<p>What do you think of the fact that the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to jailed Chinese pro-democracy activist Liu? I think it is among the biggest public ironies I’ve ever encountered. China has been anticipating a Nobel Prize for so long, and the first ever recipient is a prisoner! I believe that the Chinese government can justify sentencing Liu, just not in an understandable way to the Norwegian Nobel committee. China is as civilized as many other countries!</p>
<p>Don’t you think the Norwegian Nobel committee is using this opportunity to openly act against China politically in a subtle way? Don’t you think that the committee is practicing ethnocentrism because it disregards the beneficial side of China’s one-party system? I do believe in democracy, but why is it so important to transform China’s political system when most people in China are ok with it? Chinese citizens are not subjected to complete dictatorship!</p>
<p>Doesn’t the committee usually try to avoid controversy? I don’t think this decision will promote peace around the world at all.</p>
<p>Because the Chinese people are not free to do and say what they want. They dont’ have freedoms we have. And the majority of the people in China are kept in the dark so they have no opinion about the government. Have you ever traveled to China?</p>
<p>The Nobel Peace Prize isn’t given to people who are simply “civilized,” or for the sake of promoting peace. The committee awards it to people who promote peace themselves, and who better to give it to than a political dissident fighting from a communist country?</p>
<p>I think it’s ironic that last year it went to a liberal, leaning social guy who hadn’t done anything yet and this year it’s gone to a democratic, human activist who has actually gone to jail for fighting for people’s rights.</p>
<p>I’m quite happy with this year’s results from the info that I know about the man.</p>
<p>Although China has grown substantially in the realm of Economics, Science and Technology over the past decades, it is clearly evident that China continues to neglect it’s citizens of the individual rights that they deserve. I am very pleased with this selection by the committee and hope that it will awaken people around the world to the fact that oppression is prevalent in China, and innocent people are still being jailed in China for advocating for change and reform. </p>
<p>I disagree with your belief that most Chinese are fine with current system of governance. Thanks to the governments censorship, most Chinese, if asked, would have no idea who Liu Xiabo was, and would have never heard of a movement aimed at giving them more freedoms and rights. I think its obvious that if the Chinese were given the right to reform their system of governance, they would no doubt seize the opportunity. </p>
<p>Then again, if you’re one to believe that a government should have the right to oppress it’s people, censor their opinions, and jail those that attempt to speak up. Then by all means, you should be disappointed with this decision.</p>
<p>There’s people in China who believe that their political system needs to be reformed. Your statement that everyone in China is OK with their political system is a bit generalizing. </p>
<p>While I won’t dive into anything that might cause controversy (aka flaming), there’s many things throughout the years that have exposed this rift.</p>
<p>Otherwise…I love how China responded after Lu was announced as the winner; ban search results for Nobel prizes as well as CNN and BBC broadcasts. My response would be: “u mad?”</p>
<p>The question is- have you ever learned about China?</p>
<p>I was born and raised in China, and people DO have opinions about the government. You should check the Chinese forums such as Tianya (if you understand Chinese that is) and see that there are heated debates about controversial issues all the time. Some people swear at the Communist government and never get in trouble. The reason this guy got in trouble was that he persuaded many people to sign the document forcing the Chinese government to accept democratic values from the west.</p>
<p>I agree that there are many flaws in the Chinese government (aka college entrance exam, medicare), but President Hu and Prime Minister Wen are actually admired by the people. People have a lot of complaints about the government; however, they would rather be ruled under Communism than if they are dominated by the political views of a western country. Most Chinese I know are infuriated that this guy received the price- they think that it is the western world’s intentional humiliation of China. </p>
<p>Take India for example, are many political reforms accomplished when India has several hundred people running for president? Are there any majority rule? No one is ever going to be satisfied because the winning party might only have 30% of the vote. Chinese people do not wake up every morning thinking “oh no, I’m in an undemocratic country. I need freedom!” Will democracy actually bring better results for China and her people? Honestly, even with an election, I don’t think any new party can beat the Communist party for at least 10 years. Chinese people do no like radical changes. They like to stay out of trouble and make a good living.</p>