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The Chinese book version of the tiananmen papers a part fiction and part documentary history based on open and semi-open sources and document collections, is discussed. The editors strongly vouch for the authenticity of the books, but their efforts are inadequate and unconvincing.

The issue of human rights in China's domestic and foreign policy highlights the complexity and diversity of values and beliefs and the interrelationship between national and international politics. The pressure on human rights on China from international community reflects the failure of Chinese decision-makers to understand the cultural basis of the human rights policy of the West. This pressure has also helped the country to evolve a more proactive policy which not only complies to the international standards but also reinforces its legitimacy at home.

The hermeneutic and the positivistic approaches help define the distinctiveness of the Chinese culture. The hermeneutic approach is based on the belief that cultures are historically shaped, socially shared, and should be conceptually viewed. Positivistic approach involves the specific viewing of culture with respect to time and geographical locations. Both approaches advocate personalistic factionalism or 'guanxi,' especially in politics. Good positivistic work uses hermeneutic insights to develop hypotheses, concepts and measures to interpret findings.

The December 1992 elections in Taiwan changed the perspective of the Republic of China's (ROC) constitution by making political representatives answerable to the people. In contrast to previous elections, party considerations did not affect candidacy and freedom of speech was granted unconditionally. The system has not yet become fully democratic as the media is state-owned and the president is not elected popularly.

Issues are presented concerning the contents of 'The Tiananmen Papers' which document the student demonstrations which occurred in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China, in June 1989. The repression of the demonstrators is discussed.