A year ago in a small city in Tangshan, China, an unemployed man beat a girl in the street. This incident caused great controversy in the whole country. Many people on the Internet in China accused the local government of being incompetent in governing the local area. They questioned the officials' collusion with the underworld. The final result was that a higher level local government launched a detailed investigation and dealt with it through judicial channels. Of course, the unemployed man who beat the girl also went to prison. So please tell me whether this is a criticism of the government
Unfortunately you repeated that statement, leaving the understanding that you cannot criticise the government in China. You only have to talk to people in China to know that criticism of the government is tolerated and, in many ways, even encouraged. The government can only do better if it knows what it's getting wrong. I think you need to make another video retracting what you said and highlighting how Chinese people interact with their government.
If you often look at Chinese social media, you will find that there is a lot of criticism of the government, even some university professors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and government employees, and those are all public. The only unacceptable thing is that you cannot spread rumors and misinformation, especially if you are a celebrity with a large number of fans.
@@howell5499 but what is misinformation ? what is rumous ? and also are rumours often true but because the people higher up don't want to be in trouble they censor it ? a prime example is that kid who caught his teachers having an affair and they beat him up.
Met a Netherland gentleman in Chiangmai airport few days ago. He was shocked when being told am currently retired in Guangzhou China. He asked why chosen China? Am encouraged him taken advantage of 144 hours visa free to visit either GZ/SZ/SH/BJ/Chengdu/Chongqing. There are so many that did and they are kept coming back to China for more.
Glad to see you have made full recovery! Freedom means a woman / girl can stay out late by herself at anytime of the day . Don’t have to worry about sending your kids in school where gun crimes have happened so many times. No homeless , drug addictions, crimes committed on the street. No discrimination towards ethnic minorities and everyone lives equally This is the freedom we are enjoying in China 🇨🇳
After all, when the Government has been performing so well, what criticism one wants to make. I would rather be living in a country where I can not criticise the leader but the government performs superbly, than in a country where I have the freedom to criticise the leader but the government performs lousily.
You’re so right! People kept bragging about they can curse the hell out of their leaders and China couldn’t… and my feeling has been why would I want to criticize my leaders if they’re doing a good job!? I am an American citizen for 5 decades. I wish I could worship my presidents and government officials. I haven’t done that since 2017😅
@@joelam583 I totally agree with you Joe, I have 8+ decades living in the divided states of America and look forward to traveling back to China for at least two months every year and now I’ve upped it to maybe four months out of the year.
Actually in China you can criticise and even mock the leader as well!!! I grew up in city where the mayor did a bad job in economy. growing up, I always heard adults complaining about him, and give a nickname which was offensive 😂 everyone is fine.
If you carefully watch from 3:23 you'll be able to see some world giants of automobile industry in a row.. Audi, BMW, Lexus, Range Rover, Honda, Toyota, Benz, BMW and Tesla. That's a fantastic picture to proof that how China deals with the world's top markets. That's kinda real freedom for me. Thanks Barrett. Greetings from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰❤🎉
From what I understand, people criticizing the gov in China is a common thing. As long as it's not subversive, degrading, or defamatory it's alright. I just read a piece of news many people vent their anger on weibo because the gov raised the pension age.
