The new Politburo Standing Committee has been elected, Xi Jinping has taken the helm–now all that remains of the 18th Party Congress are lingering inconveniences for Beijingers, and memories.
Artist: unknown
Source: SneezeBloid
Despite scenes of Hu Jintao and other outgoing leaders casting their ballots for the CCP Central Committee, it’s hard to convince Chinese netizens that these were free and fair Party elections. Weibo chatter about internal wrangling and even brawling drew enough of a crowd for Sina to filter search results for related terms. This cartoon exudes the air of Mad Men. For all the promises of greater transparency, this past week is shrouded in fog.
Artist: Mengchenshang
Source: SneezeBloid
521 female delegates attended the congress, two with infants in tow. Women have come a long way in China, from cutting their hair and leaving home in the early 20th century, to marching alongside their male comrades as Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. But the cadre weeping with joy for her Party as she votes “yes” with one arm and holds her child in another may not have been the future her forebears imagined.
Artist: Asahi Shimbun
Source: SneezeBloid
The Beijing bureau of the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun has a reputation for “acting cute” on Weibo. The mysterious staffer with the witty ballpoint pen lets netizens know how the paper views the hammer and sickle: mightier than homes, cars, money, and even happiness.
Artist: Wu Junyong
Souce: Weibo
“There’s no suspense” (没有悬念) about the identity of the person whose veil is about to be lifted. Those hopeful that political change would follow greater economic openness were disappointed by the new Politburo Standing Committee. And while Xi may offer some hope for reform, the exclusion of Wang Yang and Li Yuanchao sent the signal to expect more of the same from China’s new leaders.
Artist: Torval Lokison
Source: Beijing Cream
Lokison’s expat-oriented comic speaks for itself.
Read more about the leadership transition from CDT.
