The 80-year history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a history of "drawing pies to satisfy hunger," as the old saying goes. People's cries could be heard everywhere in China after the notorious Great Leap Forward in the late 1950s. But the CCP still upheld its glorious communist vision. Even after communism became bankrupt, China has not given up so-called "communist" ideals, and has constantly drawn other pies to satisfy people's hunger.
As a result, talk of the "four modernizations" to a "well-off society," and a "well-off society in an all-round way," amount to little more than smoke and mirrors.
But Chinese President Hu Jintao's (胡錦濤) proposal of a "harmonious society" is a breakthrough compared to his predecessors. Hu has vowed to build a socialist society that is, "democratic and law-based, fair and just, trustworthy and friendly, full of vigor and vitality, secure and orderly, and in which man and nature are in harmony."
His definition is somewhat of a departure from the emphasis on economic development 20 years ago, and it also carries an active meaning. By stating that the goal for society is to become "democratic and law-based," and "fair and just," it shows that rational forces inside the CCP are beginning to acknowledge the regime's contradictions, and its realizes that the country's democratic deficit will inevitably lead to social conflict.
Still, hoping for a harmonious society does not mean that it will become reality. Weren't communism, the "four modernizations," and other appealing terms just slogans? It is doubtful that the CCP will go through any significant political transition. It's all well and good for Hu to make democracy a priority, but it is just lip service. People should not be overly excited.
Democratic slogans are nothing new in the CCP's history. It is hard to decipher what Hu actually means when he calls for greater democracy. The term "democracy" was also repeatedly evoked by Jiang Zemin (江澤民), Deng Xiaoping (鄧小平) and even Mao Zedong (毛澤東). Ironically, their democratic slogans were always accompanied by an authoritarian system that consolidated control over Chinese society. We do not know whether Hu's democracy refers to a democratic society, "democratic centralism," or a system in name only.
After Hu proposed his harmonious society, CCP mouthpieces embarked on a campaign of flattery. Due to Beijing's attempt to unify public opinion, it has been repeating Hu's words while trying to downplay moves toward actual democracy.
Meanwhile, dissidents who dare to speak the truth are promptly jailed. Such an environment can hardly convince others that a harmonious society can be built successfully, because Beijing's propaganda offensive is actually one of the causes of an inharmonious society.
A democratic society is the only polity that ensures fairness, harmony and stability. There are no other alternatives. Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that his country will not carry out "Russian-style democracy," but will follow the democratic principles practiced in most of the world. But such global democratic principles are taboo in China, despite the fact that Chinese officials no longer views with distain the concepts of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
It is questionable whether Beijing's desire to move toward democracy is genuine.
Wang Dan is a member of the Taipei Society.
TRANSLATED BY EDDY CHANG
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