@s.vortex You're correct, but you broke what should be the social media rule (or committed the habit?) .... using the phrase "from what I understand". This is (not saying in your case) used as a "throwaway get out / Confirmation Bias reinforcement" by those who very often HAVEN'T checked, and is intended for those who generally *don't* check the statement. This leads to the ironic(?) situation of the single greatest repository of knowledge, with means to distribute instantly, anywhere, being demoted to the status of.... "I overheard a guy in the pub (/bar) tell someone on the next table to me that......" . For instance, a 30 seconds search of: "pension age increase in China" actually *confirmed* the FACT. As follows. "The top legislative body on Friday approved proposals to raise the statutory retirement age from 50 to 55 for women in blue-collar jobs, and from 55 to 58 for females in white-collar jobs. Men will see an increase from 60 to 63. China's current retirement ages are among the lowest in the world" . Source: 13/09/2024. BBC 😱😱🤯!!! (Cue the "Spanish Inquisition" music) . IF we could all insert "I have checked and found that" or similar, to statements and opinions, together with a link/ citation,I reckon about 70% of the "trash talk" simply wouldn't happen because the perpetrators would KNOW they would be fact checked. (Note that I *haven't* checked that "70% figure😉) Not to mention, we may actually become smarter as a species? . (imo😉👍)
@@rogerstarkey5390 I was commenting as a non-citizen and non-resident of China. It's something I remember from watching Jerry's Take on China, not something I investigated myself. Hence the use of the phrase. ☺
By chance, I ran into a longtime friend at the Manila airport. He was wearing a blood-stained jacket and accompanied by his wife and daughter (who I later learned went to Manila to accompanied him home). Of course, I asked about the blood stains on the jacket, and he told me that a week ago, he went to Manila to gamble at one of their casinos and, 3-4 days ago, he made quite a bit of money at the casino and decided to stop gambling and go back to his hotel. His hotel was closed by and, while walking he suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed onto the pavement. He was still conscious and could see some Filipino men running to him and he thought they were going to help him. To his horror, these men proceeded to rob him, and when he immediately curled-up tightly because he didn't want to be robbed of his gold necklace and other valuables, the men kicked him causing injuries & bleeding. Luckily some people alerted the security who rushed to his aid, but the robbers got his wallet before fleeing. He was taken to hospital and his family was notified who flew over to be by his side. What I gather from him is that while he was sitting at the gambling table, he had some light drinks which somehow was spiked by someone which caused him to feel dizzy. Long story short, be careful and be weary of everyone and your surroundings when you are in the Philippines because the poverty level is quite high, and desperate people will do desperate things in order to get money.
In China, everything is so inexpensive. You can travel wherever you like, eat whatever you like, don't need to pay taxes, easily accessible and affordable medical care, everywhere is safe, the government look after you needs,...Now that's freedom.
Though not all, big big majority of the people in China are happy with the leaders for what they're doing, and they do enjoy what the leaders have done for them. That is why people do not, need not criticize the leaders.
I totally agree with you. I used to live in Shenzhen and the western view of China is warped. Its one of the safest and most free places I have ever been.
I simply ask them, "tell me what you can do that I can't do in China" they immediately go quite and have no answer. I then tell them of the advantages and freedom that we absolutely have. Thoroughly enjoy my life in China.
China restricts political freedom no doubt . But there social freedom and Economic freedom is Better than most Asian countries. All Chinese know what they should not say. China is pretty good place to live. The same people who live in Dubai, qatar complained about Chinese freedom. 😊
they will say they can criticise their president. They can can have a fair trial, they can have access to lawyers of their choice, they can have access to a fair judicial system, they live in a society where the law is above the government, not where the government/party is above the law. List goes on and on. Your view as a westerner living in China doesn’t represent the harsh reality the every day average Chinese faces in China.
Can you access to Facebook, Google, Twitter etc. in China? You put the comments here by a VPN which is illegal, right? Can you vote for yourself or anybody you recognize? Can you make a voice for your rights? Even can you drive your car to Beijing whenever you want? There are lots of things that "what you can do that I cannot do in China"...
@@BarrettYT In China, A Chinese friend of mine taught me about this saying there, How can you know if the grapes is sour or sweet without having tasted it...Ironically, most who say it's sour hAVe never tasted it....
It is incorrect to say that people in China cannot criticize the government. For instance, during COVID, it was the protests that prompted the government to ease strict controls sooner. People grew weary of prolonged quarantines and nearly daily virus testing. I actually experience more freedom here than in my own country, where I don't feel safe going outside at night, for example.
Actually it’s not completely true you can’t criticize Chinese government. Our GZ news paper has personal columns and opinion article about how to improve the city, social improvements and how the government can be better. They don’t pick on 1 person in the city or providence level to make personal or blame. I just want to share Chinese people have a voice in our district and our local area. We tell officials what is important and what we need from our government.
You can always criticize the government if your concerns are legit and if you have suggest or feedback it is fine, you just cannot slander the government and try to rally people around you, it depends how you do it.
