19 February 2009
After thirty years of economic reform in China the questions over the country's future are multiplying
Monday 29th September

China’s power, China’s people: towards accountability

Li Datong, 29 September 2008
Its astronauts span the cosmos while its children eat tainted sweets. Wanted: a state ruled by law
Monday 15th September

Death in Shanghai, law in China

Li Datong, 15 September 2008
The murder of police officers by an angry citizen has wider lessons for China's legal system
Thursday 28th August

The Beijing Olympics: the last award

Li Datong, 28 August 2008
The Chinese people themselves were winners in a great sporting festival
Friday 22nd August

The Olympics: was China ready?

Li Datong, 22 August 2008
The global spectacle in Beijing is also a test for the next generation of China’s leaders
Wednesday 30th July

The Weng'an model: China’s fix-it governance

Li Datong, 30 July 2008
Beijing's response to a furious local protest signals a vital change in its governing mode
Thursday 17th July

China’s digital nationalism: Kung Fu Panda under fire

Li Datong, 17 July 2008
A cyber-assault on a Hollywood film casts light on the super-patriotism of China's "angry youth"
Tuesday 8th July

China's leaders, the media and the internet

Li Datong, 8 July 2008
Beijing needs accurate information to be effective. But what if its own media censorship blocks its access?
Friday 20th June

China: after the quake, the debate

Li Datong, 20 June 2008
A fleeing teacher's defiance ignites ferocious argument that reveals how China is changing
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