Political Scientist: Activists Focus on “China After Xi,” but Should Focus on “China After the CCP”
New Century Net, an Chinese language media outside China, published an interview with political scientist Wu Guoguang discussing the prospects for political change in China after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Wu argues that China’s political transformation does not necessarily need to follow the classic four-stage transition model proposed by Samuel P. Huntington, often referred to as “transplacement,” which involves regime liberalization, the rise of opposition forces, authoritarian retrenchment, and eventual negotiation between the regime and opposition. Instead, Wu suggests that social and political change in China could emerge even without deliberate political liberalization initiated by the ruling authorities.
Wu emphasizes that discussions about China’s future often focus on “China after Xi Jinping” rather than “China after the CCP.” He argues that this perspective reflects the preferences of some political elites who may hope for a return to a relatively moderate period such as the Jiang Zemin–Hu Jintao era. However, Wu argues that genuine democratization in China cannot emerge from within the CCP leadership but would require the end of the Party’s rule.
Wu identifies three key challenges facing democratic change in China. First, democratic forces must clearly articulate demands for systemic democratization rather than focusing solely on leadership changes. Second, opposition movements need stronger organizational capacity, although Wu suggests they should move beyond traditional Leninist-style hierarchical structures and explore new forms of organization suited to the internet era. Third, meaningful political transformation ultimately depends on broad public support. According to Wu, widespread social grievances in China reflect deeper demands for rights and representation, which could form the foundation for democratic aspirations.
Overall, Wu concludes that China’s future political transformation could involve a complex interaction between reformist pressures and more revolutionary forces. Whether such change becomes possible, he argues, will depend on the ability of democratic forces to develop clear political goals, build effective organizational structures, and mobilize broad public support.
Source: New Century Net
https://2newcenturynet.blogspot.com/2026/03/blog-post_40.html
Some Chinese Regions Use Lottery Funds to Support Medical Insurance System, but Sustainability Is Uncertain
An article from The Epoch Times reports that China’s medical insurance fund is facing increasing financial pressure, prompting some local governments to use lottery revenues to help fill gaps in the healthcare insurance system. However, analysts caution that lottery income is unlikely to provide a stable or sustainable source of funding.
The report notes that China’s basic medical insurance fund recorded revenue of about 3.48 trillion yuan (US$ 500 billion) in 2024, while expenditures reached about 2.97 trillion yuan (US$ 430 billion), with spending rising faster than income. Interviewees cited in the article attribute the growing financial strain to rising demand for healthcare services, more frequent hospital visits, increased treatment for chronic diseases, and possible over-treatment in some hospitals. In some cities, including Beijing and Tianjin, medical insurance funds have reportedly experienced deficits or required fiscal subsidies to maintain operations.
According to the article, some regions have begun transferring a larger share of public welfare funds from sports and welfare lotteries into social security programs to support healthcare spending. One source said the proportion allocated to such purposes has reportedly increased from around 10 percent to about 20 percent. Analysts warn that this approach may not be sustainable, as lottery sales have slowed in recent years, making the revenue stream uncertain. At the same time, China’s rapidly aging population—now exceeding 200 million people aged 65 or older—is expected to place increasing long-term pressure on the country’s healthcare insurance system.
Source: Epoch Times, March 4, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/3/4/n14711019.htm
China’s Military Issues New Reserve Personnel ID Cards
Starting March 1, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began issuing a new unified identity document — the “PLA Reserve Personnel Certificate” — following approval from the Central Military Commission.
According to China Central Television’s military channel, the new certificate serves as an official form of identification for reserve personnel. Each card carries a unique, system-generated identity number and is issued to reserve officers, sergeants, and soldiers who are serving in the PLA under the country’s Reserve Personnel Law.
Zhang Yaokui, a professor at the PLA’s National Defense University Joint Operations College, explained that the new certificate formally recognizes the status of reserve personnel by both the Chinese government and military. It provides unified proof of enrollment in reserve forces and replaces the previously issued “PLA Reserve Officers Certificate,” which has now been officially abolished.
Zhang noted the certificate serves practical purposes in both peacetime and wartime. In peacetime, it facilitates participation in military training, readiness duties, and non-combat military operations. In wartime, it enables the swift mobilization and deployment of reserve personnel. It also helps reserve members access relevant welfare benefits, compensation, and preferential treatment as provided by law.
Zhang further emphasized that PLA reserve personnel hold a dual identity — they are both civilians and soldiers. In ordinary times, they work across various sectors of society as regular citizens. However, when called upon, they are required to put on their uniforms and fulfill their military obligations.
The rollout of this new credential is seen by analysts as a meaningful step in streamlining the mobilization process and strengthening the institutional framework governing China’s reserve forces.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), March 3, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202603030108.aspx
Chinese Military Expert: Why the Fujian Aircraft Carrier Leapt Directly to Electromagnetic Catapults
Among the aircraft carriers currently in service worldwide, no conventionally powered vessel has been equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system. Why, then, did China’s Fujian bypass steam catapults and move straight to electromagnetic launch technology?
According to military expert Zhang Junshe, the breakthrough lies in the innovative application of a medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) integrated power system combined with advanced energy storage technology.
