China has a new way to solve its problems: activism. In complete reversal of the repression that the Chinese had for years, the spirit of activism is sweeping the country. Civil society now serves as the proper checks and balance mechanism of government. Even if China is not as totally free as the rest of the free world, with the presence of restrictions and censorship in the country, advocacies are an emerging trend.

Concerned groups championing varied respective causes have been growing assertive and influential among the citizenry. These various advocacy groups boldly push their crusade for a more transparent and accountable government that properly implements the rules and regulations, and all legislation, that it created. What used to be a socialist government is slowly transforming into a market economy, necessitating the once supreme state to embrace decentralization of power. NGOs are now becoming powerful in the country, especially because the government needs cooperation and partnership with civil society to address socioeconomic problems.

By the end of 2007, China had 386,916 NGOs. They provide service in the implementation of government policies. Chinese government has, in fact, been relying on citizen groups. China has learned the lesson that government can do less than what it potentially can if it does not enjoin the people. On the other hand, these cause-oriented groups are helping to make a government that is more pro-active and, thus, more popular. China’s civil society is what will bring the country to full democracy.

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Via International Herald Tribune