Disaster politics

Within hours of the devastating earthquake striking, Premier Wen Jiabao flew into Sichuan province to oversee the emergency relief. A couple of months ago during the Chinese New Year holidays, when millions in southern China were trapped in a transport gridlock created by powerful snowstorms, Wen was quick to apologise on behalf of the government.

The new candour from the CCP leadership stands in contrast to the SARS crisis of 2003, when Beijing — stuck in a denial mode — fell short of an early and decisive reaction. It was a lot worse during the dark and final days of the Cultural Revolution, when China could not even acknowledge the scale of the tragic earthquake that hit Tangshan and killed nearly 250,000 people.

The CCP leadership is conscious of the fact that a public perception of failure will rob it of political legitimacy, or as the Chinese might call it, the “mandate from heaven”.

In the wake of the Sichuan earthquake, though, there is widespread Chinese criticism of governmental corruption, lax building codes and the poor quality of infrastructure.

‘Go out’ for food

It is now official. After Oil and mineral resources, China is getting ready to extend its ‘go out’ strategy for food. Recognising the importance of ensuring adequate food supplies for its billion plus population that is enjoying rising levels of prosperity, China is considering plans to produce and secure food from beyond its border.

Last week, reports from Beijing said China’s ministry of agriculture is debating a proposal to assist national companies in acquiring land overseas for food production. The reports also indicated that the under populated regions of Africa and Latin America might be the initial targets for a new Chinese policy on food security. Russia too could be an inviting proposition.

Sceptics in China and beyond argue it is...