A recent op-ed published by the Global Times argues that Western standards of freedom of speech are incompatible with China:

[S]ome influential activists in public opinion abuse their freedom and propagate some subversive and destructive ideas, which have damaged the country’s unity and caused some instability within the society.

The story goes on to argue that it’s a priority for China to “maintain the balance between encouraging constructive criticism and maintaining social unity.”

Typically, criticism of waning free speech in China focuses on the vagueness of the country’s approach to what qualifies as acceptable free speech. But rather than being the responsibility of the Chinese authorities, the Global Times suggests that it’s the duty of Chinese citizens to police themselves:

Some argue that it is a test of the authorities’ openness but, actually, it needs all of society to draw lessons and experiences from the process… the authorities should be more tolerant, and the opinion-makers should be wise in using their freedom of expression.

In other words, the few who don’t know how to censor themselves are ruining it for everyone else. Accordingly, China cannot adhere to a Western model of free speech:

Freedom of speech is an old and controversial topic in China. It has become complicated under the provocations of some Western forces.

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It should be noted that “the West” is not a uniform body in total agreement of all things. The countries making up “the West” often don’t agree about a great many things; but, they are largely governed by their respective constitutions founded on the concept of rule of law, so its citizens may be free to, among other things, speak their minds.

When it comes to China, the Global Times explains, things are different. One main difference involves the ever-changing Chinese constitution. Global Times tells us changes are happening, as witnessed by the way reporters interviewed delegates at this year’s National People’s Congress:

Unlike the past few years, when media attention was paid to the entertaining side of the two sessions, this year has seen most reports focusing on proposals and bills initiated by lawmakers and political advisors. This is a very positive sign for the evolution of China’s political life.

Despite progressive change in China, many things remain stubbornly the same. One need only look at the gender make-up of the 10th National People’s Congress, where female representatives made up only 23.4 percent of the total, representing a mere 2.4 percent increase in the last 20 years.

At this rate, it will take Chinese women over 200 years to achieve equal representation at the NPC. But hey, according to the Global Times, any change, no matter how insignificant, is positive.