China's economy still dynamic

Various crises striking the world seem to have had no effect on the domestic situation in China. The terrorism issue or hubbub in the Middle East, for instance, has had almost no impact on political, social and economic consolidation in China.

While many countries are currently worrying about the threat of economic recession, China disclosed its economic achievements last weekend. Without fanfare, China has been able to bolster sustainable economic growth since its reform drive in 1978 or two years after its great ideologist Mao Zedong passed away. China's concentration on economic innovation and the maintenance of political centralization seems to be undisturbed by the international situation.

Economic development in China has run on its own track, separated from the political track. Political cosmology is opposite to the economic scope.

Developments in China will be more interesting to observe if the progress in the economic sector stimulates a demand for changes in the political process and power structure. Improvement in social and economic welfare has raised awareness of people's political rights and human rights. The demand for political rights and human rights protection has emerged, especially from academics. The Chinese government has so far still applied repressive methods.

So people are waiting for the steps to be taken by the Chinese authority in anticipating the demand for changes in the political process and power structure. China is considered successful in the anticipation of changes in the economic sector. How is the political sector?

-- Kompas, Jakarta