Yes. I think by definition we can't know what is actually going on in China. They don't allow freedom of speech or any scrutiny of official figures. Totalitarian governments lie daily.
Yes. I think by definition we can't know what is actually going on in China. They don't allow freedom of speech or any scrutiny of official figures. Totalitarian governments lie daily.
When mainstream media criticizes the American response, they laud the "successful" response of other countries and China is always the first one to be mentioned. China.
China had a successful strategy against Covid-19, that's a fact.
But there are two aspects that speak against China:
When doctors discovered there was a new illness and warned the authorities in Wuhan, they were quieted. Li Wenliang got a warning he would be punished if he continued to "spread unconfirmed rumors". This can not be directly used against Peking - but the motives of the local authorities were certainly motivated by the wish to paint a positive image for their superiors, so this behavior is inherent in the Chinese system.
The growing pressure on the society by the government. Around 2012 the course gradually changed from "reforms" to "re-establishing absolute power of the leader". You explained in detail what that means, I absolutely agree on that.
The (non-US) mainstream media I consume mention China, but don't praise it. The countries that are praised are Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. Sometimes Singapore, though with some criticism of the limited freedom there.
When mainstream media criticizes the American response, they laud the "successful" response of other countries and China is always the first one to be mentioned. China.
I just want to focus on this one part of your response for a minute. Do you mean this only as it relates to the COVID restrictions or do you mean this in general? The Chinese have had to endure very strict COVID restrictions, but this is inseparable from the more general restrictions and lack of liberties that they face in normal circumstances.
I didn't notice this post when you made it, hence the delayed response.
I observed that if US citizens were ready to voluntarily accept restrictions comparable with those that China imposed upon their citizens in regard to Covid, then the US would not have experienced the level of infections, or number of deaths that they have.
You ask if I think this would generally be applicable. In a very general sense, yes:
Indivduals, understandably, are inclined to focus on the short term and on themselves. Government intervention, for the benefit of society, becomes more important when individuals insist upon "freedom" and "rights". The best way I know to ensure ones rights are preserved is to take up those rights with discretion and proper reflection, that way we avoid the tyrannical aspects of the "Chinese Solution".