Chinese political opposition group forms

BEIJING, March 9, 2011 (Reuters) - After nearly 60 years of sole control of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party faces its first real political opposition. The new Chinese Democratic Party, composed mainly of former CCP members, officially received approval from the country’s top judicial authorities despite angry protest from mainline CCP leaders.

Professor Bao Xian of Tsinghua University said the political circumstances have aligned to allow the formation of the new political party, which claims to have the support of a majority of the people. “Over the last decade, the CCP has devoted itself to growing the economy and become entwined with Chinese corporate interests,” he said. “There really is no differentiation between corporate interests and those of the CCP nowadays. This has opened a way for the Chinese Democratic Party.”

Popular support for the new political movement was evidenced by the vigil outside the Chinese Supreme Court last week, as citizens showed support for the breakaway faction. “The new leaders listen to us, not the company executives,” said Chen Yu, who had joined the crowd every evening since last Thursday.

Meanwhile, CCP leaders are increasingly vulnerable to the new challengers, and the others that may come after them. The Chinese Democratic Party leaders have pledged to not oppose the introduction of other political groups, but said it will support new laws that govern the switch in political styles. The CCP has always allowed other political parties to contribute to the government, but only in cooperation and not in opposition. Already, Internet forums were abuzz with news of the introduction of exiled Chinese returning to participate in a more free political process. On the China Daily’s forum, one post even suggested ousted Taiwanese leader Chen Shuibian might be influential in future mainland politics.