China puts power on show at World Expo

“Whether in the field of economics or culture, China has already become a great and pivotal nation in the world, and inevitably the Expo will be a great opportunity to change many perceptions globally,” the radio commentary said.

Political Punch

The Communist Party is no stranger to staging huge public spectacles with a political punch, as seen in the mass parades of the early days of its rule, full of the marching ranks of the proletariat and manic waving of over-sized red banners.

In 1964, China staged “The East is Red,” a vast singing and dancing tribute to the country's revolutionary leader, Mao Zedong, that was punctiliously overseen by senior officials.

More recently, the government all but closed down Beijing for an over-powering display of military prowess to mark the 60th birthday of the People's Republic on Oct. 1 last year.

“There's a historic legacy of mobilizing people in mass campaigns that may play a role in officials' fondness for spectacles,” said Duncan Innes-Ker, Beijing-based China analyst for the Economist Intelligence Unit.

“And you can always use these big events as an excuse to crack down, too,” he added. “It looks great for politicians. It's also good for regional politicians to have such an event as they can mobilize funds for infrastructure.”

Yet some people question the logic of spending so much money on the exhibition.

“The Expo is just showing China has money. And it is using ordinary people's money to make it,” said Shanghai citizen Chang Guo, 54.

“It is not showing China is developed. China has so many poor people, this is just a show. Germany, France, the United States, these countries are developed. China is still not,” he added bitterly.

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