China: The Government Serves Only The People

[BayCityProgressive]

Their headline, not mine. Just thought this question and answer article would be interesting to those who watch foreign affairs.

http://english.people.com.cn/200703/19/eng20070319_358925.html

Le Monde : Recently in an interview you gave to the People's Daily, you said that the socialist system and democratic politics are not mutually exclusive. You also said that an initial stage of socialism will persist for a hundred years. By that do you mean there will be no democracy in China in the next one hundred years?


Premier: In my article, I made the point that socialism and democracy and rule of law are not mutually exclusive. Democracy, legal system, freedom, human rights, equality and fraternity are not something peculiar to capitalism. Rather, they are the common achievements of human civilization made in the long course of history and the common values pursued by entire mankind. I also emphasized in that article that there are over 2,000 ethnic groups in more than 200 countries and regions in the world. As they differ in social condition, history, culture and the level of development, they achieve democracy in different ways and in different forms. Whether one likes it or not, this cultural diversity is a fact.

[geardaddy]

1. Wei ren min fu wu.

Serves them, eh? On toast?

[David__77]

2. China is doing well.

It's relatively stable and is certainly building the foundations for a strong economy. I believe that a "glasnost" right now would lead to a serious calamity there like in Russia in the 1990's. China cannot afford that - it has much catching up to do in the economic sphere. That said, I support the economic and political struggle of working people in China for better conditions and more political power. The "communist party" has become in most places a den of opportunists and swindlers.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. Good article - good interview.

I thought this interview very interesting. While reading it, I kept thinking how our preznit would hold up to questions and how his answers would compare to the ones given - not on any of the subjects - but on his ability to articulate them.

It's rather refreshing to hear a politician answer questions without resorting to the sloganeering and sound bites so much in favor here.

And, it's nice to have reporters ask questions of substance.