Comment:

According to Qiao Xinsheng, director of the Social Development and Research Center at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, the Dongguan policy for the ban on pig breeding still has much room for improvement.

First and foremost, the Dongguan government followed legal procedures when coming to this decision but since executive power plays a significant role in making public policies, public participation in such policy making sometimes isn't adequate. The government is simultaneously a decision making body and also the body to enforce these decisions. Consequently, opposition can arise between the government and the public regarding policies.

Secondly, confronted by media bombardments, the Dongguan government also needs better public relations. Various news media have criticized Dongguan's ban on pig breeding. The Dongguan government defended their policy making by over emphasizing economic and environmental problems while neglecting public opinion. They did not realize that a truly powerful weapon to repel the media's attack lies in public opinion rather than economic interests or environmental problems.

When confronting media questions focused on erroneous public policies, the government has consistently tried to defend its stance by explaining economic development and environmental protection considerations for making those decisions. Such arguments further highlight official governing philosophy of "giving priority to efficiency" while neglecting public opinions.

Public decision-making must integrate public opinions. Public policy makers should devise scientific policies in accordance with public opinions. True, inhabitants of one community may not accept policies made according to the opinions of inhabitants in another community. But as long as the policy complies with the constitution and laws and provides maximum safeguards for the residents, it can be deemed as a scientific policy.

Many commentators feel that Dongguan is challenging the central government by imposing a ban on pig breeding amid pork price hikes. Such comments have in fact gone far beyond the normal commentary limits and have greatly misled the public. Indeed, the central government encourages people to breed more pigs. But this doesn't necessarily mean that all localities have to take on pig breeding as their industry. The Dongguan government decided to ban pig breeding according to the level of the Dongguan productive force, which may help to optimize its industrial structure and best serve the interests of their inhabitants. It is not a decision made against public opinions but a wise decision fully demonstrating the public will, said Qiao.

(China.org.cn by Zhang Ming'ai, March 7, 2008)