For those of you that have come here to read my blog over the last eight months or so, know that I have never written an outright political blog. I have at times sprinkled in my own little antic dotes, but never have I come right and wrote solely about the political events in any country. I have held off for as long as I possibly could. But after a conversation last night with a good friend here in China, I have to say something. No this blog will not be about the current abysmal state of American politics, birther claims, Paul Ryan's pathetic attempt at a budget proposal, the Republic's field for 2012, or even President Obama's seeming inability to be a strong leader. Instead this will be about how I have had the chance to befriend a strong Chinese political activist while here, and this has meant many nights of discussing Chinese politics, the lies, unlawful arrests, and the absolute rejection of opposing voices inside the Middle Kingdom.
With the Arab Spring having consequences both in the Arab world and outside, governments around the world have been responding in numerous ways. Ranging from abdicating their power to cracking down on protestors and in some cases even paying citizens to hold pro-government rallies. Some governments have been very good at realizing their time in power is up, realizing that the forces of public protest, political unrest, and international pressure may just be too much for them to deal with while still being able to come out on top in the aftermath. Yet, the Chinese government has held steadfast. Any calls for political reform, the removal of corrupt officials, or even the whereabouts of detainees has been met with resistance. The government has arrested political dissidents, built construction sites over night to prevent protests, and is more than likely seeing the Great Firewall of China work harder than it ever has. That was all before the Chinese government pulled out a huge move and arrested the man who was probably the most internationally recognized artist and dissident not in prison. That was of course is Ai Weiwei. Since his arrest on April 3rd, his home has been raided by the police, whom have taken computers, hard drives, and notebooks. All while his family has not been made aware of his location, and numerous people linked to Ai have also been arrested or have disappeared.
When a government goes ahead and commits an act such as this it is done to have far reacting affects and done to quiet the masses. When you can arrest your most politically and internationally recognized citizen on "economic charges" you have just sent the message to your entire population that no one is immune. No amount of international approval will absolve you from arrest. That is a strong political message. Perhaps even stronger than actions taken in Northern Africa and the Middle East over the first few months of 2011. That is a deliberate tactic to remove dissidence from the conversation-whether that conversation is taking place on the internet or through the arts is irrelevant. Not only is this arrest along with all the other detentions and arrest frightening, but is also against the rule of law inside China, as well as international rule of law. As one foreign ministry spokeswoman in China recently said "Don't use the law as a shield." Things have taken a turn for the worse.
Last night while talking to my friend about how no one still really knows the whereabouts or conditions in which Ai Weiwei is currently being held and the numerous other political activists, lawyers, and journalist that have been disappearing in China at a dramatic rate, I could not help but see the sadness and disappointment in his eyes. The tone of his voice changed the longer the conversation went on, you could tell frustration was building and that helpless feeling we all come across when we don't know what we can do to help was seeping in. When the basic freedom to say what you like or have an opposing view is seen as increasing threat and creating problems for China, then where does that actually leave us? And I do mean us. I don't just mean where does that leave the Chinese. We have seen support-granted not unanimous or even equal support-for protestors throughout the Jasmine Revolution. But when will enough be enough for the international community? When will the citizens and leaders of the developed world come to aid and support of the activists inside China? Granted countries have raised concern over his case and Angela Merkel of Germany has made a personal statement to the Chinese government over the release of Ai Weiwei, which is all well and good. However, making this call is simply not enough.
China is in a unique position were very few international cries for change will make a huge difference. The likelihood of some western leader calling for the government to step down or make room for necessary changes is unlikely. The vocal support we saw for the removal of leaders like Murbarak and Gadhafi simply cannot be stated publicly because of China's role in the global economy. Yet, this does not mean we can simply tolerate this type of behavior-this goes not only for China but all governments. Your position in the world does not free from your duty to upholding and preserving the rule of law within your borders.
As I've had some time to reflect and think about the conversation I had last night and that desire to do more, I'm left with my own puzzling question: What can we do? The only answer I can think of is keep pushing. One of my Chinese co-workers and fellow professors made an interesting remark to me the other day when he said "Chinese history is a series of dynasties brought to an end through revolution." The comment stayed with me for awhile as I flipped through various Chinese history books I have here. Whether or not he was making the subliminal point that the CCP is simply another dynasty is unknown to me. All I can hope for is that through the continued efforts of dissidents and activists within China, they change and restructuring they desire comes to fruition. Charter 08 and the Nobel Peace Prize going to Liu Xiaobo were promising steps. Let's just hope that China's own attempt at the Jasmine doesn't come up empty handed.
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