Chinese diplomat calls for diversity in democracy

Zhang Lizhong, Chinese ambassador to Uganda, has said that a one-size-fits-all model of democracy for the whole world does not exist and there is no democratic system that can claim to be perfect or superior to others.

Speaking in Kampala on Sunday, Zhang said the practice of measuring the diverse political systems with a single yardstick and judging the colorful political civilization of humanity from a simplistic perspective itself is undemocratic.

"Democracy does not exist only in one form nor have just one standard, and no country should be allowed to monopolize the interpretation of democracy and then impose it on others," Zhang said. 

"As for which country's democracy is good or bad, people living in that country have a natural feeling and say. Therefore, a basic criterion of democracy should be about the people," he added.

The Chinese ambassador said the people should have the right to govern their country, have their needs met, and have a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

He said the Communist Party of China has unswervingly held the philosophy that democracy is a shared value of all human beings.

"We are fully aware of Uganda's expectation to benefit more from China-Uganda cooperation. This is also the goal we have always been striving for. We are willing to listen to constructive suggestions as we continue our efforts to ensure China-Uganda cooperation to be more inclusive and benefit more common people," Zhang said.

Calling for global solidarity and cooperation, he said that China will work with the international community so that people of all countries can enjoy broader and more substantial rights and freedom.