‘Crisis of faith’ gripping China, paper warns

China’s main official newspaper has warned that the government is facing “a crisis of faith” among its people and urged local officials to win trust in the face of rising discontent.

Anger over forced demolitions and corruption has led to a daily rash of “mass incidents,” an official euphemism for protests, worrying officials determined to defend one-party rule and ensure a smooth transition of power to a younger generation of leaders.

The call came in an editorial of the People’s Daily, the official paper of China’s ruling Communist Party, yesterday. While such an editorial does not amount to a statement of government policy, it reflects official concern.

“We must pay attention to the ‘crisis of faith’ in the relationship between grassroots cadres and the people,” the article said. “If the mistrust deepens, it will bring a negative impact to the development, harmony and stability of society.”

President Hu Jintao, who is expected to retire from the party in the autumn of 2012 and the presidency the following March, has made creating a “harmonious society” a hallmark of his administration, often stressing stability at all costs.