The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has recently escalated the suppression of movements to defend human rights by arresting two leaders, Gao Zhisheng and Guo Feixiong. The founder of the Chinese Democratic Party (CDP), Xu Wenli, who spent 13 years in prison, was interviewed by The Epoch Times . He said that the insanity of the recent suppression can be traced back to the unchanging nature of the CCP's autocracy and totalitarianism. The path to defending human rights through peace, rationality and nonviolence has been shut down.
The Crackdown Reveals CCP's Weakness
Xu said, the CCP's declaration was to build a "harmonious society," and in doing so it launches a new round of suppression against the dissidents and the ever-rising movements to defend human rights. This just goes to show how very weak they really are. The current leaders, Hu Jintao and his team, are acting like their predecessors, Mao Zedong and Deng Xiao, who tightly suppressed protests and uprising voices. The way they behaved recently suggests they might have reached a consensus before starting the suppression.
Incomparable Courage
This time the suppression is very extensive, not only to the CDP and the dissidents, but also to the human rights activists who promote peace and nonviolence, so we must pay great attention to this situation. We've already released a statement calling attention to Guo Feixiong, Gao Zhisheng and other dissidents. We hope overseas dissidents and Falun Gong practitioners can keep an eye on what's going on. Gao Zhisheng, the first lawyer who stood up to defend Falun Gong, has unreachable and remarkable courage. Without such courage and morality, it's difficult to have such righteous actions.
Path of Peace, Rationality, and Nonviolence Shut Down
Guo Feixiong has constantly paid great attention to the persecution of Falun Gong. He also believes in nonviolence. Certainly, some may disagree with him. But, the CCP has obstructed this route, so we say this anti-cultural and anti-traditional regime must want to destroy every possible peaceful approach that could lead China toward democracy.
In fact, we have seen more and more incidents emerging involving people defending human rights. Right now, the societal gap is so large and the economic interests of local citizens are completely expropriated, which can only lead to violent opposition in the future. The CCP will have to take the full responsibility. Indeed, the dissidents and human rights activists in mainland China are holding the national interest first, seeking possible peaceful approaches. But the current regime thinks their actions are opposing and may block this approach, which could provoke a larger-scale uproar in society.
The CCP's Tyranny Hasn't Changed
When asked why the CCP arrested Gao Zhisheng and Guo Feixiong, Wu pointed out that when the CCP was not the ruling party, it demanded China be democratic and multi-partisan. But once it seized power, it showed its nature. It doesn't allow the existence of any opposing party or dissident force. This is its consistent policy. In the early days of the CCP, it had initiated a series of political campaigns, including crackdowns of anti-revolutionaries, cracking down on and confiscating the land of local tyrants, the Anti-Rightist Movement and the Cultural Revolution. In De Xiaoping's era, there were the repression of the Democracy Wall, the student movement and the Tiananmen Square Massacre later in 1989.
The CCP's Nature Hasn't Changed
The persecution of the dissidents and the CDP by Jiang Zeming and currently by the Hu Jintao regime can be traced to the same origin. The unscrupulous nature of the CCP necessitates it doesn't allow the existence of any opposing forces, political organizations or unorganized dissidents. In this sense, the persecution of both the CDP and Falun Gong are based on the same political consideration. Its nature doesn't change though it will do different things at different times.
The CCP is Threatened
The forces comprising of oppositional parties, the dissidents, and other human rights advocates make the CCP feel an enormous threat. Actually, if the CCP really wants democracy in China as it once said, these healthy oppositional forces should not affect its stability. With multiple political roles involved, a harmonious society may be accomplished. But the CCP thinks they are enemies, so it will certainly crack down without hesitation.
Persecution of The CDP Was Planned
The arrest of the members of the CDP can be dated back to 1998 when it was founded. Qin Yongmin, Wang Youcai and I were sentenced to 11 years, 12 years and 13 years, respectively, in prison. Now more than 30 members are still incarcerated. The CCP planned the suppression of the CDP a long time ago.
I should also remind CCP leaders that the members of the CDP cannot be wiped out. Now that the seeds have been planted, they will certainly sprout and flourish one day.
Note: Xu Wenli now serves as the chairman of the Democratic Party Overseas Exile Headquarters and also a professor at the Watson Institute of International Studies at Brown University.
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