ASIA

ASIASince introducing economic reforms in 1978, China has undergone a phenomenal economic transformation, now ranking as the world’s second largest economy. But China’s ability to continue reaping the gains of

economic reform will be tested by the relative lack of political reform, which has left the government ill-prepared to manage increasing demands for political participation. To maintain its grip on power, the Chinese government employs a system of sophisticated and tech-savvy political controls which are highly effective at curbing freedoms of speech and association. But despite such controls, citizens continue to demand fundamental rights, many of which are protected under the constitution. The rapid expansion of internet and social media usage along with a vibrant grassroots movement has created opportunities for citizens to call for improved accountability and address abuses of power, laying the foundation for the emergence of a rights-based reform agenda.

To support these efforts, the Endowment partners with organizations such as the China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group to support Chinese rights defense lawyers representing democracy activists facing unfounded criminal accusations or other harassment. Another NED partner, the Center for International Private Enterprise, promotes free and open debates on property rights, raises public awareness of the need for transparency, and encourages citizen input on economic policies and laws. In addition, several NED grantees raised awareness about ‘re-education’ through labor camps, contributing to the government’s 2013 announcement of its intention to abolish the camps over the next decade.

The Endowment also maintains support for minority rights. The Chinese government continues to incite ethnic hatred through propaganda and censorship. The application of law is racially biased, frequently leading to extreme discrepancies in sentencing for minorities. Large-scale militarization and surveillance of Tibet grew in 2012 in response to more than 100 self-immolations since 2009. The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) continued its efforts to highlight the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghurs, organizing an advocacy campaign in Geneva during the UN Human Rights Council meetings, which remains one of the few policy outlets around the world where their voice can be heard.

Although the government continues to harass and repress activists, Chinese civil society activists continue to advocate and create opportunities for reforms. Government repression means that activists in China will need continued international support, and the Endowment is proud to assist their efforts to build a stronger foundation for democratic progress in China.

CHINACOUNTRY IN FOCUS

Tiananmen Square, Beijing, site of the bloody 1989 crackdown on peaceful student protests; image courtesy of Flickr user asirap under the Creative Commons license.

2012 Annual Report | 31 30 | National Endowment for Democracy