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Journalism of Courage
As it moves towards leadership change,China must deal with a scandal that wont be banned away
Chinas swift move to ban both the English and Chinese websites of The New York Times,in response to the papers investigative report into the wealth allegedly accumulated by Premier Wen Jiabaos relatives,is as symptomatic of the challenge that confronts the Peoples Republic as it undertakes a once-in-a-decade leadership change beginning next month as the contents of the report itself. The fact that Grandpa Wen has steadfastly cultivated a people-first image will complicate matters. But its still likely to feed the increasingly visible public discontent caused by the widening wealth gap and frequent corruption scandals involving public officials in China.
So,although Beijing has condemned the report as a smear,Xi Jinping,the man expected to take over the leadership reins,will have to take some hard decisions at a time when citizens are no longer content with getting rich fast,nor is the economy as healthy as it was.
