Post-Socialist State, Transnational Corporations, and the Battle for Labor Rights in China at the Turn of the 21st Century

Human rights advocates often focus on the post-socialist party-state and note many of the human right violations committed in China. On the other hand, corporate sponsors often promote globalization as a way to improve rights and standards. However, in the battle for labor rights in China, the role is reversed between corporate sponsors and the party-state. The Chinese socialist party-state are seen as actively promoting the expansion of labor rights, while the transnationals promote the blocking and cutting back of labor rights in China. This paper examines the historical process of the formulation, revision, and the implementation of the new labor law in China at the turn of the 21st century. The paper will discuss how the business community lobby created a weakened version of the labor law that scales back protection for workers. In conclusion, this paper will discuss the implications of the new labor law for the development of China.