Chinese Socialism and the Diversified Economy as Explained by Comrade Jiang; A Short Presentation

Chinese Socialism and the Diversified Economy as Explained by Comrade Jiang 

A Short Presentation 

by Jan Freidun Taravosh December 14th 2009

“ever since the day I joined the revolution, I've been cherishing the ideal to achieve Communism.

 And I don't believe this is a fading concept.”

- Jiang Zemin

Introduction:

 As Socialism with Chinese characteristics does differ a lot from the general and stereotyped view of Socialism in the West many people in the west remain largely unaware of the true dynamics of the Chinese Economy. This article seeks to bring further understanding on this subject. A  portion of this article is based on a CBS interview with Jiang Zemin dating back to 1997  all quotes are from this article. The main focus of my article here is to bring the reader a deeper understanding of Chinese Socialism and the specific dynamics of the economy in The People’s Republic. I decided to write this article because I think the general perception persisting in the west concerning the economy in China PR is  all too one sided and I am also of the opinion that the western perception does not reflect reality. All quotes are in italics.

Comrade Jiang explains the Basic Characteristics of the Chinese Economy

While in the United States on an official  state visit aiming to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and The People’s Republic, in October 1997 - the then President of the Central People’s Government Comrade Jiang Zemin and General Secretary of CPC spoke open heartedly about culture and political system. The interviewer  a CBS reporter named Jim Lehrer , asked among other things about the economic and political system of China - and needless to say  more clarity concerning  these issues is needed in the west.

China PR a Developing Country Going Through a Dynamic Development Process.

in the interview Jaing explained in very few words signifies which are the main characteristics  of multi dimensional Chinese society. Far from the Western stereotype. Comrade Jiang explained how the Chinese economy is diverse and dynamic, and most of all contrary to common misunderstanding, due biased reporting  The People’s Republic is in fact going through a dynamic development process. 

To give a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground Comrade Jiang explained: “Different countries have different historic tradition, cultural tradition, and level of economic development.” in stressing this fact Jiang  made clear that one must have an open mind as to understand that no countries look exactly the same, and that many factors determine the course of development for the given country.  

Turning to the side of economic development Comrade Jiang made clear the unique characteristics of the Chinese society which is often over simplified or ignored by journalists in the west: “In our endeavor to develop our economy, we will work to achieve a diversified form of ownership, with public ownership playing the predominant role. Under this mechanism we have the public ownership, collective ownership, private ownership, and even individual ownership.” 

The above statement clarifies the dynamic nature of the economy and clarifies   some basic principles of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, Jiang also to time to clarify the basic political structure of the People’s Government, which as it happens may differ from western traditions of governance corresponds well with the specific conditions of the China PR.

“ With the founding of The People's Republic of China, the constitution of new China has been formulated which stipulates that the National People's Congress is the supreme power-holding organ in China.

At the same time, we also have the multiparty cooperation system with the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and we also have The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. And we have our state council which serves as the executive branch.”  

The above explains the Chinese reality of governance, and also gave further enlightenment to people who had previously no clear understanding of the specific features of the Central People’s Government in China. 

Jiang also took some time reflecting over the Chinese experience of building socialism and communism. He spoke from the heart and also made clear that one cannot apply political  theory in a mechanic way.

“As the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, ever since the day I joined the revolution, I've been cherishing the ideal to achieve Communism. And I don't believe this is a fading concept.

However, I believe it's fair to say that perhaps in the past people had too much ideals. And now we need to work under the initiative of Deng Xiaoping. And we should also follow the concept, which I would like to quote a Chinese saying which is a thousand mile journey need to start from the first step. And, therefore, as I counted out in the report I delivered to the 15th Party Congress, we are now under the primary stage of Socialism. And, in the words of Mr. Deng Xiaoping, we are working to build a Socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

In this way Comrade Jiang makes clear that society building must always correspond to the Chinese realities. 

A few notes on Chine PR and international relations

 While Comrade Jiang as a representative of the Central People’s Government, and as a member of the CPC has ALWAYS been  a very prominent advocate for independence and sovereignty - This should not be misunderstood as the People’s Republic of China Shuns the Idea of cultural exchange and international cooperation. One example of this fact is that it was Comrade Jiang who stressed the importance of founding the Forum for China - Africa cooperation, on the basis of mutual respect, and mutual benefit, The above mentioned principles are applicable in all situations and is an ever-present component of Chinas foreign policy. 

The Paramount importance of maintaining the idea  Peace and mutual respect in  international relations 

Peace is also an ever present component of the foreign policy in China PR and thus the unmotivated fear that is often heard of in some circles in the world that the Chinese seek world supremacy of secretly plot to take over the world, can easily be dispelled if one is willing to shrug of all prejudice and listen to what the representatives of the Central People’s Government has to say about it. “we are working to build is a socialist market economy.

For instance, Germany is under the social market economy. And here in the United States it is the free capitalist economy. But this by no means stand in the way of the free exchange of trade between the two countries. Nor do we have the intention of exporting our socialism with Chinese characteristics to you here in the United States.

Comrade Jiang also spoke with the clarity on the paramount importance holding the principles of mutual under standing and  of non interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations in high esteem by saying:  

“I believe most importantly there is a need for deep and mutual understanding about each other's situation. And dialogues can also be carried out on the basis of not interference in each other's internal affairs.”

Conclusion:

by studying China more closely I think anyone will be able to shrug of the most common stereotypes about China, and see China more for what it is, a dynamic society and not a strictly  one dimensional  society. I think everyone in the west can learn a thing or two from China, you don’t have to be a communist to realise this.  There is no point in denying what a knowledgeable person Comrade Jiang is. 

Regardless if you agree with everything he says or not, doing so would be an insult to the Chinese people. Regardless of what you may think of him personally there is no point in overlooking that he still has played an important role in developing modern day China - this is a fact and a reality which  simply be overlooked. I am of the opinion that Jiang is very right in stating that deep and mutual understanding is of paramount importance in today’s multi polar world. 

My point was in writting this article was to explain why I think  everyone should take note of what comrade Jiang has said and try to me more open minded and see the world for what it is and always keep in mind that different countries have different historic tradition, cultural tradition, and level of economic development.