The Discourse of Human Rights in China

This work examines the contentious subject of human rights in China. The author explores the emergence and evolution of a Chinese "conception" of rights, paying attention to the impact of Confucianism, Republicanism and Marxism on this conception. It is suggested that the joint influence of these doctrines helps to explain, amongst other things, the contemporary emphasis attached to socio-economic and collective rights in China, and the importance accorded to citizens' duties in relation to the exercise of their rights.