I follow you on RUclips and X aka Twitter and watched many times the people commenting about China in a negative way. It's mostly Americans who have a hate/distrust of China due to the barriers to trade being put there by the US government. A funny aside Barrett: I was in a debate on X and posted a narrative in several parts in favor of China. To my surprise the delegate from China to the UN commented to me in a positive way. We now follow each other. 😇
Hy Barrett 🙂 ... thx. for this video and Sharing your understanding ; indeed, I had some lovely experience in Shenzhen by walking around Lychee park during midnight and enjoyed basketball with the locals, as also the bicycling at the sea-side without fear during the night-hours. Will come back to town to enjoy holidays at the sandy beach next to Shenzhen !😊😊😊
Just inagine trying to sing, dance, play cards or any of the other things Chinese people do in their parks in most western countries ? Would you even be alive!!
You'd be alive but you'd probably get a lot of strange looks from people, since it's not very common here. Also, there are less and less places to do those things. We have less parks and public hangout areas, and if it's a private area you can be arrested or fined for "loitering."
actually, you can criticize the government in China, a lot of criticize goes into changing the old policy, for exsample when people complained about lockdowns, the government finally lifted it, without those complaines, the lockdown would stay much longer. That's just one example, and there are many many more. How would the government function without legitimate criticize? Who would improve their policies without hearing complains? However, you can't insult the leaders, you won't be allowed to insult your own parents in China.
For the criticism in China, you can say anything bad about government or the president with your friends or families in the street even with a police officier standing beside you. But you cannot do that to influence a wider audience. For example, if you simply talk loudly about how you don't like the president and his policies in the street, no one actually cares. But if you hold a speaker in your hands and shout to the crowd "This country is doomed. Let us overthrow the government", you will be in trouble. In fact, people comment and criticize on new policies everywhere in China, in restaurants, on Taxi, in the street or even at work place.
I can see the freedom you're having. Walking on the streets holding a camera recording all the way as you walk. Speaking your own language English and yet no one bothers you. This doesn't seem possible in a communist country. But you have done it with all your videos before and including this one with all the freedom.
@@petervan7372, Viral video of a raging white woman berating the manager of a Mexican restaurant in West Virginia for speaking in Spanish. I can't imagine Chinese people speaking Chinese and doing video recording while walking on the streets in the US.
Freedom is subjective. There are many kinds of freedom, it depends on what kinds of freedom you think are important and which you want most 自由是主观的。自由有很多种，这取决于你认为哪种自由重要，以及你最想要哪种自由
When I was travelling on the HSR from Beijing to Datong (Train No. G2533; 13 May 2024), there was the usual public announcements on the train advising passengers on social behaviour on trains, eg., not to put feet up against the seat in front, etc. Then the announcement mentioned how disregard for social behaviour rules will affect their "Social Credits". I think the HSR authority should rephrase such mention of "Social Credits" in their announcements. The West is already out to smear China and its "Social Credit System", many Westerners, to this day, believe China has this authoritarian "Social Credit System" to control the masses. The announcements I heard on Train No. G2533 were in English, so probably they were bad translations. Please do not give the West the slightest opportunity to smear China.
It is not that the Chinese cannot criticize their leaders, but that they must have solid evidence that they are at fault. If the leader is not at fault, then the actions of the critics are slander.
My answer to the question in the title is that there is a lot of freedom in China, or at least 95% of the freedom enjoyed by the people living in the west😁
Lee, i have been to China and criticised the government and no one cared. So i dont think it is true that you are not allowed to criticise the government in China.
True freedom of speech is not just about having the right to speak, but also about being able to form well-informed, independent opinions. It’s a mistake to define freedom of speech by the ability to criticize a government or insult its leaders. When someone’s views are based on misinformation or misunderstanding, it raises doubts about whether they truly have the freedom of thought and speech they believe they do. In my view, many Westerners might not have the freedom of speech they think they have, as shown by their frequent misunderstandings of the social issues they face today.
Seems most westerners cant understand what is constructive criticisms. And as you said, most Chinese people will kinda agree what is the point of insulting or slandering the government or specific govt officials, unless you have really solid factual reason or evidence why are you doing that such as some specific Govt officials have done something illegal or against party/policy rules that is hurting the interest of citizens etc. Most of the times if being presented with ample evidence or information, relevant Govt department or media will look into it. Base on what and what does it achieve, to insult or ridicule CPC, the govt or Xi Jinping？ Yes, one will be in trouble if spreading rumors in public in China.
