China to abolish labour camps and reform one-child policy

[Watercooler]

Major (and unexpected) political news from China, folks. Xinhua has announced that the labour camps (in place since the 1950's) will be abolished and that the one-child policy will be relaxed. The labour camps were modelled after that of the Soviet Union and allowed the police to arrest and detain people without charge or trial. The one-child policy had been in place for decades, and also has been a lightning rod for human rights abuse, with authorities using forced abortions in some cases to enforce the policy. But now with an ageing population, the authorities are easing restrictions by allowing families to have a second child if one of the parents is also an only child.

If these reforms are seriously implemented, then that would be a real and significant reform. Of course, the question is, will it be seriously implemented?

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/15/wo...html?hpt=hp_t3

[drumbrake]

And the black jails?

[HKITperson]

And the black jails?

Out of reach. Too far in Guantanamo.

[HKITperson]

Major (and unexpected) political news from China, folks. Xinhua has announced that the labour camps (in place since the 1950's) will be abolished and that the one-child policy will be relaxed. The labour camps were modelled after that of the Soviet Union and allowed the police to arrest and detain people without charge or trial. The one-child policy had been in place for decades, and also has been a lightning rod for human rights abuse, with authorities using forced abortions in some cases to enforce the policy. But now with an ageing population, the authorities are easing restrictions by allowing families to have a second child if one of the parents is also an only child.

If these reforms are seriously implemented, then that would be a real and significant reform. Of course, the question is, will it be seriously implemented?

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/15/wo...html?hpt=hp_t3

It's good that progress is being made albeit slowly.

[100LL]

The relaxation of the one-child policy, so that people who are the only child to their parent can have more than one baby, is already in place for years as far as I know.

[virago]

They are also fixing the hukou system which was a major disadvantage to the low and middle class.

The one thing that made me laugh was this, 'strengthening the rule of law, including the “independent and fair use” of its judiciary.' Yeah right!

Most of the reforms that have been mentioned are economic and welfare/social reforms and little to do with Governance reforms which are more needed.

[pin]

The relaxation of the one-child policy, so that people who are the only child to their parent can have more than one baby, is already in place for years as far as I know.

Only in certain cities. The new policy seems to be being applied China wide.

[drumbrake]

And the black jails?

Out of reach. Too far in Guantanamo.

Directive for Internet Operators:

(1) To the extent possible make America the target of criticism.

sic

[Watercooler]

They are also fixing the hukou system which was a major disadvantage to the low and middle class.

The one thing that made me laugh was this, 'strengthening the rule of law, including the “independent and fair use” of its judiciary.' Yeah right!

Most of the reforms that have been mentioned are economic and welfare/social reforms and little to do with Governance reforms which are more needed.

Well, you wouldn't really expect them to act on an area that can potentially weaken their own power now would they?

Still, abolishing labour camps, relaxing the one-child policy and reforming the hukou system are major changes. Given the highly conservative and reform-aversive nature of the CCP, this was actually a big surprise (reflecting how low expectations were for real changes).

[East_coast]

Only in certain cities. The new policy seems to be being applied China wide.

Didn't BOTH parents need to be from single child households but now just ONE parent.

Given the cost of living in urban centres there may not be an explosion of births in cities but you never know. Perhaps an investment in Education primary centres in 3-5 years would be a good investment....