Adoption of a Medium-Voltage DC System
The Fujian is equipped with a highly efficient medium-voltage DC integrated electric power system. This system can directly power the electromagnetic catapult tracks, eliminating the need for mechanical energy conversion. As a result, the overall structure is simplified and the failure rate is significantly reduced.
Supercapacitors Overcome the Pulsed Power Challenge
Conventional carriers have long been questioned about whether they could meet the instantaneous high energy demands required by electromagnetic catapults. The Fujian addresses this challenge through the innovative use of supercapacitor energy storage technology. With extremely short charging times, the system can independently handle pulsed power loads, preventing strain or disruption to the ship’s main propulsion power system.
Source: CCTV, February 21, 2026
https://military.cctv.com/2026/02/21/ARTIRWfUdYlwFVZuRQPpgtmI260221.shtml
Over Half of Japanese Believe A Tough Stance Should be Taken on China’s Maritime Behavior
Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that, Japan’s Foreign Ministry just released the results of a domestic opinion poll on diplomacy. Regarding the question of whether respondents believed the security environment in East Asia was becoming increasingly severe, 79.3 percent of respondents agreed.
Regarding the aspects that Japan should prioritize in its diplomacy with China, the most popular answer among respondents, at 52.9 percent, was “taking a tough stance against violations of territorial waters.” The survey results reflect the Japanese public’s vigilance regarding the activities of Chinese coast guard vessels around the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands in Chinese).
This survey was conducted by telephone from February 10 to 18, targeting 1,000 people aged 18 and over throughout Japan.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, March 8, 2026
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260308-8698254
People’s Daily: China’s Robotics Industry Entering a “Golden Opportunity Period”
An article published by People’s Daily reports that China’s robotics industry is entering what it describes as a “golden opportunity period,” driven by technological progress, expanding applications, and growing market demand. The article highlights the appearance of robots from Unitree Robotics during the China Central Television Spring Festival Gala, where dozens of machines performed synchronized dance and martial arts routines. The performance attracted widespread public attention and was presented as a symbol of the rapid advancement of China’s robotics technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The article also emphasizes the expanding role of robotics in scientific research and industrial innovation. It describes the emergence of so-called “scientist robots,” which combine automated laboratory equipment with Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to conduct experiments, analyze data, and accelerate scientific discovery. Companies such as XtalPi are developing robotic laboratory platforms capable of supporting research in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and energy technologies. These systems integrate robotic “hands” that carry out experiments with AI “brains” that design and optimize research processes.
According to analysts cited in the report, China’s robotics sector is developing along two major tracks: consumer-oriented robots that capture public attention and high-end industrial or research robots that generate long-term technological and economic value. Together, these developments are described as elevating China’s position in global technological competition.
Source: People’s Daily, February 18, 2026
http://finance.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0218/c1004-40667251.html
Former U.S. Air Force Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Training Chinese Military Pilots
Voice of America reports that U.S. authorities have arrested former U.S. Air Force pilot Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. on charges related to providing unauthorized training to Chinese military pilots. According to the United States Department of Justice, Brown was taken into custody in Indiana in February 2026 after returning to the United States from China. Prosecutors allege that he conspired with others to provide combat aviation training to pilots from the People’s Liberation Army Air Force without obtaining the required authorization from the U.S. government.
Brown served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 24 years. During his career, he was involved in sensitive nuclear weapons delivery missions and served as an instructor pilot on multiple aircraft platforms, including the F-4, F-15, F-16, A-10, and F-35 fighter jets.
The Justice Department alleges that Brown began negotiating in 2023 to train Chinese military pilots and later traveled to China in December 2023 to provide such training. U.S. law requires American citizens to obtain a license from the State Department before offering military training or defense services to foreign armed forces under the Arms Export Control Act. Authorities say Brown failed to obtain the necessary authorization. The case highlights growing concerns in Washington that China has sought to recruit former Western military pilots to help enhance its air combat capabilities. Similar investigations in recent years have involved retired military aviators accused of training Chinese pilots through overseas flight schools or private contracts.
Source: VOA, February 27, 2026
https://www.voachinese.com/a/us-arrests-former-air-force-pilot-for-allegedly-training-chinese-military-pilots-20260226/8117849.html
LTN: China Banned the Export of Gasoline and Diesel
Major Taiwanese news network Liberty Times Network (LTN) recently reported that, due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, the Chinese government has ordered the country’s largest oil refinery to suspend exports of diesel and gasoline.
Officials from China’s National Development and Reform Commission met with oil refinery executives and ordered an immediate halt to refined oil exports. The companies were instructed to stop signing new contracts and negotiate with buyers to cancel shipments. Aviation kerosene and marine fuel oil stored in bonded warehouses, as well as fuel destined for Hong Kong and Macau, were exempt from this restriction.
China has a massive oil refining industry, with most of its production used to meet domestic demand, thus it is not a key source of supply for the Asian market. However, as the Middle East crisis intensifies, Beijing’s preventative restrictive measures reflect the efforts of the entire import-dependent region to prioritize domestic needs. Nearly half of China’s oil imports come from the Gulf region, including almost all of Iran’s oil shipments.
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Sinochem Group, and Zhejiang Petrochemical Corporation regularly receive fuel export quotas from the Chinese government. None of these five companies responded to the aforementioned news.
Source: LTN, March 5, 2026
https://ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/5360359