China must look beyond censorship and economic power to win hearts and minds – South China Morning Post

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [emailprotected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. Shortly after Taiwan elected independence-leaning candidate William Lai Ching-te as leader, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Chinese Communist Party must win the hearts of people in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan by strengthening patriotic and reunification forces.

Although this election could be seen as merely a regional issue, its impact extends far beyond the islands coast. How can China win the hearts of Chinese inside and outside of mainland China?

Censorship and propaganda are becoming less effective in ensuring social harmony. A globalised China in a digitalised era means that the government can no longer completely control information. Many mainland Chinese gained full access to information related to the Taiwanese election via the internet. Some even flew to Taiwan to observe the election.

Therefore, China cant return to the closed-door policy and maintain its stability merely through propaganda and censorship.

Censorship and economic power are not enough to win Chinese hearts. In an ever-changing environment, China has to change.

Christophe Feuille, Bordeaux, France

Joseph Chan, chairman, Silk Road Economic Development Research Centre

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu commences a very public display regarding the implementation of Article 23 legislation, vowing to actively explain it. Is this to be done in a similar manner to local elections, where English was barely used? Are we to assume non-Chinese-speaking residents of Hong Kong are exempted? Laws are implemented to serve all and one hopes to see a multilingual discussion of Article 23.

Mark Peaker, The Peak

Continue reading here:
China must look beyond censorship and economic power to win hearts and minds - South China Morning Post