BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- A China-based research institution released a report on Monday titled "Ten Questions for American Democracy" debunking American democracy ahead of a U.S.-backed virtual event titled "summit for democracy."
The report, released by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, analyzes the topic from 10 angles, including the American system in practice, national governance, the social situation, human rights and freedoms, and international influence.
The report urges the U.S. government to ask itself 10 questions as it embarks on its so-called "summit for democracy" in December, as follows:
Is American democracy a democracy for the majority or democracy for the minority? Does it ensure checks and balances or lead to the abuse of power? Does it improve people's well-being or increase people's suffering? Does it defend freedom or hinder freedom? Does it protect human rights or violate human rights? Does it promote unity or lead to division? Does it realize dreams or bring about nightmares? Will it improve national governance or lead to system failure? Will it bring development and prosperity or disaster and turmoil to other countries? Will it safeguard world peace and development or undermine the international order?
Diao Daming, an associate professor with the university, said that the democratic chaos, governance failures and internal and external contradictions facing the United States are all internal problems that have accumulated over a long period of time. They are not caused by external factors, still less can they be solved by deliberately creating so-called external threats or shifting contradictions, he said.
John Ross, former director of Economic and Business Policy of London, said that, in the discussion of democracy, focus should be placed on the practical results, that is, the improvement of the quality of life of the people, because democracy is about people living a happier and more dignified life.
Representatives from the embassies of more than 30 countries in China, nearly 20 foreign media outlets in Beijing, and journalists from more than 40 domestic media organizations, participated in the release of the research report and the associated seminar. Enditem
