Canada and America's Obligations to China

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China's record of human rights violations is long and mind-boggling. Atrocities such as purging tens of millions of people during the Cultural Revolution, its infamous one-child-per-couple Population Policy, persistent oppression of Tibet and the bloody June 4 massacre at Tienanmen Square in 1989 have given the Chinese government a reputation of having little respect for human life. And yet, despite its tarnished record, China maintains its Most Favoured Nation trade status with the US and is one of Canada's top ten recipients of bilateral trade. As supposed supporters of human rights, Canadian and US governments have developed hypocritical attitudes toward China, compromising ethical values for material gain. Instead, North American nations should restrict aid and trade with China to programs that can be used to encourage social reforms. Both Canada and the US have ideological duties to defend human rights. Being relatively young nations, both were conceived in a time when respect for civil liberties was growing and the idea of democracy was flourishing. While most of Europe developed democracy and current values and beliefs over centuries of monarchical rule, North America merely inherited the system from its European roots. Thus Canada and the US grew from a fundamental basis of independence and freedom, which developed into the conviction that both nations boast of today. It is because of this faith that the governments should take tougher actions against persistent human rights violators in order to protect the values of its citizens as democratic institutions. A democratic government, in theory, holds responsibility to its citizens and acts in accordance with the wishes of the citizens. (Lizhi 168) A recent p... ... middle of paper ... ...there is still much to be asked for before the people are able to enjoy full social and political freedom. As free, democratic nations, Canada and the US have developed with a deep respect for human rights. In light of recent events, however, both governments have demonstrated a weakening stance against human rights violators, putting economics over individual rights and freedoms. Although international trade is important, it is no excuse to shelve the responsibility of promoting human rights. Instead, North Americans should limit aid programs to China to those that help progress. Canada and the US have the economic and political influence to achieve their goals, but it would be unwise to pursue them to point of causing excessive damage domestically. Integrity in the belief of universal human rights must be maintained if it is ever to become a reality.

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