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| China-Japan-Koreas |
| China Marks 56 |
| 2005-10-01 |
| Tens of thousands of Chinese marked the 56th anniversary of Communist rule in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Saturday with the country enjoying the benefits of two decades of rapid economic growth but still facing deep-seated social problems. The crowds in the square enthusiastically waved Chinese flags and posed for pictures as security forces looked on placidly. Such a wonderful place. Why can't everywhere be Communist? Security was tight in the capital Beijing at the start of the weeklong holiday. Police bomb squads were out in force, and human rights groups said authorities have been expelling people with grievances from the capital to prevent disruptions, a common move during politically sensitive periods. On Friday, Premier Wen Jiabao vowed to press forward with rapid economic development but did not mention democratic reforms or any changes to one-party rule, touting the supremacy of the Communist Party. He only alluded to the social problems facing the country. "China has undergone earthshaking changes and achieved world-stunning successes," Wen said at a reception for more than 1,500 foreign and Chinese guests at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing. Increasing numbers of poverty-stricken farmers are protesting against widespread graft, industrial pollution and seizures of land for development. Analysts have warned that widening income disparities between the cities and countryside and rising unemployment could threaten social stability. |
| Posted by:Jackal |