China's Domestic Problem - Corruption

Corruption, and thus income inequality, are the most prevalent domestic issues. Corruption in China has been an issue for many years, with bribery and abuses of power, a common sight. These abuses of power have occurred at all levels, not only at low-level bureaucrats but also with senior officials. Their wealth as result of corruption and bribery has participated in the growth of the inequality gap.  Statistics have shown that 'China has one of the world’s highest levels of income inequality, with the richest 1 per cent of households owning a third of the country’s wealth.' The continuous filtration of wealth into the pockets of China's richest is problematic when considering the CPC effectiveness in governing. Rapid but not necessarily good quality growth predicates the idea that in the long term the quality of life will continue to decline. The negative effects of this sort of growth are generally viewed as the most serious problem affecting social development. Corruption is regularly cited as the primary reason behind this growing divide, an issue that Xi Jinping has sought to address.

 

The ideals that the party holds, growth by any means, is perhaps conducive to corruption as it creates an environment that subliminally encourages corrupt behaviour. This is reflected in the way officials are chosen and elected. Yao Yang terms the manner with which government officials are elected as a 'selectocracy'. Yang supposes that in 'China’s selectocracy, the Chinese Communist Party chooses officials for promotion based on their ability to advance the party’s main objectives – especially growth.' This process is key amongst county and municipal levels especially where key 'growth-enhancing activities – such as infrastructure investment – take place'. The CPC’s focus on perpetual growth has created perfect conditions for corruption to thrive in, an issue that can destabilise the country's financial gains. However this same preoccupation has resulted in China’s current position as an economic superpower, and therefore in a sense contributes towards China becoming a world leader.

However, China has since acknowledged its corruption problem and has recently acted to tackle the issue. Xi Jinping, the current President of the People’s Republic of China [PRC], has committed his party to clamping down on corruption as he highlights its corrosive nature. This is an indicator of Chinese attitude to a global issue. In the case of Liu Zhijun, a high-ranking official who was sentenced to death for bribery claims totaling $10 million, achieving high levels of growth required some level of corrupt activity. Zhijun is one of many officials who have been arrested on similar charges as Jinping clamps down on such behaviour. These issues however widespread they are, are certainly not palatable on the world stage. It would be short-sighted to single China out in this respect, especially when countries like the U.S have a less than acceptable corruption record. The CPC’s stance against corruption, a major issue amongst many Chinese citizens, is reflective of the stance befitting of a world leader. Although like many statistics and facts that come out of the Chinese sponsored state media, it is hard to determine the degree of truth. 

Corruption is a large domestic issue, however promoting official’s based on their economic agenda has enabled China to become the economic superpower that it is today. A cabinet that has a common desired outcome and means of process, enables a more efficient government. Furthermore, if domestic corruption is in fact key to hindering China’s world leadership, then it is evident that their current attitude should be acknowledged as progressive. If Jinping continues to clamp down and make examples of high ranking officials, the corruption rate in China should theoretically fall, as it sets an example for other nations.