The upcoming International Forum on Democracy: Shared Human Values is set to take place in March in China, sparking discussions on the nature of China's political system. A key question being explored is whether Western skepticism towards China's governance holds any merit.
John Mearsheimer, a distinguished service professor of political science at the University of Chicago, shared his insights in an interview with CGTN, shedding light on the unique characteristics of China's democracy. Contrary to the U.S. belief that liberal democracy is the only acceptable form, Mearsheimer argues that China's political system has its own merits and effectiveness.
Historically, the United States pursued a policy of engagement with the Chinese mainland in the 1990s, hoping that economic prosperity and integration into international institutions like the WTO would naturally lead China towards a liberal democratic model. However, this transition did not materialize as anticipated. Instead, the Chinese mainland continued to develop its distinct political framework, which many Western leaders view as flawed.
Amidst growing security competition, the U.S. has intensified its criticism of China's political model. Despite this, recent surveys reveal that the majority of Chinese residents are content with their governance. According to a global survey by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, 88.8% of surveyed individuals in the Chinese mainland affirmed the efficiency and effectiveness of their government, while an impressive 98% expressed satisfaction with the country's democratic situation.
These findings suggest that the Chinese mainland's political system resonates well with its people, challenging the notion that Western-style democracy is universally preferable. As the global dialogue on governance continues, it becomes increasingly clear that diverse political models can coexist, each serving the unique needs and values of their respective societies.
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U.S. shouldn't tell others what kind of politics they should have
cgtn.com