Hi from Cheshire UK 🙂 For thise people that said Chinese not allowed to criticise the government ... Here I'm not allowed to criticise my colleagues at work. if i do, HR will be on my back... and if i dare to do that to the chiefs im pretty sure i will get dealt with swiftly 😂😂😂 ... freedom of speech 😅
LOL I do love how westerners have no recollection of Richard Medhurst, Assange, Sarah Wilkinson, Scott Ritter and so many others had been arrested precisely for criticizing USUK govts. No one should believe any propaganda from the west.
These are the unfortunate ppl who think they live in open societies as a matter of fact, they are the oppressed and brainwashed ones who can't remove the shackles of Western media, and its easy to understand bcoz they have been exposed to this sort of feed for decades now. Always pleasure to watch these videos, and I hope more will follow. Very educational 🎉🎉 as always.
Saw a video on the same subject from Harvey the other day... Included a montage of safe situations. In one shot he knelt down filming himself and a curious boy, aged about 5 or 6 years (imo) knelt down beside him and said "hello" (in good English!) . Not an Adult in sight, no frantic call to "get back here, or "get away" from a parent out of shot as would be 100% in the UK...... . Believe what you see.
Nice video as always! Safety is very important! Always in defensive mode in the states. Bring your purse in closer if bus gets crowded, wear your purse cross chest or don't carry one any more. Don't leave anything on the restaurant chair when you use the toilet, or leave any valuables! We can't leave anything in the car for fear of someone smashing the window & stealing it! The thugs don't fear the law.
Like as some European countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Hungary, Spain and Norway), Australia and New Zealand people and children no need apply China visa can enter to China trip visa free for 15 days.
While the Western liberal capitalist model allows for personal freedom and individual wealth, it also comes with deep inequalities, political gridlock, and short-term thinking. These issues lead to social fragmentation, making it hard for governments to address the root causes of economic and social challenges. Meanwhile, China’s collectivist approach focuses on stability, harmony, and the long-term good of the nation, providing an alternative model where the government works to ensure economic development and social well-being, even if it means placing some limits on individual freedoms.
Very well presented Barrett, your videos are always informative and uplifting. Thank you so much I just want to add that I am soon to be 84 and I have been going to China for over 20 years and staying for an average of 57 days since my visa allows 60 days day. I’m going to up the ante and return twice a year for 60 days mainly because I’m not free to walk around safely in a small neighborhood in California but I am free to do so in a huge huge city like Shanghai late at night, that’s what I call freedom. Americans may be able to see anything the one about the president and they also are able to purchase as many guns as they want. Many of the guns are rapid fire, military style with scopes, and as many bullets as they want, and people do that it’s not the kind of freedom I wanna live around on a regular basis
The 144hours visa free policy only only help tourism and business but also tell the whole with great confidence that: 'don't just criticize China baseing on what u listen and read from the Western media and their governments when u have never visit China, pls come and see and explore by yourself and enjoy your stay in the real China, and u are welcomed to come again and again whenever u like'. Then, tens of thousands of foreigners really take this convenient advantage to go to China and found that they have long been cheated by the Western media and their government.
Love your videos, especially the tech ones. 👍😊👍 As for the difference between China and the US.: one is tipping. Basic tipping in the U.S. is 20%, so with taxes added on, a simple meal could have almost 30% added on in the U.S. No taxes nor tipping in China, you pay for the food, not the server nor the government.
collective freedom is more important than individual freedom. I can't even go to the places what I used to because of high crime here. Freedom, none. Freedom of speech - as long as the FBI is not going after you.
Freedom means, fearless, homelessless , crimeless, society like China is Protesting is allowed according to a civilised efficient system implementedin China. Many Westerners think that insulting the Government is freedom, but they are wrong because this is an uncivilized way, and China is a very cililised society. (based on my 20 years experiences in China)
About criticism on government I must point out that actually you can criticize the government. On platforms such as TV, newspaper, network media, Wechat channel, Weibo and Douyin(Tiktok), there are tons of articles and we-media videos criticizing the government. As long as they are based on facts and do not incite riots, they can be published and allow viewers to comment freely without any trouble. In China, such criticism on government can often receive feedback from the government, which can often promote government improvement. The actual effect is much better than similar criticism on government in the west.
