Chinese president Jiang Zemin (
In a subsequent speech given in Great Britain he said in English that the "Republic of China" (ROC,
It is a worrying change of stance, nevertheless. Previously, China's consistent position when facing international criticism of its human rights record has emphasized that China is at "a preliminary stage of socialism," where feeding its 1.2 billion population and upholding their right to survival is the fulfillment of the "foremost human right." This position may be flawed, but at least it recognizes that China has room for improvement in terms of human rights and democracy. In his recent statement, Jiang has, overnight, projected China as a model of freedom, democracy and human rights. This change is in line with Jiang's shift toward establishing his own personal dictatorship, as well as an unfortunate sign that Chinese politics is making a "left turn."
The shift from the totalitarian dictatorship of the Mao Zedong (
Unfortunately, Deng had second thoughts and interrupted the reform process with the Tiananmen Square massacre. At the time, Jiang, who came onto the political scene by suppressing dissidents, was transferred into a central government position to help in "emergency relief measures."
Later on, Jiang used his position to denounce others, taking control of the military in the process.
Jiang then defeated his political enemies, "the Beijing Gang" (
Later, Jiang secured his throne by transferring high-ranking military officials and "local barons" away from their traditional power bases. Not long ago, he conducted a military inspection for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, where his promotion of "the third generation core" (2?T代核?? leadership was little more than a move to establish a cult of personality centered on himself.
Since Jiang gained a controlling position, he has been monopolizing power inside the party for his own interests.
For example, the reform of state-run enterprises and the negotiations over WTO entry, which were formally the territory of Prime Minister Zhu Rongji (|黑靚?, are now dominated by Jiang.
Even more obvious is the crackdown on Falun Gong (
While traveling overseas, Jiang treated all criticism of China's democracy and human rights problems as a mere "nuisance." Now he cannot even be bothered to hide what he is up to.
He is putting on the emperor's new clothes and saying, "I am the fairest of them all," declaring that the Chinese communists, referring to himself,"traditionally" "respect" human rights and democracy. Can we stand idly by and watch this happen to China?
Zhu Rongji made a revealing statement when receiving German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder: "We traditionally consider politics and economics as inseparable, with economic development as the fundamental basis. Economic development, democracy and rule of law are linked together."
Unlike Jiang, he did not boast a "historical" respect for "human dignity" and "the realization of freedom, democracy and human rights."
China continues to reject political reforms and refuses to recognize respect for individual freedom and human rights.
Jiang, the leader of the country, who initially more or less agreed about the country's inadequacy in these areas, actually now claims that there is no need for reforms because Chinese enjoy freedom, human rights and so on "traditionally."
Do the people agree?
Look at what resulted from Jiang's crackdown on the Falun Gong. The movement did not simply succumb to pressure but has, and continues to, organize "illegal congregations."
People are not afraid of crackdowns.
Suppression frequently brings undesired results. Many such examples may be found in world history.
Jiang, in his attempts to make a "turn left," is seeking to secure his personal dictatorship. The problems that this is bringing in its wake can already be glimpsed and economic achievements may vanish overnight.
Absolute power results in dictatorship, the corruption of political parties, the loss of political power and the suffering of people. Chinese in China and overseas, it is time to be alert and put an end to Jiang's ambition.
Xu Jiatun is a former director of China's Xinhua News Agency in Hong Kong and former Communist Party general secretary for Jiangsu Province. He lives in Los Angeles.
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