An opinion piece in the Christian Science Monitor by Pin Ho, founder of Mirror Books Ltd, looks at what is and is not known about President Hu Jintao:
One cannot overlook his uncanny ability to navigate the many political intrigues and maneuverings. Restraint is his ultimate virtue. In the past, this self-discipline has enabled him to rise from a humble technician to a well-behaved and well-loved head of the Communist Youth League, the party secretary of a poverty-stricken province, a controversial emissary to Tibet, and then the No. 1 of China. He has manifested humility, patience, and industriousness, all of which are deemed to be virtues in Chinese culture.
During his reign, Hu has quietly promoted his own people to various important government posts. In the name of eliminating corruption, he has purged outspoken political rivals. He has also initiated many populist programs to alleviate social and economic inequality.
Hu’s survival instinct means that he is neither a liberal nor a conservative. He’s a pragmatist.While Deng Xiaoping proposed “The Four Cardinal Principles” and Jiang Zeming came up with “Three Represents” which legitimized the inclusion of capitalists and private enterpreneurs in the Communist Party, Hu advocates building a “harmonious society.” He understands that the days are gone when the party can maintain political stability with the muzzle of a gun.
He needs a softer approach to resolving social conflicts. In addition, he also knows that overly ambitious political reforms could disrupt the power balance, offending the political elite. If not prudent, he could trigger an implosion of all pent-up conflicts. The party and the country could easily slip away from him.
