China146;s thought industry

Paradoxically, the power of the Chinese intellectual is amplified by China8217;s repressive political system8230; Intellectual debate in this world can become a surrogate for politics8230; While it is true there is no free discussion about ending the Communist party8217;s rule, independence for Tibet or Tiananmen Square, there is a relatively open debate about China8217;s economic model, corruption or foreign policy8230; behind closed doors, thinkers will often talk freely about even the most sensitive topics, such as political reform8230;

So is the Chinese intelligentsia becoming increasingly open? 8230; a more independent-minded, western style of discourse may be emerging8230; However, the formation of an 8220;intellectual8221; in China remains very different from in the west. Education is still focused on practical contributions , and teaching relies on rote learning. Moreover, all of these people will be closely monitored for political dissent.

Excerpted from Mark Leonard8217;s 8220;China8217;s New Intelligentsia8221; in Prospect, March 2008