Same as everywhere. You are free to eat and drink as much poison as you want. You are free to choose which work you need to do. You are free to BUY a house and pay for it all your life. But you are not free to roam, claim land, cut trees and build your own anything or farm or hunt animals
In China, you can criticize the government. Now, only some people avoid cursing leaders on the Internet, but that's actually because there is an old saying in China that disaster comes from the mouth. If you look at the early years when the environment was not so sensitive, many people scolded it, but it doesn't matter. It's just that there are a lot of foreign forces stirring up on the Internet in China now.
Therefore, people avoid mentioning sensitive environment. When the network environment improves and foreign forces don't stir up on the China network, everything will return to the previous state.
Up here in Scandinavia you can critisise anyone as long as you are respectful, we do have freedom of speech. In Sweden where I live we love Dalai lama a person that is not very liked in China. A couple of years ago some Chinese people came up here and throw themselves on the floor and behaving strange in a hotel in Stockholm cause they came a day to early and was told they had to find somewhere else to spend the night till next morning. It turned so ugly the had to call the police to remove them from the hotel. They came to early cause the wanted to create chaos cause Dalai Lama had been supported in a Swedish news article or something. This event apparently created a hatstorm in Chinese media against us. Lots of bad stuff is going on all over this planet both up here and in China but it is our leaders that messes things up not the actual everyday people cause we all work hard to put food on the table and give our kids a better world.
Just been in Guangzhou and now in Shenzhen. First time for 5 years. I am still amazed at this place . First time in Shenzhen , it is amazing.The people are friendly . My wife is Chinese so that makes it easy but people always happy to help you . Our so called Freedom in the west is a joke . The constant negativity and criticism, nothing gets done. Public transport in Sydney is a joke and any new road has exhorbitant tolls . To think Shenzhen didn’t really exist 40 years ago is just mind blowing as to how so much is achieved here. Our so called Freedom is an illusion we are sold so we put up with bad inefficient government
Nah, unless these people are politically active anti China, what they mean is no freedom of hooker, massage, drug, homosexual, public nudity, unregulated local small "business", enjoying looking down upon local Thai etc. well, that's the main difference when people like to travel to Phuket, Bali etc. Visa relaxation is a big development in China, but for that kind of beach, only Hainan can match
Thanks for adding clarification about the social credit myth. I've been trying to get the truth about this from my Chinese wife, friends and family and the only aspect of social credit, is the same as we have inthe West; i.e if you have a bad credit record, for not paying bills, etc, you will find it difficult to get a loan or a mortgage etc. One of the many myths spread about by the likes of BBC and USA anti China funds. People in China have a dedicated Helpline 12345, if they want to compalin about any local government issues.
If UK has got such thing as Social Credit, then it won't have so many problems in the allocation of resources, facilities and planning objectives in all Government policies and their deliveries.
On my recent trip back to HK, had already got my visa to visit the Motherland sorted and we nipped over to China, SZ for a couple day trips from HK, have to say felt free and safe whilst over in SZ, food was good and CHEAP! Back to uk and when u see the poor quality of the food/produce and the sky high prices! It’s depressing! Can’t wait to go China again!
As recently as 2019, I publicly criticized Mao Tse-dong in Boa Kong Temple, Kaifeng. Chinese often criticize the government and their leaders. You'll only get into trouble when you try to incise unrest or rioting by criticizing the leaders. The Chinese government has much more important things to do then pay attention to a little no-body mumbling some discontent while millions of happy people are milling around them enjoying their best lives for hundred of years.
The best way to find the true and try it by yourself, so the best way to really know the real China is to go and see and explore by yourself for 4days or much more days (China is really too big and it took me a few years to have visited more than 500 cities and towns in all the provinces in China)
I understand that freedom is broad concept, but you SHOULD be allowed to criticise the government. Without pressure on the government to act (be it through protest, or democratic action) change doesn’t happen; having said that, I think without capitalist interest at heart, that becomes less of an issue.
As a Chinese living in China, people around me don't CRITICIZE the government. In stead, we use the term that the government SHOULD...... We are not telling the government is bad because of blah/blah/blah. We will raise our expectation. We want 24/7 public safety. We want high speed transportation. We want affordable healthy care. We want equal opportunity of education. And the government fulfill the request... Then why bother to criticize the government.
