Exactly like what we witnessed in the wake of the March 14, 2008 incidents in Lhasa, the Chinese government is inundated with passionate pleas and exhortations from compassionate Westerners: Exercise restraint. Respect the "human rights" of minorities. Be nice to these suspects who are in custody. Observe international standards in weighing criminal liabilities
There was a show of sorrow, though half-hearted in some cases, over the loss of lives. Yet the emphasis unanimously is on admonitions to make the government "behave".
Some went even further, attributing the Urumqi rioting to "discriminatory" government policies, and portraying the perpetrators as victims.
What is wrong here? We have no idea what makes our Western "instructors" so bold and assured in saying what they have. And, we wonder how they are so sure that it is the government violating "human rights". And, why they do not even bother to condemn the acts of terror that resulted in innocent citizens being killed and injured by the hundreds.
Sure. The authorities should respect the "human rights" of the perpetrators. But, what about those of the people who were killed or wounded? Why should their human rights be so inconsequential and worthy of neglect? Is it just because they are members of a majority group? If they are truly concerned about "human rights," we suggest our Western critics be a little more generous and divert some of their sympathy to the true victims of the Sunday carnage. That way they will at least look unbiased.
As to the conduct of the Chinese government, there is no cause for worry. As has been evident from the very beginning, the government could not have been more restrained.
To those accusing the Chinese government of fanning Han animosity against Uygurs, we can only say: Use you brains, and open your eyes. We know, just as they do, that there are people who dislike a peaceful Xinjiang, or the Han and Uygurs living together in happy harmony. But the Chinese government is not among those. What good will a restive Xinjiang do to China? No government in the world is that stupid.
The Chinese people and government share a long and deep-rooted desire for stability. The government, in particular, sees stability as an overriding priority. Some Western critics may disbelieve this, but many frustrated Han residents of Urumqi are complaining that government policies have shown disproportionate favors to the Uygurs.
Our Western friends are more comfortable with the counterclaims.
But, if any of them do care about the truth, it is not difficult to find out. A plethora of official policies and documents are there for all to study.
Right now, the imperative in Urumqi is to restore order and to prevent tensions among local communities. Which is precisely what the authorities have been doing all these days.
To be true to their "human rights" rhetoric, our Western friends should at least demonstrate due respect for truth, and stop sowing the seeds of discord.
(China Daily July 10, 2009)