Dilemmas of pluralist development and democratization in China

This article argues that the Western concept of pluralism, with some qualifications, can be applied to Chinese cultural, economic and political development, analyses the dilemmas of the reform process so far, and evaluates future possibilities. It examines the formation and limitations of cultural and economic pluralism, and their significance for party pluralism in China. The new ‘arts of rule’ that have been employed by the Chinese government to reconcile diversity and plurality with unity and stability, are also outlined.