The Foreign Service Journal, September 2012

formaldehyde, a carcinogen, because few can afford refrigeration. With the Chinese people now ranking food safety as a top priority, this concern provides an opening for engaging the government on pro- ductive responses to citizen con- cerns. Corruption is an even more sen- sitive topic, one that touches almost every person in China. In general, Chinese authorities have portrayed it as a purely local problem, but re- cent news stories have offered an intriguing window into the dealings of senior government officials and their fami- lies. It is notable that in some cases, Chinese national au- thorities have sided with rural citizens who have protested — even violently — illicit land seizures and other excesses by local authorities. This spring, democratic elections were held in the village of Wukan, three months after villagers blockaded themselves to protest what they claimed was the illegal sale of their land to property developers by local officials. As in the standoff in Shifang, the granting of elections in Wukan was seen as a rare concession by the Communist Party, and it is unclear whether the lesson of Wukan will be implemented elsewhere in China. The Rules Apply to Everyone As we look toward a future in which both the United States and China have an enhanced interest in closer co- operation, U.S. expressions of concern over events in China need to be based on universal human rights principles that apply to every nation, including our own. Secretary of State Hillary RodhamClinton stressed this theme in a July 9 speech in Mongolia, where she argued that the transformation of that nation from “a one-party communist dictatorship into a pluralistic, democratic polit- ical system” challenges the notion that “freedom and democracy are exclusively Western concepts.” The U.S.-China relationship is mature, multifaceted and resilient. We are able to cooperate on a range of issues that are important to both countries, as our most recent Strate- gic and Economic Dialogue demonstrated, and those is- sues include human rights. As we continue to move past stilted talking points and pursue real progress, the topics we choose to raise with Bei- jing should amplify Chinese voices for reform. We must focus on the issues that matter the most to Chinese citizens and where American moral, diplomatic or technical sup- port can most help Chinese activists. We must also be mindful that societies change from within, and the nature of that change is in the hands of the Chinese people. It will not be dictated by the United States, nor should it be. But as Secretary Clinton has said, “Fundamentally, there is a right side of history. And we want to be on it.” For that reason, the United States must continue to sup- port the many courageous Chinese citizens who are de- manding that their human rights be respected. We need to stand with them as they build the stronger, freer, more rights-respecting society that they deserve. 34 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 F OCUS As we move past stilted talking points to pursue real progress, the topics we choose to raise with Beijing must amplify Chinese voices for reform. www.facebook.com/fsjournal Like Us! Get FSJ and AFSA Updates