BEIJING — China’s president, Xi Jinping, who was elected last year, has seen a drop in approval ratings since his tenure in office. While Xi’s achievements have been mostly focused toward a crackdown on corruption, many argue he has in return made things worse for dissidents and activists in the country, resulting in a generally negative public perception regarding his stance on human rights.
While most countries generally disapprove of Xi’s leadership, China as a whole is continuing to see an increase in approval ratings, which is mostly attributed to its boosting economy. Some countries, including the United States, have been less than favorable, though. Compared to 2011, where half of the U.S.’s respondents gave China a positive rating, only 35 percent still held that favor.
In fact, Xi’s personal ratings have seen a dramatic decline throughout most parts of the world. While more than 90 percent held confidence in Xi at the time of his election, the number has dropped dramatically since. It isn’t just the United States with bleak views on the country’s policies: neighboring countries like Vietnam and Japan’s approval ratings of China are now as low as 16 percent and seven percent, respectively.
While China’s human rights record has been the subject of controversy for years, it has only gotten worse since Xi’s time in office. Around 39 percent of those living there claimed the government does not respect their individual rights. Just last week, seven activists were charged in Henan province with the cryptic offense of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” after they held a ceremony in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Crackdown. Dozens of other activists have been arrested and jailed for lesser penalties, and journalists — some who are prohibited to report on anything controversial without the government’s approval — are constantly reminded of the court’s three year imprisonment for anyone spreading “slanderous” information regarding the government’s social injustices.
While Xi’s success in improving the country’s economic prosperity has done wonders for many of its citizens, it has been mostly to the disadvantage of their personal rights. Acting aggressively at “controlling” the public’s perception, the Xi administration — while successful by some means — has adopted a slew of ardent enemies, rushing to shed light on the government’s injustices.
– Nick Magnanti
Sources: South China Morning Post, The Diplomat, Pew Research, Bangkok Post
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