@@林珂-q9g that’s kind of what I’m saying - if the government doesn’t do what it should (and it seems it usually does please the people in China) then there should be a right to protest.
@@UnKnown-ij1iy again, capitalist interests have weaponised fear and the right-wing have gone absolutely nuts. But, in Australia (where I live) we criticise our government for its stance on Palestine-Israel conflicts, its ongoing inaction on climate change, rights for workers, women, and LGBT+ people. These are all things our government SHOULD do, but DON’T do.
@@braegrimes8870 I don't agree. It is difficult to decide what government should do. This is a 1.4b people country and lots of difficulties. If there is obvious object that the government does not fulfill, I would believe there is reason that I am not aware. Protest means you are forcing government to accept your team. Usually, Chinese people will not do. We choose to sit down together and try to understand the problem. For example, affordable healthy care, what does it mean by affordable? it may be affordable for you but too expensive for me. Shall I protest my healthy care bill? No. Instead, we bring representative from different society classes and see what is the best solution under current situation
When the government is helping it's citizen to progress out of poverty what is there to complain? good & bad governance is everywhere in the world but if the government is mindful of it's citizen is the most basic need of a country, how many countries government is doing that i must say not many mostly are for the politician's interest only. Freedom is a mind set of people's thoughts not narrated by propaganda media for politicians to stay in power for their own interest.
Contrast this to freedom and civil rights in Taiwan. Big difference. For example, Taiwanese citizens vote for all levels of their government (local, regional, national). They also have total freedom of speech - they can openly and publicly criticize government officials, their president, the leaders of their political parties, Chiang Kai Shek, Chairman Mao, Lai Ching-te, Xi Jing Ping, whoever. AND, they are free to start their own political action groups and organizations, even new political parties. The internet is also completely open - no firewall, so if a Taiwanese citizen wants to read the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, or The People's Daily, they can. You can go out and demonstrate FOR reunification with China, or against it. It's your civil right. Also, Taiwan is just as safe, if not more so, as China - you can walk on the street late at night without fear, and, yes, you can put on a Gweilo 60 wife-beater T-shirt with an open can of beer in your hand, and that's OK. Barrett - you really should visit Taiwan sometime.
in China, you can absolute critisize the government policy. we never target individual unless you are corrupt. we can agrue about policy whenever we want.
sadly that is the tragedy, that in the west, especially U$A, ordinary Americans are being sh0t, rising gun crimes, rampant sch00l shootings are regular occurrences, black americans are taught to put their hands on the car dashboard during police stop, Karens can report a black dude at anytime, you could get robbed, knifed at any time in any cities, you could loot any shops up to $1000. Many don't have jobs, homeless, no healthcare, on drugs, huge debts, and the only thing they care about is ability to protest and vote for their presidents. THAT is Western Freedom and Democracy, completely upside down.
is social credit points real or not lol, i can't find a proper answer. Gweilo 60 said there is. And of course not the western media version of it, that is b.s
I really don't understand the whole political accusations about China not having freedom, if you're the type who doesn't repeatedly disturb the public peace or break the law you will almost never run into the authorities. Chinese people are quite free you certainly can criticize the government for legit reasons, you can even protest as long as it's within the law where you don't cause any obstruction, cause public panic or unrest or try to overthrow the government. That is the extent of your lawful rights so I think that is all common sense . There are even official channels for complaints and report issues with the local government. Chinese people are reasonably free, Individual freedom is really something else and it's something people seek on their own, the government is only concerned about public safety. There no mysterious disappearances as claimed in these boogie man stories, obviously if you break the law you will be arrested and find yourself locked up. I don't how that is different in any country especially in the U.S that has the worlds largest prison population.
So, when I said that you cannot critisise the government, what I should have said is that you cannot be insulting... just to make that clear....
A year ago in a small city in Tangshan, China, an unemployed man beat a girl in the street. This incident caused great controversy in the whole country. Many people on the Internet in China accused the local government of being incompetent in governing the local area. They questioned the officials' collusion with the underworld. The final result was that a higher level local government launched a detailed investigation and dealt with it through judicial channels. Of course, the unemployed man who beat the girl also went to prison. So please tell me whether this is a criticism of the government
this is true in most countries except the west
Unfortunately you repeated that statement, leaving the understanding that you cannot criticise the government in China. You only have to talk to people in China to know that criticism of the government is tolerated and, in many ways, even encouraged. The government can only do better if it knows what it's getting wrong. I think you need to make another video retracting what you said and highlighting how Chinese people interact with their government.
