Du Daozheng, 85-Year-Old Former State Administration of Press and Publishing Director and Present Publisher of Annals of the Yellow Emperor Magazine, Rejects Central Leadership's "Advice" to Retire, Restructure Magazine
by Wu Si

Renowned magazine Annals of the Yellow Emperor (AYE) is under threat of a purge. Asiaweek Magazine has reported that the reason is the magazine's publishing of a cover story on Zhao Ziyang. This evoked the wrath of a former high-ranking Communist Party leader, who has pressured a present Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee member to take action against the magazine. Pursuant to this, the Ministry of Culture used the rubric of age limitation to pressure publishers Du Daozheng and Yang Jisheng to retire. But AYE editor-in-chief Wu Si said in an interview today that the magazine's board opposes this proposal. Du Daozheng and Yang Jisheng also stated that they will continue to work for the magazine. It is rumored that the Party will take further political action against the well-known magazine specializing in Communist Party history.

Editor-in-chief Wu Si said that although Publisher Du is 85, he is still in very good health, and his experience and reputation make him a valuable asset.

Asiaweek reported that the reason for the controversy was an article in September's issue of AYE entitled: "My Experiences With Sichuan Party Secretary Zhao Ziyang After the Cultural Revolution" by former Sichuan Xinhua Deputy Bureau Chief Sun Zhen. This was the first time that mainland media has published a cover article on Zhao Ziyang since his purge following the Tiananmen Square military crackdown in 1989.

AYE has published numerous sensitive articles in recent years. Publisher Du believes that the best way to promote democratic progress is to gradually increase the scope for free expression in society.

Wu said that the approach from the central leadership was moderate and polite, and just phrased as a "suggestion." There has been no formal written order. But the magazine understands that the proposal had high-level backing.

Wu Si revealed that he has been told the magazine editorial board will be required to meet with the Party's Central Propaganda Department.