China has successfully lifted poverty on millions of its citizens as it is beginning to embrace capitalism. Another victory that China gained in the 21st century is the honor to host some hundred decades-old Olympics in its capital, Beijing.
However, China’s vows to commit several drastic changes are proven questionable. Despite its attempt to curb air pollution by ceasing construction work and limiting the number of vehicles allowed to operate, it is not doing enough to stop the arrests and repression of the vulnerable public dissenters. [1]
It is believed that China’s worsening human rights record is spurred by the effort to maintain a good image to the international community by barring outspoken criticism toward the government. It seems that they are getting the opposite reaction.
Chinese troops are accused of using violent force on Tibetan protesters and foreign journalists and reporters do not have complete access to cover regions near the Chinese-Tibetan border. [2]
Another step that China decided to do that received a condemnation from Olympic Watch is the conviction and arrest, of Hu Jia, who openly criticized the Chinese government to the European Parliament and said that the people who hold the political offices are the ones responsible for human rights violations. [3]
Looking at some of China’s human rights cases, one may conclude that China excels at embellishing the country with the latest technology and lavish modern buildings as the economy has become the fastest-rising one in the world. But when it comes to addressing the unfair treatment of its citizens, the government fails to come up with a conclusive defense regarding the issue.
Despite international calls and threat to loosen up with the issue and threats from the most influential world leaders, China still stubbornly does not concede.
So, whatever happens to China’s promise of “be open in all aspects”?when pro-Beijing demonstrators chant “Go China!” are they already satisfied with the high technology development and the newly-born capitalism but ignoring the fundamental rights of its people?What about the labor camp and other severe punishments?BBC News, 04-02-08, “Olympics ‘worsening China rights’”.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7325754.stmOlympic Watch, 03-04-2008, “Olympic Watch Condemns Hu Jia’s jailing as IOC heads to Beijing.”
http://www/olympicwatch.org/news.php?id=116Washington Post,04-21-2008 “China Falls Short on Vows for Olympics. ” by Jill Drew and Maureen Fan.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/20/AR2008042002044.html
