Human rights lecture not needed

Chinese citizen Ai Weiwei is now under investigation for suspected economic crimes. The Daily Telegraph, London, carried an article, "China must set Ai Weiwei free", by Salman Rushdie on April 20, along with bigger article. Both unjustly criticized the Ai Weiwei case. This is a blatant interference in China's judicial independence and violates the country's judicial sovereignty. This cannot and should not be accepted by any sovereign country.

China is a country under the rule of law. The basic rights and freedoms of Chinese citizens, including freedom of expression, are protected by the law. Chinese citizens can express their opinions and aspirations through many channels.

As things stand, there are close to 2,000 newspapers, 10,000 magazines, and 500 TV and radio channels and stations in China. China also has 450 million Internet users, among whom are 230 million bloggers and 120 million micro-bloggers. There are millions of Internet forums, where 66 percent of Internet users regularly post messages, often critical, every day.

Art is thriving in China. One can find art in all its forms and genres in China, from classical to post-modern, from Chinese to Western, from realism to abstract art.

Rushdie's novels were introduced to China in 1992. Many of his books were translated into Chinese and published in China.

Ai Weiwei has made many comments before, through Twitter or interviews given to Western journalists. He has also visited different countries to hold exhibitions. His activities were not restricted. Otherwise, would he be able to hold an exhibition at Tate Modern?

On the other hand, Chinese citizens should act within the law. No one is above the law. Just like in other countries, acts of violations of the law will be dealt with by the law.

The Ai Weiwei case, in essence, is not a human rights matter, nor is it about freedom of speech. Rather it is a question of whether the rule of law should be upheld. All the evidence will be closely examined and the charges arising therefrom will be based on facts and the law, not on suppression of his rights. The judicial system in China allows no violation or interference by others.

During the past three decades of reform and opening up, China has achieved a lot in terms of economic development and openness and tolerance in society. People's living standards are rising and there has been marked progress in democratic decision-making and rule of law.

According to the latest opinion survey by Reuters/Ipsos, 78 percent of Chinese respondents surveyed are optimistic about the future of their country.

The Chinese government and people are working hard to overcome difficulties and challenges along the way, as they endeavor to build a strong, prosperous, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious socialist country. China will have a promising future.

It is natural for China and Western countries to see human rights and democracy differently given their different historical and cultural traditions and national circumstances.

We have always stood for dialogue on an equal footing, rather than imposing one's will on others, mutual respect, rather than unjustified attacks, and candid exchanges rather than exerting pressure. China is not the former Soviet Union. China has no use for "lecturers", who cling to the Cold War mentality and follow double standard in their preachings.

Chinese Embassy in the UK

Special website a welcome move

Comment on "Website for disabled services" (China Daily, April 20)

The website dedicated for the physically challenged is a big step the country has taken in a much-needed direction. It not only grants the physically challenged access to the Internet, but also displays the respect society has for them.

The Internet has become increasingly popular because it is a major source of information, and the physically challenged should be encouraged to make better use of it.

A farmer who cannot walk now has reportedly taken up a part-time job as a columnist for a website apart from being a BBS (bulletin board system) moderator.

He builds friendships online, based on common interests. Regular communication with other netizens is helping him broaden his view, too.

I hope more websites would be built for the physically challenged people, who are an integral part of our society. They should not be forgotten in this age of the Internet.

The corrugated stretch on pavements for the visually challenged is proof of a society that is aware of its responsibilities. The creation of more online services for the physically challenge will add to that proof.

Yin Hua and Qiu Xu, via e-mail

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(China Daily 04/29/2011 page9)