Group of prominent China intellectuals from universities and political power call for democracy

China intellectuals say democracy needed for world stability

China academics urge reform, warn of violence

AFP – A group of Chinese intellectuals has called on the government to implement urgent political reforms and respect human rights or risk “violent revolution”. In an open letter 71 top academics warned that growing economic imbalances were fuelling social unrest and an uprising could erupt.

China has transferred two destroyers and nine other ex-navy vessels to its maritime surveillance fleet, reports said Monday, as it moves to beef up its position in bitter territorial rows with Japan and other neighbours. Beijing renovated the ships and transferred them to surveillance operations.