Premier Wen Jiabao spoke about the political attacks endured by his father and grandfather to students at his old high school in Tianjin, but his message may have been intended more for colleagues and rivals in government. The revelations follow Wen’s repeated calls for reform, which many regard as too little, too late. From The Telegraph’s Malcolm Moore:
“My childhood was spent in war and hardship. The poverty, turmoil and famine left an indelible imprint on my young soul [ …] I realised only science, truth-seeking, democracy and hard work can save China,” said Mr Wen.
As the 69-year-old gets ready to step down next year and hand power over to a new generation of Chinese leaders he has made a flurry of speeches calling for “urgent” political reform and the loosening of the party’s iron grip on the state.
However, there is little sign that reform is forthcoming. Some have suggested that Mr Wen is merely trying to paint himself on the right side of history, while others have noted that he lacks a broad enough power base within the party to effect any change.
