Phan Chau Trinh and His Political WritingsPhan Chau Trinh (1872 1926) was the earliest proponent of democracy and popular rights in Vietnam. Throughout his life, he favored a moderate approach to political change and advised the country's leaders to seek gradual progress for Vietnam within the French colonial system. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not favor anti French military alliances or insurgent military resistance, arguing that "to depend on foreign help is foolish and to