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Mon, Feb 24, 1997
Deng's funeral, Sino-American relations, and the military pledges its support to JiangNote: the bulk of yesterday's copy was left out of the final build, as we mulled over some ethical questions. We have since put the copy back onto the page, offering a much more substantial analysis and digest of yesterday's two main issues.
Deng Xiaoping: in accord with his wishes, Deng Xiaoping was cremated today. Inside China describes the event, including the rituals of respect shown to Deng and the procession of the body through Beijing to the Babaoshan cemetery in Western Beijing.
New York Times reporter Seth Faison has written a good description of the events surrounding the funeral today in Beijing. Faison points out that symbolism and ritual are important for establishing and projecting authority in Chinese society, and this is especially true during such solemn and weighty events . Members of the funeral procession, headed by President Jiang Zemin, strictly and nervously followed the script, writes Faison. On Beijing's streets onlookers watched as the procession made its way to Babaoshan cemetery, and Faison says that curiosity and affection for Deng compelled many people to come out. An estimated ten-thousand workers were bussed to the cementer, and Faison notes that many of the people there came from the same factory, one "whose former general manager counted himself a close friend of Deng", writes Faison.
One final note, Faison makes the point that Deng had requested a low-key and modest funeral, but this did not stop Jiang from using it to bring "lavish attention on Deng in a way he expressly forbade," writes Faison who sees this as evidence of the "new leadership's reputation for indecisiveness and a desire to have things both ways." (Note: the New York Times on-line edition is free, but requires that users register a name and password, and therefore first-time users should first introduce themselves on the Times registration page.)
United States: another New York Times article reports on a possible break-through in Sino-American relations on issues of China's human rights. The Times writes that both governments are eager for a change in the current deadlock. The story says that the U.S. will likely desist from using the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva for criticizing China, if China signed the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and a similar document on economic, social and cultural rights" and release a few political prisoners and reopen talks with the International Red Cross on permitting the organization to inspect China's prisons "aimed at establishing a program of prison visits to determine the status of the thousands of prisoners of conscience in China," reports the paper.
There are numerous political advantages two both sides, if such a deal can be brokered. But politically it would have its detractors in either nation. In China some view the human-rights component of U.S. foreign policy as a tool for dislodging the CCP from power, says the Times. Interestingly, Chinese Premier Li Peng has stated during internal policy meetings, reports the Times, that he will be able to champion a deal with the U.S. The Times explains that success in this endeavour would boost Li's standing and ability to retain control of China's foreign affairs even after he has stepped down next year. President Clinton for his part must be mindful of growing interest in money-laundering schemes involving "Asian" money in his reelection campaign (despite the racist implications in such allegations). He therefore must craft policies which will stand scrutiny from the Congress, writes the paper.
Inside China reports that Secretary of State Madeleine Albright arrived in Beijing amid speculation, reported in the previous New York Times article, that China would offer a deal to break through the current wall of differences on various issues, including those concerning human rights. The U.S. State Department said, there was no indication that such a deal was imminent.
Hong Kong: The National People's Congress has voted, reports Inside China, to amend or repeal a number of law's in the new Hong Kong SAR. The laws affected by this action includes the bill of rights, a law pertaining to the formation of political parties, one which permits more public protest and demonstrations.
Military: The People's Liberation Army pledged its allegiance to President Jiang, reports Inside China. This was the second such pledge by the military since Deng died. Deng died. Xinhua reports that the military pledges to "strengthen their adherence to Deng's and Jiang's instructions on army building," which is an interesting statement and way to pledge one's allegiance. We'll have more on this later.