Murong Xuecun, pushing limits of free speech in China |
China needs what Hong Kong instituted in the 70s: a truly independent ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption). A few years back I was with my brother-in-law in Wuhan, China. We were having dinner and he pointed out another table having a jolly old time and he said "that's our ICAC. China now has an ICAC, just like Hong Kong". The main guy the table was being royally toasted, much wine, food and laughter. This was most certainly not like the ICAC in Hong Kong. Here, an ICAC official being wined and dined like that would be sacked.
Xuecun looks a little like my brother-in-law, as it happens: that's Xuecun above. But they've got very different views on what China needs to root out corruption. Brother-in-law oblivious to the duchessing of alleged ICAC-style officials the mere fact of having an ICAC is enough, the motions have been gone through (敷衍了事).
Xuecun is all about implementation of the rule of law, laws that already exist, but are widely flouted. For my view: they really need a proper ICAC, Hong Kong-style. But I hold no breath.
BTW: Murong Xuecun is a pen name, 慕容 雪村, meaning roughly "admire the snowy village". Probably some ironic reference to a Chinese saying or literature. Must ask Mrs Battle.