It would seem to me that, following the collapse of the Soviet empire, China represents the major obstacle to the UN becoming a truly relevant world body. Imagine a world in which all of the major powers in the world were essentially not in violation of the UNDHR. There would then be far greater scope for presenting a united front against any state deemed to be contravening it. Futhermore, given China’s incredible rate of economic expansion and military development, it would no longer solely be America who would necessarily be looked to to provide the lion’s share of manpower and materiel.
In this information age, and with an increasingly numerous, educated and consumerist middle class, it surely cannot be long before China begins to resemble other states in terms of the amount of debate and opposition in policy-formulation (whether or not direct elections are held.)
Could it, would it, represent the necessary counterweight to the US, with Europe as the moderate “middle way” holding a powerful casting vote?
I am not sure I understand what the point or the debate is but here are some disjoined thoughts related to China, Human Rights and the UN which may be relevant (or maybe not).
China is definitely developing very fast economically and this is giving it increasing weight internationally. Its role in the UN is just a reflection of that and I see nothing special about it. China is increasing its international relations and roles and is learning to work in the international community, something with which it historically had very little experience. No doubt that China is moving in the right direction and learning the ropes of international diplomacy. The USA OTOH is setting a bad example when it acts unilaterally and disregards the international community. What goes around comes around and China may use the USA as a justification to act unilaterally itself when it feels it is in its own interest and it is powerful enough to do so.
Regarding human rights, no doubt China’s record is improving. The concept of Human rights and human innate dignity is much more rooted in western culture than in eastern cultures so there is an added difficulty here but they are moving in the right direction. The USA OTOH has been sliding backwards in this regard and has lost all moral authority to lecture China on this issue
I recommend the Lexus and the Olive Tree for a pretty good overview on globalization.
As pointed out, China is making remarkable strides. One can argue about the speed, but not the direction. Remember, they are also trying to manage a country of 1.3 billion, so what works in smaller population countries like the US may not be that appropriate.
Before you get too excited, I suggest you read some other parts of the Constitution of the P.R.C. , namely Articles 33-56, which, among other things, guarantees:
The right to vote and stand for election
Freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration
Freedom of religious belief
I would take these proposed reforms with a ton of salt.
All of the above reforms will be applicable and effected in so far as they mesh with Beijing’s current mood and policy aims. A current prime example is Beijing’s portrayal as traitors and unpatriotic certain Hong Kong leaders who are advocating what these laws, in principle, enshrine.
As China Guy stated it is the direction, rather than the speed that these reforms are taking place. Often in China laws, rules, and the like are initially an abstract concept with an ever increasing concrete adherence taking place over time.