The "democratization" of China's laws and policies : two steps forward one step back from reform and Tiananmen to Falun Gong
Only a few years ago , the idea of putting "China" and "democracy" together in the same sentence would have been inconceivable to many. Nowadays "Democratization" is a term made more applicable to China, due to the uncoupling of democracy from solely the idea of direct political participation and elections. To even begin speaking about democratic practice in China, it must be acknowledged that: 1 ) the protection of fundamental freedoms is a step in the direction of democratic practice, and 2 ) democracy in an authoritarian, one-party state must begin with limiting state power and establishing the rule of law. ; Significant Ideas that Began Chinese Democratization after the Cultural Revolution. Recent Progress in Democratic Practice: Freedom of Association and Civil Society in China. Civil Society Entrenched in Chinese Laws and Policies. Further Progress in Democratic Practice: Significant Steps towards Rule of Law and Human Rights in China. From Ideas of Democratization to Its Implementation: Legal Reform in China. The Falun Gong Issue: A Difficult Testing Ground for Democratic Practice in China. The Falun Gong Issue: A retraction of freedom of association. The Falun Gong Issue: A Reversion to State Instrumentalism in legal interpretation. Conclusion: Hope for the Democratization of China and grassroots elections. Bibliography