Guangdong’s Nanfang Daily newspaper reported recently that a newly-released research report concluded that Chinese cities, and especially large cities, have entered a period in which crises appear on a frequent basis (危机频发期), are large-scale and cover a range of areas, so that “the basis of urban safety in China is weak” (中国城市安全基础薄弱). The report cited inflation, social inequality and corruption as the primary factors contributing to instability. In this cartoon, posted by Kunming-based studio Yuan Jiao Man’s Space (圆觉漫时空) to QQ.com, red official stamps (symbolizing power) piloted by reckless and devious Party and government officials visit terror on the citizens of a major Chinese city, like a scene out of an alien-invasion film.
David Bandurski
CMP Director
