Introduction

Subsequent international agreements, of which there have been about 40, spell out human rights in greater detail. Readers are referred especially to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Both covenants were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. One should also consult China’s and former constitutions. During relatively liberal times, China has been portrayed as a “new democracy” in which the government represents a “united front” of classes. During more repressive times, it is emphasized that China’s government is a dictatorship of the proletariat. Those whom the regime finds uncongenial are defined as nonproletarians, and therefore enemies against whom class struggle is to be waged. Between “us” and the enemies there are “antagonistic contradictions,” as distinct from the “non-antagonistic contradictions” which are normal.