During a press conference in China on Friday, Chinese officials voiced rare, public criticism of Western democracies ahead of the U.S. “Summit for Democracy” to be held in early December.

The press conference addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision for a system dominated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Jiang Jinquan, the director of the policy research office for the CCP, made comments critical of Western countries that impose their ideas of democracy on the world, specifically China.

“The electoral democracy of Western countries are actually democracy rules by the capital, and they are a game of the rich, not real democracy,” Jiang said, according to translations.

Jiang also criticized the Summit for Democracy, saying “the US will host a so-called democracy summit and seeks to revive Western democracy, and it’s a huge irony to host it against the mounting problems faced by Western democracy."

The Summit for Democracy in December is the first of two which will bring together leaders from around the world. However, the CCP official cited an unspecified study that 81% of Americans claimed there was a serious threat to U.S. democracy, according to the South China Morning Post. In contrast, Jiang cited a number often provided by Chinese officials that 90% of citizens are satisfied with their government.

“Which is better, and which is worse?” Jiang said. “Anyone with a clear eye can tell themselves.”

The comments come a day after Xi became China’s third leader, including Mao Zedong, founder of the CCP, and Deng Xiaoping, to adopt a “historical resolution” at a CCP meeting. According to Reuters, the resolution has yet to be released in full to the public.

RELATED STORIES
China U.S.