Analysis of China's Reforms - Article Example

Its one-child policy is controversial because of its implications for human rights, so China currently allows couples to have two children, if one of them does not have brothers or sisters (Smith and Le). China stresses that these changes are supposed to address long-term population balance concerns (Smith and Le).

By relaxing its one-child policy, China intends to ensure that it will have a balanced population in the future. Aside from social policy changes, China also made reforms in its criminal justice policies by removing its labor-camp system, reducing crimes that are punishable by death and torture practices, and improving the justice system. China often faces criticisms for its poor human rights compliance because of its “re-education through labor” system and the extent of capital punishment (Smith and Le).

Re-education through the labor system is used in China to punish those who criticize the government. China abolished this said system to improve its human rights image (Smith and Le). In addition, China also decreased crimes that are punishable by death and it also aims to reduce torture practices to acquire confessions (Smith and Le). Moreover, China seeks to improve its justice system (Smith and Le). These are political and legislative reforms that address human rights concerns. The final changes in the country concern economic dimensions.

China wants to improve its economic liberalization further. To do this, it will reduce its control over the banking sector by permitting the creation of small and medium-sized private banks (Smith and Le). China said it will continue to make economic reforms, but it is not willing to commit to specific kinds and speeds of reforms (Smith and Le). China wants to do these reforms their way and not feel pressured to do more without properly discussing it through their political channels. China used the Third Plenary Session to introduce social, political, legal, and economic reforms that can additionally liberalize its economy and society.

These changes also seek to address human rights and population issues. China wants to be a better global player through these reforms. As it seeks economic growth, China is willing to make staggered changes as needed.