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His article has evoked further discussion and debate, particularly on the Internet, as to whether “universal values” are a product of Western civilization and applicable to the Western world alone.
Sima Nan, a media critic noted for his arguments against “pseudo-science” – such as martial arts masters with seemingly magical skills – initiated this dispute in response to an editorial published in Nanfang Zhoumo (Southern Weekend), a well-respected newspaper based in southern China, with which Sima has had frequent disagreements.
To Sima, universal values, along with human rights, legal systems and democracy, are mere talk. “They’re just excuses Westerners use to pursue their own interests; they don’t suit China,” he says.
“Many have asked me if I had a certain ‘background’ or was ‘authorized’ by someone to write such things, and my answer is simply ‘No’!” he claimed, refuting the suggestion that he was acting as a government mouthpiece.
Initially Sima’s article attracted little attention on major Chinese Web sites, but after one netizen posted it on his own blog, things picked up. People began to refute his views, and discussion heated up in both traditional and Internet media.
The editorial that sparked Sima’s outburst was titled “Wenchuan earthquake generates a new China.” Its author said the effective rescue work carried out by the Chinese Communist Party and the government following the Sichuan earthquake demonstrated to the Chinese people and the entire world their commitment to universal values.
“As long as the state keeps the people in mind and operates centered on their human rights, our nation can walk with the world on the path of prosperity where human rights, rule by law and democracy can be fully practiced,” the editorial said.
In Sima’s opinion, however, making such an effort to advocate universal values was hypocritical and absurd. “Why does the paper, and why do we, allow ‘universal values’ to steal the highest merit in the rescue work?” he asked.
In Sima’s view, if there were universal values, they would not be considered as originating from the West. He points to Chinese sayings – “The whole world is one community;” “Do not do to others what you don’t want done to you;” and “Blood is thicker than water” – as examples of what could also be called universal values.
Democracy, freedom, human rights and constitutionalism cannot be called universal values, Sima argues. He claims that those who promote such values actually have another agenda – to weaken racial and national bonds.
The Nanfang Zhoumo editorial said that as long as China respects and follows universal values, it can bring about national and international reconciliation. According to Sima, the nation must appear to be working hard to resolve its domestic and international conflicts; otherwise it will continue to be criticized by Western powers.
Sima also questioned the legitimacy of a “certain country” in trying to impose democracy on others, even by means of war. He said countries that view themselves as superior to others use the pretext of “universal values” to pursue their own interests.
Supporters praised Sima for “profound thinking, a sharp pen and a brave heart,” while his opponents accused him of misunderstanding universal values, saying his criticisms were reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution – accusing others by association.
Critics pointed out that universal values cannot be divided between those from the West and those from the East. Instead, they should be viewed as values shared by all humankind, including the Chinese.
The well-known scholar Wu Jiaxiang commented that some individuals were affected by “fear of the West,” associating universal values with the imperial edict of the West.
Shao Jian, associate professor in the Chinese Department of Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, explained that values should not be rejected because of their origin. For example, he said, the International Red Cross and its spirit of humanity, fairness and volunteerism should not be rejected simply due to its Western origin. “Refusing universal values is refusing humanity,” Shao commented.
Several critics reminded readers that even top Chinese leaders have referred to universal values in official speeches. Premier Wen Jiabao has been quoted as saying, “Democracy, the legal system, freedom, human rights, equality and philanthropy aren’t the products of capitalism alone, but the joint civil achievements of the whole world throughout history and the sense of values that mankind seeks.”
