(May 31, 1994) AN INTERVIEW WITH LI RUI by Dai Qing
Dai Qing: On November 30, 1988, the assessment by the leading group of the Three Gorges project, which had lasted for 2 1/2; years, proposed “starting the construction early.” For the sixth time in more than 30 years, this has moved the project forward on the national economic agenda, which has inevitably drawn the concern of citizens who will assess the project through its impact on their shopping bag. From the very beginning, you have been involved in the debate over the project, and have already participated in decision making at the highest level. In fact, half of your career has been concerned with the fate of the Three Gorges. Could you tell us under what circumstances the proposal for this grand project was put forward?