A Paradigm Shift in Contemporary Chinese Studies? Moving China vs. Stable China

Abstract

In contrast to the image of a “moving China” outlined by the four previous papers, this article inquires into the possibility of a “stable China”. The argument is that we can identify some elements of stubborn continuity behind the fast-changing façade of contemporary China. One such example is the hukou zhidu system (the system of residency permits) which has survived all the reforms of the past thirty years. Is there any useful model in conceptualizing these two seemingly contradictory aspects of contemporary China? The article offers four possible models, and suggests that the China-is-China model is the more promising.