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Democracy is universal: Chen Guangcheng

Central News Agency

2013/06/24 19:47:30

Taipei, June 24 (CNA) Taiwan's democratic system based on the rule of law proves that the values of democracy and human rights are not exclusive to West and can take root worldwide, Chinese civil rights activist Chen Guangcheng said Monday during his first visit to Taiwan.

"There is no difference in people's understanding of good or bad, right or wrong across the world," the 41-year-old said at a news conference in Taipei that drew nearly 200 international journalists.

Chen, a blind self-taught lawyer who fled house arrest in China last year before ending up in the United States, said he hoped his 18-day trip in Taiwan could further raise public awareness of human rights and pressure Beijing.

Human rights movements around the world play a significant role in questioning the eligibility of China's dictatorship, Chen said, adding that he expects to see more similar actions in the future.

Practicing human rights activities in China is very different compared with the United States, but every effort counts and will eventually lead to change, said Chen, who has been studying at New York University since last year.

"It is inevitable for China to move toward democracy," he said.

Responding to Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's statement Sunday that he has no plans to meet with Chen, the dissident said the decision was "understandable" and would not stymie his efforts to defend human rights.

He said Ma's decision could reflect the fact that a threat from Beijing exists and might worsen in the future, which is why Taiwan should keep on high alert.

"If Taiwan's democracy is not introduced to China, then China's dictatorship will affect Taiwan," Chen said.

He urged Taiwan to improve its understanding of China through interacting more often with Chinese activists instead of with the Beijing authorities, and said he will eventually return to China.

Chen, who is in Taiwan at the invitation of the Taiwan Association for China Human Rights, is scheduled to call on the Legislative Yuan, give speeches at universities and tour Tainan and Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan during his stay.

He will also unveil his new book, titled "China, the Book of Living and Dying," at another press event in Taipei June 27, according to organizers.

(By Lee Hsin-Yin)