State media seizes on Egyptian chaos as lesson for reformists
State media commentary points to the chaos in Cairo as an example of what befalls those nations that embrace democracy too quickly
A People's Daily commentary has blamed the "failure" of the Egyptian revolution on its "premature democracy" and warned other developing nations against falling into such "democracy traps".
Analysts said the claims were part of the campaign to quell calls for Western-style reforms in China.
Yesterday's commentary was part of a campaign targeting reformists who advocate Western ideals such as democracy and constitutionalism, analysts said, and the chaos in Egypt has only given critics more ammunition.
In recent weeks, nearly all major state-run media outlets, including the People's Daily, its affiliated tabloid Global Times and Xinhua, have carried similarly themed daily reports and commentaries. They argue the chaos in Egypt is the result of a Western political conspiracy and the inherent failings of democracy.
Titled "Developing nations should be vigilant of democracy traps", the commentary said the deadly clashes between Egyptian armed police and thousands of protesters showed Egypt's two-year democratic transition had achieved nothing.
"Two years after the revolution, the Egyptian people have enjoyed nothing from the benefits of democracy. What's worse, social stability and personal safety (which they had once enjoyed) have become a luxury beyond their reach," the commentary said. It was signed by Ding Long, an associate professor at the University of International Business and Economics.
"Democratic transition is still premature for many developing countries whose economic and social development is not, at this point, suited for the transformation."