Human rights outcry prompts repulsion
Top US negotiators led off the latest Sino-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue by lecturing China on human rights. US Vice President Joe Biden left none in doubt that such criticism would continue, even at the risk of upsetting the Chinese authorities. The issue of human rights remains contentious, adding to the strategic worries of the world's two biggest powers.
US aggressiveness on the issue has been accompanied by finger-pointing in Western media outlets, which chided China for its human rights situation.
Inevitably, China feels overwhelmed by such sharp rebukes, which are certainly out of place in the forums for Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
Inevitably, China feels overwhelmed by such sharp rebukes, which are certainly out of place in the forums for Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
While a few Chinese, including dissidents, applaud the West for bringing up such concerns, most Chinese are confused by where such external pressure may lead China.
Reviewing history, one can recall several national tragedies that began with political turmoil. The Chinese don't know whether political liberalization will break the bottom line of stability and destroy the basic structure of what remains an orderly society.
Some Chinese analysts believe that US politicians are just mouthing empty slogans about human rights, and that they don't really have the confidence to "tame" China.
The issue of human rights is a cheap but safe card that they can always play. Western outcry against violations of human rights is not necessarily a deliberate anti-China move.
In all likelihood, it is intended to help Western politicians earn some brownie points at home.
Far from being rattled, nowadays, the Chinese are actually sick and tired of seeing the Western view of China through the spectacles of prejudice. Even so, people have to remain vigilant, because such unfriendly pressure does deepen social tensions here.
Besides, some Westerners seem to want antagonism between the US and China. In fact, they see this as a way to enhance Western solidarity and keep China under control.
They would like to exaggerate and distortedly project the radical deeds of a few Chinese dissidents to widen the social cracks and thereby create disaffection within China.
Even if the Western push on China's human rights is honest, it does not help to create a more relaxed political atmosphere here.
In fact, the harder they push, the more strongly the Chinese government pushes back against their campaign. Radical slogans such as China is public enemy No.1 in human rights do not really change anything here.
It is quite hard to change the stereotypes in which the West is trapped, not to mention their enthusiasm in continuing this human rights game.
Those Chinese intellectuals who identify with Western values should be more level-headed, and take a closer look at the complexity of the human rights situation in this nation.
They should avoid deepening social anxieties, especially at sensitive moments, since radical moves may trigger social tension and can backfire in unexpected ways. History will vindicate those who act responsibly.
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