One of the clearest examples of drift, Chinese and Western experts say, is Beijing's policy toward Taiwan, which remains the most explosive issue dividing the United States and China. But it has become increasingly clear that Taiwan, with a home-grown democracy and unique culture, wants no part of a formula contrived for a British colony. Instead of becoming part of China, Taiwan appears to be moving further away. Beijing responded by saber-rattling and demanding that Lee reverse his stance. So far, Lee has not.
Debate is stifled.
The problem is that the leadership's view of its position is so brittle that change is impossible now. China's leadership also faces an increasingly restive domestic situation. Last year, as many as 6 million people lost their jobs in China's cities, bringing to 16 million the number of unemployed in urban areas, according to Wang Shan, a political analyst in Beijing. Despite the government's efforts, many of them receive no unemployment compensation. This army of the unemployed often takes to the streets in protest.