Qiushi, a theoretical journal for the Chinese Communist Party, published an article listing the three major risk factors that can potentially change the political landscape of China:
1) The decentralization of power. The article argues that democratic political reform carries the risk of polarizing the power of the central government. The article cited Vietnam as an example.
2) Fluctuations in the economy. Sustainable economic development and maintaining social mobility are fundamental guarantees of social stability in countries going through industrialization and modernization. Over the next 10 to 20 years, maintaining sustainable economic development and social mobility will be vital for China’s social stability.
3) The risk of losing control of the media. Guiding social ideology, controlling public opinion, and managing social emotions are an important part of national governance and important ideological conditions for maintaining social stability. From the experience of other countries and the new situations China has encountered in recent years, the challenges and risks from the impact of social media and from the management of society’s emotional impact are increasing.
The article stated that it is foreseeable that social ideological guidance, the regulation of public opinion, and social emotional management will occupy a more important place in Chinese society in future governance and will play a greater role in maintaining social stability in the future.
Source: Qiushi, January 28, 2014
http://www.qstheory.cn/zz/wwtj/201401/t20140128_317210.htm