Ninety-Nine Reflections: A Veteran Journalist’s Cryptic PoemSparks Debate in China
BEIJING, CHINA – A recent poempublished by veteran journalist Liu Jiming on the popular Chinese website Wuyou Zhixiang (Land of No Worries) has sparked heated debate among Chinese netizens. The poem, titled Ninety-Nine Reflections, is a cryptic and evocative piece that appears to be a commentary on China’s political and social landscape, drawing parallels between the current state of affairs and the tumultuous years of the Cultural Revolution.
Liu Jiming, a prominent figure in Chinese journalism, has worked for major news outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily,and CCTV, as well as international publications like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. His poem, published on September 8, 2024, is a poignant reflection on the past and present of China, using evocativeimagery and historical references to express his views.
The poem opens with a stark reminder of the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, a pivotal event that marked the end of the Cultural Revolution. Liu writes, Giant star falls, nineteen seventy-six. Workers and farmers weep, the land changesface. This sets the tone for the poem, which goes on to lament the social and economic inequalities that persist in China, despite the country’s rapid economic growth.
Liu’s poem is filled with allusions to the Cultural Revolution, a period of intense social and political upheaval that left a deep mark on Chinese society. He writes of three mountains (referring to imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism), suggesting that new forms of oppression have emerged in their place. He also criticizes the rise of elites and powerful families who, he argues, have benefited from China’s economic reforms.
The poem’s final lines are particularly striking: Teacher does not die, people forever live. People do not die, Teacher forever lives! This echoes the iconic slogan of the Cultural Revolution, Long live Chairman Mao! and suggests that Liu Jiming sees the ideals of Mao Zedong as still relevant today.
The poem has been met with a mixed reaction online. Some users have praised Liu Jiming for his courage in speaking out against social injustices, while others have criticized him for his nostalgia for the Cultural Revolution and his perceived attacks on China’s current leadership.
The debate surrounding Liu Jiming’s poem reflects the complexand evolving political landscape in China. While the country has achieved remarkable economic progress in recent decades, many citizens still grapple with issues of social inequality, corruption, and political repression. Liu Jiming’s poem serves as a reminder that the legacy of the Cultural Revolution continues to shape China’s present and future.
Thepublication of Ninety-Nine Reflections has reignited discussions about the role of the past in shaping China’s present. It has also highlighted the ongoing tension between economic progress and social justice in the country. As China continues to navigate the complexities of its development, the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the needfor critical reflection and open dialogue.
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