TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
[INSIGHT] Understanding China objectively and accurately
For a long time, some Western politicians and media, motivated by ideological prejudice or tangible benefits, have smeared China’s image under the banner of democracy and human rights, misled the public and the international community, and on that basis have taken various measures to suppress and contain China.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
![[INSIGHT] Understanding China objectively and accurately](https://img.jakpost.net/c/2021/02/14/2021_02_14_110553_1613278159._large.jpg)
Workers make iron bars in a steel factory in Lianyungang, in China's eastern Jiangsu province on Feb.12, the first day of the Lunar New Year. (AFP/-)
F
or a long time, some Western politicians and media, motivated by ideological prejudice or tangible benefits, have smeared China’s image under the banner of democracy and human rights, misled the public and the international community, and on that basis have taken various measures to suppress and contain China.
This is not conducive to international solidarity and cooperation. I would like to make some clarifications.
First is on democracy. Democracy is a common value of humanity, not the exclusive right of a few countries.
There are various forms of democracy. Constitutional monarchies, presidential republics and people’s republics are all forms of democracy. China is a people’s republic that practices socialist democracy, which always upholds and develops people’s democracy that embodies the will of the people.
This approach fits the country’s realities, and is endorsed by the Chinese people.
Second is on human rights. “The State respects and preserves human rights” is enshrined in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China.
China has always been committed to protecting and promoting human rights. As the largest developing country, China takes a people-centered approach to human rights. We believe that the Chinese people’s rights to subsistence and development are basic human rights of paramount importance.
