In today’s Times an interview given by the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to the media of Finland, Germany and the UK was published. In one answer he was translated as saying:
Democracy is a value pursued by all mankind and a fruit of civilisation created by mankind. However, in different historical stages and different countries, democracy is achieved through different forms and in different ways. There is not a single model.
Am I naïve to be encouraged by such a clear statement of intent? My own opinion has always been that the Chinese economic miracle would fail in the medium term on the weakness of its government: if the great majority of Chinese do not share in the country’s new found wealth, the government’s internal control would steadily weaken. This quote and the general thrust of the answers given in the article are suggestive of a gradual re-think within the Chinese government of its future democratisation. If this is the case, then Britain (perhaps, in concert with our European partners) should be at the forefront of supporting that progressive step.
