China is becoming one of those countries where the word “transparency” is either blacklisted or used sarcastically.
It is getting on the nerves of many China watchers who actually care for the country. People are fed up with the many websites blocked since weeks. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, personal blogs and websites.
Political repression is growing. Lawyers who try to defend minority interests have a hard time (or worse).
The handling of the Xinjiang case – in itself very sad – shows the stubborn attitude of a sclerotic bunch who does not get it. In Europe we were faced (and still are) with similar clashes. Repression and ignoring the reality has never worked.
Where most of the world reacted very mildly at first, attitudes could turn against China.
The handling of the Rio Tinto case is another blow to the image of China. Do those goons NEVER learn not to shoot in their foot? “State secrets” is the typical cover for a dictatorial regime to do whatever they feel like. If they would simply follow the law, do a corruption investigation, nobody could say anything. That happens in the EU and USA too. People are in prison for corrupt practices. But there is transparency and the use of law. The excuses of the goons is again sad and ridiculous. Good for the naïve foreigners who still blindly fall for Chinese seduction tactics. The attitude is – do something I don’t like and I’ll get you anyway. Rule of Law – forget it.
Foreigners are excluded from mega-projects. All on ridiculous grounds just to protect their “Chinese industry”. Foreigners have set up factories in China, produce goods with over 70% local content, pay taxes, do charity, employ local workers. And get kicked out of local markets.
All fueled by neo-nationalism from the young generation (typically “educated” balinghou and jiulinghou – the uneducated have better attitude) that is too often empty-headed, useless, selfish. The “me-me” generation. Spoiled brats, except for a few.
With the 60 years whatever coming on 1 October, clampdown on visas and nightlife continues (can’t give details, sorry). Welcome to China? Forget it. Expo 2010? You must be joking, right?
Not to wonder some of us get real pissed off. Business confidence?
It’s like the pollution.

See here an official blue sky day in Beijing, 17 July 2pm. US Embassy: AQI is 144 (unhealthy), not too bad because of the rain. BEPB: API is 46 for that day – EXCELLENT.  They sure will have explanations for that!
Now be your own judge. Transparency here is like in the picture.