Voice from Berlin

Those predictions of China's collapse are behind the times since this country's rise to a new superpower is wildly accepted.

China survived the financial crisis with its almost unstoppable economic growth. It seemed unshakable since that time. What is popular now isn't to remind China to seek another political system, but to look for the secrets of Beijing's success: whether there is a "China Model"? Is it better than the Western political system?

China will finally become the second-largest national economy after the US. No multinational companies can ignore China's market, and more foreign countries are considering China's feelings than in any other period before. This country is aggressively pursuing its national interests on climate policy, financial market reform and the Iran nuclear conflict solution.

Recently, I have read some news about China’s migrant labor shortage. I also noticed the rights of workers in some factories were being ignored by their bosses. They get no compensation when they are laid off and their bosses often fail to pay them and prolong their working hours without any extra pay. The environment of some factories is harmful to health. Hope the National People’s Congress will enact laws to protect them and urge the government to enforce the laws more strictly. The Chinese worker as a group has been honored by TIME in “the Person of the Year” list in 2009. Their basic human rights should be protected by the Chinese government.

Deutsche Welle: What are Chinese concerns before the two sessions? 02/03

Kristin Kupfer, a German reporter living in Beijing, has more concerns about livelihood issues this year. According to her, Premier Wen Jiaobao used to say that Chinese economy may face a tough future. The public is more concerned about the housing price and wonders whether the government has some measures for it. Besides, inflation control, improvement of healthcare and education are also hot topics among the people.