China's Global Civilisation Initiative: Challenging the Universality of Human Rights

China's new strategy seeks to dismantle the idea of universal human rights and establish a hierarchy of like-minded states.

Introduction: For decades, China has faced criticism and condemnation for its human rights record, from the Tiananmen Square massacre to the mass incarceration of Uyghur Muslims. In response, the Chinese government has employed various tactics to deflect this criticism, including rallying developing countries behind the "right to subsistence" and justifying its dictatorship as an expression of traditional Chinese values. However, China has now formulated a coherent ideological strategy, known as the "Global Civilisation Initiative," which aims to challenge the universality of human rights and expand its influence over international institutions and norms. Body:

A New Approach Cloaked in 'Democratic' Values

The Global Civilisation Initiative, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is part of China's broader plan for the "great renewal of the Chinese nation." It aims to create a global network for inter-civilisational dialogue and cooperation based on "common values of humanity" such as justice, democracy, and freedom. While these ideals may sound lofty, the initiative serves as a modern-day tribute system, with China positioned as the dominant power atop a hierarchy of like-minded states. In exchange for their allegiance, China offers developing countries trade and investment opportunities and the chance to emulate its authoritarian political model.

A Selective Approach to Human Rights

China's initiative poses a significant threat to human rights by promoting a cultural relativist approach, where each country develops its own human rights protections based on its culture and traditions. This approach rejects the idea of a universal standard for human rights, allowing governments to selectively apply international human rights standards and providing cover for China's own human rights violations. By claiming that there is no one-size-fits-all model for human rights, China undermines the liberal international order's commitment to universal human rights.

A Network of Despots with Similar Views

Another way the Global Civilisation Initiative undermines human rights is by fostering collaboration between illiberal and authoritarian regimes. China seeks to build a broad coalition of countries that reject the Western-led international order and refrain from imposing their values on one another. This creates a global network of like-minded regimes that can shield China's human rights abuses from scrutiny and criticism in international forums. In return, these regimes gain greater space to pursue their own goals and suppress political opponents without fear of condemnation. The initiative provides a self-serving instrument for China's projection of power and influence. Conclusion: China's Global Civilisation Initiative represents a deliberate effort to challenge the universality of human rights and reshape the international order. By promoting a cultural relativist approach and fostering collaboration between illiberal regimes, China seeks to establish a hierarchy of like-minded states that can shield each other from criticism and advance their own interests. The success of this initiative depends on the level of buy-in from developing states, and in a world where democracy and human rights are in decline, China's strategy may find ready support. As the international community grapples with the implications of China's rise, the future of human rights and global governance hangs in the balance.