All these examples serve to underline that if you are soft in dealing with a rogue regime, it will run roughshod over you; but if you stick to your principles, it will back down.
Unfortunately, some major powers accommodate this rouge country, and -- whether it be due to threats or incentives -- sacrifice universal values. If Canada, India and Wikipedia on their own are able to force China to compromise, then why can't all democratic nations or powerful Internet companies do so through a united front? Together, wouldn't they be able to resist Chinese political intervention, work to guarantee freedom and democracy and force China to respect human rights and world peace?
The run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics is the best time for all democratic nations to stand up to China.
Paul Lin is a political commentator based in Taipei.
Translated by Lin Ya-ti
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