The present research studies the transition of China between 1996 and 2000 with a view to analyzing the reactions of the general populace to the reform efforts of the Communist Party. The government’s responses to these reactions form another important aspect of my research because they will show how the relations between the state and the society have changed during the period. The findings of my research reveal some interesting facts about the governance of the Communist Party in that the rule of law seems to be more an ideal than a reality. The primary means of resolving discord by the Chinese government is suppression and control rather than dialogue and pacification. The Chinese government also exhibits a clear set of preference - that unrests capable of challenging her rule wo...[ Read more ]

The present research studies the transition of China between 1996 and 2000 with a view to analyzing the reactions of the general populace to the reform efforts of the Communist Party. The government’s responses to these reactions form another important aspect of my research because they will show how the relations between the state and the society have changed during the period. The findings of my research reveal some interesting facts about the governance of the Communist Party in that the rule of law seems to be more an ideal than a reality. The primary means of resolving discord by the Chinese government is suppression and control rather than dialogue and pacification. The Chinese government also exhibits a clear set of preference - that unrests capable of challenging her rule would be suppressed, while unrests of other more “justified” nature would be tolerated.

My research also reveals the trend and spatial distribution of unrests of different natures over the years. It will shed lights on the effectiveness of the reforms of 1979. To a large extent, we may be able to make more informed predictions on the future course of development of the transition of China. After all, I see the reforms of 1979 as the continuation of China’s struggle for modernity, which was started in the mid 19^th century. And I must add that the reactions of the general public toward change and transition count more than policies per se. This research, I hope, will form a basis of reference for analysis and for further investigation.