China Isn't A Paradox

Since the opening of China with Nixon's visit in 1972 western governments have always felt they could deal with a government that suppressed dissent with a brutality that only a masochist would love. Following the Tienanmen square crackdown western governments pretended like they opposed what the Chinese government had done: killing its citizens because they simply wanted some small freedoms. No matter what the Chinese government does to its people western governments always come crawling back because its never about human rights or some other high minded idea. No, money was the Pavlov's dog and it always will be.

A Chinese democracy activist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for inciting subversion of state power.

Liu Xianbin was charged after writing a series of articles calling for democratic reforms.

He was convicted after a trial lasting only a few hours; the third time he has been sent to jail for his activism.

Dozens of lawyers and activists have been arrested or detained in China recently following calls for Middle East-style protests.

'Not guilty'

Liu Xianbin's trial, in Suining in Sichuan Province, lasted just a few hours, according to his wife, who attended the hearing.

Chen Mingxian told the BBC that her husband shouted, "I'm not guilty" in the courtroom.