La Nacion (Argentina): China: The Changes That Are Lacking (translation)

Note: "La Nacion" is the largest newspaper in Argentina.

April 10, 2001

Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to our country has a significance that exceeds the set expectations of the commercial agreements and the assumed cooperation during his presence among us. Again, his presence, in Argentina and in Latin America in general, should be evaluated as an auspicious sign, which speaks more about his far-reaching influence that can have a future effect on the exchanges between this great Asian country and our own countries within this regional continent.

Because of the sheer value of what the Chinese production represents to the world market, its impressive magnitude leads us to consider with certain interest the course of this commercial relationship. Its medium-and-long-range forecast could have great implications and importance for the politics of commerce for our country and region.

Since the death of Deng Xiaoping in February of 1997, the present, visiting Chinese head of state has governed the destinies of the People's Republic of China with recognized efficiency. The positive phase of his Latin American tour, however, must NOT allow us to forget the dark aspects of governing that his country continues to exhibit, in its internal affairs and political and institutional matters.

In effect, since the tragic episodes of Tiananmen Square in 1989, China has achieved little progress with regards to human rights issues and matters of personal. The current regime continues to generally stand out by its lack of due process of law and lack of respect for any kind of due legal procedures.

It leads us to assume that consequently, since those tragic events of 1989, the Chinese [party name omitted] Party realized the forces that began to rise up in resistance to its oppression proposed a threat. That's why the government quickly tried to squelch the consolidation of an opposing political party, which intended to become the Chinese Democratic Party. For the same reason, the authorities then confronted the vanguard movement of Falun Gong, persecuting and torturing some of its leaders. At the same time, they also continued to violently repress the leaders of minority Tibetan and Uighur groups.

In light of this situation, the United States has presented a concrete motion of censure before the Geneva Human Rights Commission of the United Nations. The proposal has had a symbolic value, but only that. Due to bureaucratic procedures, it is however very probable that the motion will never be debated.

As a solitary gesture, the North American initiative has stood alone, for the Western nations have not lent their support. This suggests that very few nations combine ethics with international relations. Different nations seem to have varying standards: with some, the attitude is demanding; others, on the other hand, are flexible. This gesture seems to support the fact that influence and power are considerations in economic affairs.

The protection of human rights should not be looked at as an issue of internal affairs of state. Without exception of class, every citizen of the world is entitled to the internationally recognized protection of these values. With all due respect to our visiting President, it is the duty of this column to remind ourselves of these international rights. The world is waiting, at any moment, for China to begin dismantling the oppressive totalitarian structure that was erected under the shadow of Marxist-Maoism.