To be nearer and dearer through rights dialogue
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First, while human rights embody universal values, they should also make allowances for specific national conditions. The U.S. is doing better than most countries in securing and protecting human rights. But it also has its own problems and limitations. On the other hand, although human rights in China leave so much to be desired, great progress has been made in all its social undertakings, including human rights in the past 30 years. China has guaranteed its people's right to subsistence and is striving to further fulfill their right to development. More importantly, the Chinese people's awareness of civil rights and constitutional rights is quickly improving, which gives good reason to believe China will continue to make breakthroughs.
Unlike the U.S., China is a politically centralized and economically imbalanced state with the largest population in the world to feed and obstinate residue from more than 2,000 years of feudal legacy. For a considerable number of its citizens, it is still a luxury to have the right to adequate food and clothing. For such people, what is the point of exalting higher forms of freedoms even before they have tasted freedom from want? That partly explains why the Chinese government is always emphasizing the importance of economic development and political stability.
Second, dialogue is essentially different from discipline. In a dialogue, the two sides should state and exchange views and ideas on equal footing. Nobody should play the role of a judge or censor. On the three issues on the agenda, the U.S. may try to seek a commanding position and erase any constructive meaning of the dialogue. But if, on the other hand, the U.S. would like to offer China some applicable advice, then I am sure China will be most willing to learn. Therefore, sincerity and equality must be ensured for a successful meeting.
A successful human rights dialogue will help create a friendly atmosphere for the second round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which will be held May 24 – 25 in Beijing.
Revelations in 1941
It's such a coincidence that in the last century, in 1941, our respective leaders Mao Zedong and Franklin Roosevelt each made eloquent remarks concerning human rights. Their resonant voices echoed and their thoughts mingled. Recollecting this historical fact may help us find an answer to the question of human rights in two of the greatest nations in the world.
In 1941, Roosevelt proclaimed in his Four Freedoms speech that "In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms." Those four freedoms were: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of every person to worship God in his own way, freedom from want and freedom from fear.
Similarly, in 1941, Mao said in his Speech at the Assembly of Border Region Representatives that "everyone is entitled to freedom of speech, and it does not matter even if what he says is wrong."
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/node_7083461.htm
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