Symposium: The People's Republic of China at 75 – September 30, 2024

Symposium: The People's Republic of China at 75

Fairbank Center scholars reflect on the People’s Republic of China, from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping and beyond. At the top of the scholars’ concerns: succession.

featuring

Joseph Fewsmith, Professor of International Relations, Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University

Anthony Saich, Daewoo Professor of International Affairs, Harvard University; Director, Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia

Yuhua Wang, Professor of Government, Harvard University

and moderated by

Mark Wu, Henry L. Stimson Professor of Law, Harvard University; Director, Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies

September 30, 2024

[cgtian]

I am astonished by the suprafacial understanding of China in the past 75 years since Communist came into power!

The fundamental difference between China under the communist party leadership and the capitalist countries is that the guiding principle of the communist government in China is to serve the interests of the people (whether it actually achieved that can be debatable), while the capitalist governments serve the rich and powerful (the capital and pursuit of profits).

The insurmountable obstacle to the communist or socialist ideology is the human nature, which is selfishness and greedinesses. Mao Zedong fought hard to change human nature by launching cultural revolution, severing from the past and creating a new breed of people who are selfishless, and put the interest of the common good above their own, but I failed miserably (That’s why the Communist bloc failed).

My principal to judge a person, or a leader, or a government is based on whose intent. Selfishness is ok as long as one doesn’t harm others. If the intent is is to gain at the sacrifices of others, it’s wrong! If a leader put his or her own interests above the interests of the people, he or she is a bad leader! The same apply to the governments.

[charliesong]

A great nation with a great party and great people

[malvernjonathan]

Such shallow discussions. Focused on surface issues that everyone knows without any deep reflection on why these are those issues.

[JIANGTG]

1. China will continue to progress steadily for further improvement in living standards of its 56 ethnic groups, even facing numerous foreign challenges .
2. It is good to know that China's whole population are firm believers in the Chinese saying " FOOLISH OLD MAN CAN REMOVE MOUNTAINS " ( 愚公移山 ）。They can conquer / remove all obstacles / mountains in relatively short period of time, under the far-sighted, pragmatic, effective and innovative government leadership.

[tianshanwang]

The man on the left talking about the sank submarine as if he saw it

[randomdude]

According the the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the words "Corruption" and "China" are synonyms.

[zchu]

This panel is extremely ignorant and narrow minded.😂

[marcwhite]

The two feminine princesses – JinPig and Meow – characterize the feminine, supple aspect of the character of Chinese vulnerability and deliberate weakness.

[randomdude]

Imagine the sheer amount of discrimination Xi JinPig faces as a Black eunuch.

[marcwhite]

Xi JinPig and the Charwoman Meow are of zero relevance.

[袁大陸]

Taiwan can’t get rid of China politically.

[marcwhite]

The wannabe -emperor Xi JinPig and the empress/chairwoman Meow.

[Amos-oh]

Shocked that Fairbank Center scholars show such low levels of "know" china...

[marcwhite]

"Spits on the Chinese flag."

[mfang]

Such a terrible panel, like dogs bark at a train.

[mikestewart]

"Cull all the sparrows!" -Mao Zedong
"Don't worry everyone, I'LL plan the economy!" -Mao Jinping
"Corruption is RAMPANT in China!" -Victor Gao, August 2024 in front of a live international audience



THIS is China under the CCP. 🤦‍♀

[marcwhite]

Xi JinPig and the princess chairwoman Meow.