Stephen Perry hails China's democracy with sound institutional framework

The concepts of democracy are embedded in the Chinese system with a sound institutional framework, Stephen Perry, chairman of Britain's 48 Group Club, said in an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

Perry believes that there's no universal definition of democracy. "For us to be looking at China and trying to judge it as we do with the Western system is a waste of time," he said. "That's not China's history, and it's not China's development situation."

Perry noted that the institutional procedures in China effectively pool ideas and suggestions from people to ensure informed and democratic decision-making.

"The government looked long and hard at the history of China, and saw the value of people being able to express themselves," said Perry.

Perry also hailed the democratic practices throughout China's political process as a guarantee for effective and efficient decision-making and governing, "In China, we know that when they are going for something, there’s already been a lot of debate, a lot of argument, a lot of reviews, a lot of research and the democratic process has delivered.”

Expressing his congratulations on the successful convening of the 20th CPC National Congress, Perry added that China has got "the scientific method" that makes sure that "the country makes good decisions and goes on in a good way".