China defends whole-process democracy after Xi-Biden meeting

Children play in Dove Lane, in the old town of Tuancheng in Hotan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Photo by Xinhua via China Daily/Asia News Network

BEIJING — Democracy should be concrete action that benefits and is supported by the people instead of mere slogans, Vice-Foreign Minister Xie Feng said at a briefing on Tuesday after President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden held a virtual meeting.

What China is carrying out is people’s and whole-process democracy, Xie said, adding true democracy should be able to address people’s urgent needs.

China has always called for peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are common values of humanity, and stands ready to have talks over human rights issues on the basis of mutual respect, Xie said.

China, however, opposes interference into other countries’ internal affairs using human rights as an excuse, the vice-foreign minister pointed out.

There is no room for China to concede issues concerning Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as maritime issues, which involve China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests, Xie said, urging the United States to respect China’s perspective and concerns.