Thorbjorn Jagland, the Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, aired his opinions about the universal values of democracy and human rights in an article titled "The new high wall will fall eventually" on Aftenposten on the second day of the New Year which, as he did a year ago, has dragged China into controversy.

Western politicians always love to talk about human rights in a way as if they have the moral high ground. However, Jagland's ideas about human rights cannot tread water.

Firstly, a review of the relationship between the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people shows they are interdependent. China became a semicolonial and semifeudal society more than a century ago. It was the Party that changed China's destiny, and it was history and the people that chose the Party. The relationship between the Party and the people is just like that of fish and water. The Party knows well that as a fish, it cannot live without water.

Secondly, the assertion that the right to be heard is not well protected in China is baseless. He might change his mind after reading a series of politically charged articles posted on the blog of Han Han, a famous young Chinese writer. By the end of 2011, Internet users in China exceeded 500 million, and China's microbloggers topped 300 million. Chinese leading officials often go online to learn about public opinions and sentiments, and citizens can post their complaints on the Internet to help find a solution.

Thirdly, Jagland also pointed out in his article that unless the ruling class in China is capable of turning the huge economic development into democratic rights, the sudden changes, such as those in 1989 and 2011, might reoccur in China and shock the whole world. In stark contrast to this statement, the grassroots democratic elections in China went on smoothly in rural areas and public opinions were reflected in the legislation, and it is obvious that economic reform is not sustainable in the absence of political reform.

Fourthly, the comparison between China and Arabic countries is inappropriate. The fact is that China's conditions are completely different from those of Arabic countries. The root cause of the Arab Spring is that some countries refused to adapt, which led to piling social issues and public grievances.

It seems that arguments in his article made little sense. All his harsh words amount to nothing more than a sustained political scheme to tarnish the image of China. People may see a different picture when looking at China objectively.

In 2011, Chinese economic, social and cultural rights along with civil and political rights developed side by side. The Chinese government honored its commitments outlined in the National Human Rights Action Plan (200910). A new plan covering 2012 to 2015 is in the process of finalization. The reform of the judicial system kept up its momentum, marked by measures adopted to prevent forced confession, and implement community correction nationwide, while religious beliefs, and the rights and interests of women, children and senior citizens are well protected.

No country in the world has a perfect human rights record. China, which is in the process of reform, is faced with new difficulties and challenges in promoting and protecting human rights. China will continue advancing the human rights cause, as the principle that "the State respects and preserves human rights" has been incorporated into China's Constitution.

Imposing the Western value of democracy on all countries in disregard of their different national conditions is, in itself, not democratic. The year 2011 was fraught with several tragic events in Western nations. If human rights is a "universal value", why haven't the general public heard any valid arguments from Jagland about human rights violations during these events?

As long as China continues to follow its socialist path with Chinese characteristics and put people first, she will stand as firm as the Great Wall that has resisted many attacks in the past.

Many problems China is faced with today will gradually be resolved in the course of reform and development. No other country in the world can solve China's problems for China. The Party and China's political system can ensure social stability and develop the right policies, which are the two main prerequisites for China's development.

China will surely disappoint you in 2012, Mr. Jagland.

The author is a commentator of current affairs.