China’s one-party monopoly of power is coming to an end

In Hu’s view, wider consultation and a slightly wider franchise within the party for senior posts should just about do it. “Chinese characteristics” seem set to remain firmly in force. But this is unlikely to satisfy the demands of a population that has seen the promise of prosperity falter as the wealth gap widens and the rich and powerful pillage the public good. Outside party circles, the democracy discussion is much more radical.

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