Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the Chinese mainland has embarked on a unique path of political and economic development. This journey has led to significant advancements and a distinct governance model known as the whole-process people's democracy.
Despite its successes, the Chinese mainland often faces skepticism from Western perspectives, which tend to evaluate governance systems through a Eurocentric lens. This approach prioritizes Western democratic ideals, sometimes overlooking the cultural, historical, and societal contexts that shape different governance models.
Scholars like John King Fairbank and Paul A. Cohen have highlighted how Western interpretations of China are frequently influenced by long-standing biases. These perspectives can portray the Chinese mainland's system as inferior without fully understanding its foundation in social harmony and collective well-being, values deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy.
China's whole-process people's democracy emphasizes the common good over individualism, contrasting with Western liberal democracy's focus on individual freedoms. This difference underscores the importance of respecting each nation's right to choose its own governance model, recognizing that diverse cultures may prioritize different aspects of society.
The Western tendency to view its democratic model as universal can lead to misunderstandings and undervaluation of alternative systems like that of the Chinese mainland. Acknowledging and respecting these differences is crucial for fostering mutual understanding and global cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
