Features

China Today: Tracing Its Historical Roots

Published

3 years ago

2023/10/1

by Nilantha Ilangamuwa

The transformation of Shenzhen, once a modest fishing village, into a vibrant modern metropolis, stands as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation and determination inherent in the Chinese character. This journey from obscurity to prominence not only showcases the potential of socialism infused with China’s distinct attributes but also symbolizes hope, progress, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Shenzhen’s transformation began in the late 1970s when it was chosen as the experimental frontier for China’s economic reform and opening-up initiatives by Deng Xiaoping, a leader who prioritized results over ideology.

The Chinese government’s decision to blend free-market capitalism with socialism in this coastal village yielded astonishing results. Shenzhen’s success exemplifies the potential of a nation when it combines socialist principles with relentless innovation, an unwavering work ethic, and a resolute spirit, painting Shenzhen as a beacon of progress where vision, dedication, and socialism converge for a brighter future.

It is in this context that the annual celebration of the People’s Republic of China’s founding on October 1 prompts reflection on Mao Zedong, a monumental figure who played an unparalleled role in shaping China’s destiny. Mao, the revered founding father of the People’s Republic and the Chinese Communist Party, stands as a complex figure with a multifaceted legacy. His indomitable leadership led to the Communist triumph over the Nationalists in 1949, uniting a war-weary nation. His commitment to social justice was evident in policies such as land reform, gender equality, and investments in education and healthcare, which improved the lives of many. However, Mao’s legacy is marred by catastrophic events like the Great Leap Forward’s famine and the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, resulting in human suffering, political purges, and societal upheaval.

After the tumultuous era of Mao Zedong, China witnessed significant progress under a succession of leaders, starting with Zhou Enlai and culminating in Xi Jinping’s current leadership. Zhou Enlai’s tenure marked the early post-Mao period, where he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the country and initiating economic reforms. However, it was under Deng Xiaoping’s guidance that China truly embarked on a path of rapid economic growth and modernization, attracting foreign investment and expanding trade relationships. This era set the stage for China’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse.

Li Xiannian’s presidency from 1983 to 1988 coincided with a pivotal period of economic reforms in China led by Deng Xiaoping. His leadership contributed to China’s rapid economic growth and modernization as the country attracted foreign investment and expanded trade relationships. However, concerns about corruption within the Chinese Communist Party persisted during his tenure, hindering broader social and political development. Subsequently, Yang Shangkun took office in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, focusing on restoring stability and rebuilding international relations

Jiang Zemin’s leadership, extending from 1993 to 2003, witnessed further economic growth and China’s increased integration into the global economy. His role in China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) contributed to its economic expansion. Similarly, Hu Jintao, who led from 2003 to 2013, continued China’s economic growth and development, addressing social inequalities and environmental concerns. Xi Jinping, the current leader, has sought to consolidate power and enhance China’s global influence. In essence, the progress of China after Mao reflects a complex interplay of economic development, political stability, human rights, and global engagement in shaping the country’s modern history.

China’s approach to poverty alleviation is truly noteworthy, successfully uplifting hundreds of millions of its citizens from poverty and making a substantial contribution to global poverty reduction. Key elements underpinning the campaign’s effectiveness include a targeted approach that addresses the diverse nature of poverty, substantial investments in infrastructure, diversification of economic activities in rural areas, the establishment of robust social safety nets, and innovative relocation programs for regions facing extreme poverty or environmental challenges. These multifaceted strategies have not only eradicated extreme poverty within China’s borders but have also left an enduring impact on global poverty reduction efforts, with over 850 million people rising above the poverty line since the late 1970s, as noted by the World Bank.

Parallel to its poverty alleviation campaign, China’s resolute anti-corruption drive, led by President Xi Jinping, has achieved substantial progress. This campaign spans all levels of government and the Communist Party, featuring high-profile investigations that send a clear message against corruption. Institutional reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, the reinforcement of party discipline and integrity, and comprehensive public awareness efforts are key components of this drive.

The dual success of poverty alleviation and anti-corruption efforts has had a significant impact beyond China’s borders, elevating living standards, stability, and economic growth domestically while fostering a more transparent business environment that benefits both domestic and international investors. Challenges remain, including the need to sustain poverty alleviation gains and strike a balance between accountability and procedural fairness in anti-corruption efforts.

China is an integral component of human civilization. To truly comprehend China, it requires more than academic inquiry alone; it calls for a steadfast commitment to overcoming preconceived notions and liberating ourselves from the constraints of Western narratives. The essence of understanding this multifaceted nation lies in recognizing that China’s historical depth, cultural richness, and evolving global role defy facile categorizations. To approach China with an open mind is to embark on a quest for accuracy in assessing its actions, motivations, and impact, eschewing the perilous pitfalls of reductionist thinking that invariably lead to misunderstandings and grievous miscalculations.

In this complex landscape, Henry Kissinger emerges as an illuminating guide, spanning the chasm between historical context and contemporary international relations. His seminal work, “On China,” unearths the timeless threads of China’s foreign policy traditions, rooted in an ancient history that persists today. Kissinger’s resolute pragmatism and realpolitik approach serve as a clarion call to transcend ideological biases and engage with China in a spirit of constructive dialogue.

Kissinger’s involvement in history-making events, from President Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to China to the diplomacy of “ping pong,” underscores the transformative potential of unorthodox approaches in diplomacy. It elucidates how seemingly minor gestures can wield profound diplomatic implications. His insights on issues ranging from Taiwan and the One-China policy to the strategic dynamics of the Cold War, Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms, and China’s ascendance as a global economic powerhouse offer invaluable perspectives. Moreover, Kissinger’s emphasis on managing sensitive issues, fostering engagement based on common interests, and resisting the imposition of Western values provides pragmatic guidance for steering the intricate waters of U.S.-China relations in an era where China’s ascent as a global power demands delicate navigation.

In this precarious epoch, where the specter of proxy wars looms large in the dismantling of the once-dominant unipolar world order, it becomes imperative to chart a path towards peace without plunging once more into the abyss of relentless conflict. From Vietnam to Iraq, the Asian continent has borne witness to the flames of insurgency and manifested wars, underscoring the urgent need for strategies of peaceful coexistence. The prospect of a war involving China, particularly one featuring major military powers, must not be taken lightly, for it threatens profound and far-reaching consequences. Such a conflict would usher global instability, untold loss of life, economic desolation, and enduring global reverberations.

Geopolitically, a conflict embroiling China could ignite broader regional confrontations, entangling nations like Russia, India, and Southeast Asian countries, amplifying global unrest and instability. Environmental devastation, marked by pollution, infrastructure ruin, and ecological devastation, would bear lasting scars on our planet’s health.

Furthermore, the foundations of the existing international order and its institutions would be eroded, imperiling diplomacy and cooperation on critical global issues like climate change, public health, and poverty eradication. In the words of Deng Xiaoping, “We should free our minds and imagine in a big way. We should escape from the fetters of ideological or political prejudices.” In this era of unprecedented complexity and volatility, embracing such wisdom is not merely prudent; it is the very essence of our survival.

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

2 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

2 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

2 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.