Well, I suppose the west has despotic traits too....the Roman Empire?

Look at britain's own conquest of a good part of the world, people in HK used to be under curfews and could be shot. The Governor (always british!!), was never elected or chosen by the people he represented. He merely stood for the crown.

After 150 years of brit tyrannical rule, and 16 years of rule from the mainland, is it any wonder they want universal suffrage?