As a result, Chinese intellectuals discovered the numerous western advances in science and technology.
It is as if Chinese intellectuals will speak out only when cued to be heard.
Some Chinese intellectuals say he has signaled an openness to political change.
"They must decide the succession problem," a Chinese intellectual said.
It caused quite a stir among Chinese intellectuals at that time.
Most Chinese intellectuals point out that it is time for us to think about individual rights.
If they don't already have an evening job, Chinese intellectuals and officials are taking night classes to train for a second career.
Chinese intellectuals have been looking for new cosmic orders to solve their political problems ever since.
"I think there are going to a lot of fake relatives," a Chinese intellectual said.
One hopeful sign is that some Chinese intellectuals are themselves standing up to call for systemic change.