The word “democracy” and “freedom of speech” (especially when applied to China) are now so charged that although they’re part of the PRC’s constitution, the Web inside PRC borders are anything but. We’ve seen it all: all-you-can-take censorship, with Twitter, Facebook and even the Scobleizer and — get this — I Can Haz Cheezeburger blocked.

So it’s a bit surprising, then, when the May 25, 2010 of the predictably official mouthpiece paper, the People’s Daily, published in its Page 4 “People’s Forum” column, this bit from Yuan Minjie about allowing differing points of views. It’s basically an endorsement of plurality as seen in democracies — but the two characters for “democracy” (民主) are totally absent from the column. That’s right. The D-word is pretty much in Charged Lingo Territory.

Bits and bobs from the article (surprisingly not in 100% officialspeak):

• As of late there’s been cases where different voices have been blocked (especially on the Web): this is not a usual phenomenon.

• It’s impossible to let everyone have exactly the same points of views on any one matter. In a pluralistic society, we have to respect different ideas, voices, and views. The citizenry must be allowed to use its freedom of speech. [Ed: this slipped in: "freedom of speech".]
• Those in government (especially leaders) must allow different points of views to exist; this is especially needed if we’re to achieve an objective view of a situation.
• If all that’s accepted is “good news” or “good views” (or if they’re blown out of proportions), that’s dangerous as those in government could lose track and be used.
• What’s happening in some places — the total lack of tolerance in regards to different points of views to the extent that those who dare express them are convicted of random offences and are arrested — is extremely wrong. This has a bad impact on the relations between the government and the party.
• You are allowed to not agree with someone else’s points of views, but you’re supposed to respect the rights of others to express themselves freely.

Your tech blogger has to say: this is amongst one of the most libre commentaries as of late. Especially when you take into account that this appeared in the top communist party mouthpiece. Printed black on white. Distributed to the whole readership base. The nation over.

While not being overly optimistic, let’s just hope that this has an un-chilling effect on Web rhetoric… it’s been getting pretty narrow on the Interwebs as of late…