Xinhai Revolution, a revolution yet to be finished

Today is the 100th anniversary of Xinhan Revolution. Xinhai Revolution is the culmination of a long struggle by the finest Chinese from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

Sadly, the goals of this greatest revolution in China last century are yet to be fully achieved.

The primary goals of the revolution are embedded in the three principles set by its leader Sun Yat-sen:

1. Nationalism (民族主义).  Now, China is a strong country free from imperialist domination. In this sense, the goal embedded in the Principle of Nationalism has been achieved. However, this principle means more than this. It also includes a strong union among all nationalities of in China. Unfortunately, such union is in danger.  The regime in Mainland China is resorting to force of and suppression to hold the unity, instead of inspiring the people unite under one flag. Sun should be proud that the party he founded – Chinese Nationalist Party – united China in the 20s of the last century, then played the major role in resisting and defeating the invading Japanese, and earned one of the five prestigious permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
2. Democracy (民权主义). There is no democracy in Mainland China. Even the word “democracy” is feared and filtered by the current regime. Xinhai Revolution led to the first democratic election in Asia, but Sun’s successor Chiang Kai-shek ruled China as a dictator, then Mao and his party took over to continue the totalitarian style of ruling.  Chinese people have less freedom now than during the last years of Qing dynasty which was overthrown by Xinhai Revolution. Prior to Xinhai Revolution, there was quite a degree of freedom of speech.  Many conscientious intellectuals started newspapers, magazines and schools to disseminate their views.  These activities accelerated the ending of Qing dynasty.  China may be the last country in Asia to have a lasting democratic government.
3. Social welfare (民生主义).  Though the poverty in China has been dramatically reduced, but over 40 million people in China still live under $1 per day when the government’s coffer is the richest in the world, and millionaires and billionaires pop up rapidly. Hundreds of millions of migrant workers are still second-class citizens by law, and use their sweat and blood to enrich the pockets of the regime and a few, provide the world with cheap products. During Qing dynasty, the foreign powers used force to exploit Chinese people.  Now, the CCP regime subjects Chinese workers to the exploitation of foreign firms directly or indirectly through its policies aimed at maintaining its power.

Fortunately, Taiwan, governed by Sun’s party, has carried out the three principles with a vibrant democracy, GDP per capita five times of Mainland China, true justice for all.

There is no doubt that Xinhai Revolution will be completed because its principles represent the shared desire of Chinese people, and are in line with the trend of social development.  China can be a beacon for the world eventually.