Xi's 'socialism only way' remarks get mixed reaction at home
President's assertion during Belgium speech that experiments with other political systems ended in failure challenged by internet users
President Xi Jinping's claim that alternative political systems, such as multiparty democracy, were tried and failed in China set off an internet debate yesterday, with some people dismissing the remarks as an excuse for retaining power.
Xi told an audience at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, that China needed to follow a path that suited its own reality, as other political systems have proved unsuccessful since the end of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and the formation of the Chinese republic in its wake.
"Constitutional monarchy, imperial restoration, parliamentary or multiparty systems and a presidential government were all deliberated and tried, but nothing really worked," Xi said. "Finally, China took the path of socialism. Admittedly in the process of building socialism we have had successes, but also made mistakes."
Xi said that not until late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping launched his "socialism with Chinese characteristics" in the early 1980s did China find "our path and achieve success".
Some internet users were disappointed, arguing that democracy was never given a fair chance and that socialism was chosen by a small group of Communist Party leaders.
"Have we really tried other forms of government?" one said. "That's what textbooks have been saying, but none of the people around me agree."
Others argued that socialism was a practical choice for a nation undergoing massive changes.
