Intense Tensions Ahead of the Democracy Summit
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] As the U.S.-led Summit for Democracy is about to open, Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, stated that "democratic ideas with Asian characteristics should be promoted."
At the 14th Bali Democracy Forum held in Bali, Indonesia, Wang delivered a video speech saying, "For a long time, the U.S. and some Western countries have liked to label China and some developing countries as 'undemocratic,' but behind this lies Western arrogance and prejudice against other civilizations."
Wang said, "Some believe that only Western-style democracy is the correct answer and forcibly transplant it worldwide, while others use a country's democracy to draw lines, provoke ideological disputes, and foster division. This is not true democracy but pseudo-democracy in the name of democracy."
He also emphasized, "Creating various small groups and factions under the banner of democracy tramples on the democratic spirit and is a regression in history." This is interpreted as an indirect criticism of the U.S.-led pressure diplomacy against China by some allied countries.
Wang's remarks are understood to be aimed at the "Summit for Democracy" hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, which began at 10 p.m. that day and will last for two days. The event is attended by government and civil society representatives from over 110 countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom, invited by the U.S.
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