China being hypocritical when it comes to 'bullying' claim
How timely and thoughtful for Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao to voice his heartfelt opposition to the 'the big [powers] bullying the small' while addressing diplomats and executives in Kuala Lumpur (South China Morning Post, April 25).
Clearly his remarks were intended as a criticism of Washington before his official visit to the country. How much more appropriate his opinions would have been if they had been directed towards his own Government.
Does he need to be reminded of his own country's oppression towards occupied and colonised territories, such as Tibet, regardless of the wishes of its indigenous inhabitants and local authorities?
Does he not recall his country's armed support of North Korean aggressors who invaded their southern neighbours in 1950, the adverse effects of which continue to this day?
His country is so quick and ready to complain about interference in Chinese domestic affairs whenever there are well-founded complaints concerning gross violations of human rights.
China should be protecting human rights by adopting international protocol on such matters, instead of perpetrating physical abuse and detaining its citizens who express their own beliefs.
Would 'interference in domestic affairs' not include the actions of the Chinese authorities when dictating to other countries that diplomatic, commercial and economic cooperation will be terminated and withheld if these states dare to enjoy formal relations with Taiwan?
Surely such pressure is an example of a big power adopting bullying tactics.
It is hypocritical of Mr Hu to take this stand given that the 'big power' which he represents has no democratically-elected forum where views can be publicly expressed.
ALAN JOHNSON
Lantau
