Black and White Showdown

Author: Li Jingtian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Dedicated to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. This book is a long-form reportage by Li Jingtian. Eastern Battle was serialized in Reportage. After its publication, Shanxi Business News and Shanxi Farmers News reprinted it in serialized form. CCTV's S secured the film adaptation rights, and it was included in China Literature Rankings, edited by the Lao She Literary Foundation and the Beijing Literature Monthly. Transnational Fraud was simultaneously serialized in Reportage and Shanxi Special Zone Daily, and was adapted into the TV series Yan-Zhao Armed Police. The Anti-Corruption Chief Who Was Not Rectified was published in China Writers, winning the "Dapeng Cup" Reportage and Documentary Literature Award from the China Writers Magazine and the Shanxi Special Zone Daily. It was nominated for the Second Lu Xun Literature Prize, reprinted in multiple newspapers and magazines, broadcast continuously by Beijing People's Broadcasting Station, and adapted into a 23-episode TV series Cross-Border Pursuit by Xi'an Film Studio. Warning of the Desert of Civilization was published in the 6th issue of Reportage in 2002 and included in Fudan University's 21st Century Literature Series·2002 Edition.
In East River Battle, Li Jingtian truthfully reported the struggles of several farmers living at the grassroots level in Shanxi who, after enduring oppression and persecution by local officials, rose up in rebellion when they could no longer tolerate it. In the conflict where officials considered certain issues trivial but they were life-and-death matters for the farmers, Li Jingtian, in a calm yet meaningful, rhythmic, and dynamic narrative, mercilessly exposed the faces and behaviors of evil figures and ugly actions, delivering a fair and truthful revelation and critique. He also offered moral and emotional support and assistance to the vulnerable farmers.
In Warning of the Desert of Civilization, Li Jingtian extended his voice of support to primary and secondary school teachers in Ankang, Shaanxi. He expressed indignation and a call to action over the situation where teachers, who had devoted immense effort, received no guaranteed compensation, faced prolonged delays, misappropriation, or even embezzlement of their wages. Additionally, his report on the Hebei Hengshui financial case conveyed deep sorrow over the significant loss of national assets and righteous anger over the ignorant and reckless behavior of the perpetrators. All these clearly reflect the author's sense of justice and moral inclination, as well as the boundless passion in Li Jingtian's heart.
Li Jingtian's reportage shares thematic connections but also has distinct differences. In terms of narrative style, he has unique characteristics. Regardless of how sharp, unjust, or ugly the conflicts may be, his calm approach, detailed and analytical descriptions, suppressed indignation, disdainful tone, and emotional expressions truly possess charm and interest. It is precisely in these more personalized aspects that Li Jingtian distinguishes himself from other writers.