Why is “Constitutional China” still an unfulfilled dream?

Why is “Constitutional China” still an unfulfilled dream?

Written on Oct 10, 2011 by He Qinglian

(translated by krizcpec, Slight modifications made on Oct 17, 2011)

Among the things being discussed in marking the centenary of Xinhai Revolution, an important topic is that despite having implemented constitutions over the course of a hundred years, China remains unsuccessful in its attempt to become a constitutional country. And the Chinese could probably set a world record for the effort they made in implementing constitutions: altogether fourteen constitutions had been enacted in over a hundred years, yet the country is still unable to bring about constitutionalism after having a constitution in place; and that the enactment of a constitution remains the easy task when compared to the implementation of constitutionalism, which remains an impasse.

Mao Zedong: the Giant Shadow over the Contemporary Politics of China

Written by He Qinglian
(translated by krizcpec)

In recent years, the clouds over China's future is thickening. Whether as an alternative political model for future China or as a historic question that cannot be sidestepped, Mao Zedong and his governing approach is getting more frequently into the view of the public. 

On August 27 this year, over a hundred liberals inside the Communist Party of China and intellectuals attended a seminar marking the 30^th anniversary of "The Resolution on certain historical problems of the Party since the founding of the People's Republic" (关于建国以来党的若干历史问题的决议), and again they stated that a correct understanding of the Cultural Revolution and Mao Zedong is crucial for present politics of  China. 

Perspectives to understanding the historic roles of Mao Zedong

Beijing's reluctance to face the history and its use of various propaganda machine to deliberately magnify the bright side of Mao Zedong's political carrier would result not only in the misunderstanding of Mao among the young generation, but also profound confusion in the political thinking of the Chinese people.

From Revolutionary to Dictator, who does Muammar Gaddafi resemble the most?

By He Qinglian on August 24, 2011
(translated by krizcpec)

After the 2011 “Jasmine Revolutions” in MENA, the “Club of Tyranny” formed by the world's dictators has lost several of its members.

“Dictators” typically mean those leaders who obtain the highest power in authoritarian or totalitarian regimes. Looking back at the way they rose to power, one would find something interesting: although some became leaders of their countries through democratic elections first and realized dictatorship after their cabinets were formed; even more of them, however, headed for dictatorship through the revolutionary road. From revolution leaders to dictators, these people didn't seem to need any change in the way they thought and acted. The only difference was whether or not they had powers in their hands.