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BBC Television’s flagship political discussion programme, Question Time, will broadcast a special edition from Shanghai on Thursday 10 March.
　　The debate, including a range of voices both critical and supportive of Chinese government policies, will be in English with David Dimbleby in the chair as normal.
　　
　　Chinese Government spokesman Liu Jianqiao, Wild Swans author Jung Chang and former Hong Kong Governor and EU Commissioner Chris Patten have already agreed to take part in the programme, answering questions before a live studio audience.
　　
　　People in Shanghai, residents or visitors, will be able to apply to join the studio audience and to put forward any questions they like on the most important political issues in China today.
　　
　　David Dimbleby said: “It’s a breakthrough. To have a programme from China with known critics of the Chinese government on the panel is something I never thought would happen.
　　
　　
　　“Mounting such a democratic programme in a country that hasn’t practiced democracy is a big challenge and should be riveting to watch.“
　　Question Time routinely tours around the UK but has had occasional overseas editions including in the Middle East, Brussels, Australia and most recently in Miami, Florida ahead of the recent US presidential election.
　　
　　The special edition of Question Time is part of the BBC’s China Week, a themed week of news reports and programmes.
　　
　　Adrian Van Klaveren, Deputy Director, BBC News, says: “China is changing fast and opening up, so this week of special output gives us a chance to reflect on what’s happening and what it means for the world.
　　
　　BBC World Service China Week programmes include editions of Outlook, Talking Point and World Business Report. While on both BBC World and BBC News 24, former Beijing Correspondent, Carrie Gracie will be reporting on China’s evolving economy, culture and politics in China Live!.
　　
　　Shanghai residents and visitors can apply to join the audience via the Question Time website. The programme will be broadcast on Thursday 10 March on BBC One at 2235GMT.
　　
　　
　　Story from BBC NEWS: