China and Universal Human Rights Standards
Abstract
This
article discusses the relationship between the universal
human rights standards proposed by the West and the "Chinese
value" asserted by China. First it explores the evolution
of the universal human rights standards. The author finds
that the universal human rights, though basically a Western
creation, has become an open concept and it can be construed
to accommodate different values of the many nations of the
world. Secondly, it examines China's participation in international
human rights regime, and analyzes China's arguments and
theories in this regard. The author opines that, on one
hand, subsistence, sovereign and cultural relativism are
not strong defenses for a truly poor human rights record;
on the other hand, in promoting universal human rights standards,
much attention should be given to a country's cultural distinction,
national condition, and development stage. In brief, a subtle
balance should be sought. In the final part of this article,
the author presents four recommendations for the West and
China to deal with each other in terms of human rights protection,
of which the most important ones are economic engagement,
and cultural and educational exchanges.
Contents
Introduction
Part I. The Evolution of the Universal
Human Rights
Part
II. China and the International Human Rights Regime
A.
PRC'S Participation in International Human Rights Regime
before 1989
B. International Pressures and China's Responses After
1989
C. China's Arguments and Theories on the International
Protection of Human Rights
1.
social and economic rights
2. state sovereignty
3. cultural relativism
Part
III. Universal Standards versus Chinese Value: Incorporation
and Compromise
A.
Basic and Universal elements in Human Rights and China's
stance analyzed
B.
Cultural Distinction, National Condition and Development
Issues Reevaluated
IV. Recommendations and Conclusion