If you often look at Chinese social media, you will find that there is a lot of criticism of the government, even some university professors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and government employees, and those are all public. The only unacceptable thing is that you cannot spread rumors and misinformation, especially if you are a celebrity with a large number of fans.
@@howell5499 but what is misinformation ? what is rumous ? and also are rumours often true but because the people higher up don't want to be in trouble they censor it ? a prime example is that kid who caught his teachers having an affair and they beat him up.
Met a Netherland gentleman in Chiangmai airport few days ago. He was shocked when being told am currently retired in Guangzhou China. He asked why chosen China? Am encouraged him taken advantage of 144 hours visa free to visit either GZ/SZ/SH/BJ/Chengdu/Chongqing. There are so many that did and they are kept coming back to China for more.
Graet story, thanks for sharing..
what visa are you on
@@BigJoe-g3o 10 years multiple entries 60 days visa
Dutch people can enter China without visa for 15 days.
@@fengshi4284 that's awesome !!
Glad to see you have made full recovery!
Freedom means a woman / girl can stay out late by herself at anytime of the day .
Don’t have to worry about sending your kids in school where gun crimes have happened so many times.
No homeless , drug addictions, crimes committed on the street.
No discrimination towards ethnic minorities and everyone lives equally
This is the freedom we are enjoying in China 🇨🇳
After all, when the Government has been performing so well, what criticism one wants to make. I would rather be living in a country where I can not criticise the leader but the government performs superbly, than in a country where I have the freedom to criticise the leader but the government performs lousily.
You’re so right! People kept bragging about they can curse the hell out of their leaders and China couldn’t… and my feeling has been why would I want to criticize my leaders if they’re doing a good job!? I am an American citizen for 5 decades. I wish I could worship my presidents and government officials. I haven’t done that since 2017😅
Plus they ignore your complaints anyway-I meant UK authorities
@@joelam583 I totally agree with you Joe, I have 8+ decades living in the divided states of America and look forward to traveling back to China for at least two months every year and now I’ve upped it to maybe four months out of the year.
You're not aware that the PRC has the world's worst performing economy?
Actually in China you can criticise and even mock the leader as well!!! I grew up in city where the mayor did a bad job in economy. growing up, I always heard adults complaining about him, and give a nickname which was offensive 😂 everyone is fine.
If you carefully watch from 3:23 you'll be able to see some world giants of automobile industry in a row.. Audi, BMW, Lexus, Range Rover, Honda, Toyota, Benz, BMW and Tesla. That's a fantastic picture to proof that how China deals with the world's top markets. That's kinda real freedom for me. Thanks Barrett. Greetings from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰❤🎉
in the so called free market murica, u won't see any chinese brand cars
From what I understand, people criticizing the gov in China is a common thing. As long as it's not subversive, degrading, or defamatory it's alright. I just read a piece of news many people vent their anger on weibo because the gov raised the pension age.
On WeChat as well
@s.vortex
You're correct, but you broke what should be the social media rule (or committed the habit?) .... using the phrase "from what I understand".
This is (not saying in your case) used as a "throwaway get out / Confirmation Bias reinforcement" by those who very often HAVEN'T checked, and is intended for those who generally *don't* check the statement.
This leads to the ironic(?) situation of the single greatest repository of knowledge, with means to distribute instantly, anywhere, being demoted to the status of....
"I overheard a guy in the pub (/bar) tell someone on the next table to me that......"
.
For instance, a 30 seconds search of:
"pension age increase in China"
actually *confirmed* the FACT.
As follows.
"The top legislative body on Friday approved proposals to raise the statutory retirement age from 50 to 55 for women in blue-collar jobs, and from 55 to 58 for females in white-collar jobs.
Men will see an increase from 60 to 63.
China's current retirement ages are among the lowest in the world"
.
Source: 13/09/2024. BBC 😱😱🤯!!! (Cue the "Spanish Inquisition" music)
.
IF we could all insert "I have checked and found that" or similar, to statements and opinions, together with a link/ citation,I reckon about 70% of the "trash talk" simply wouldn't happen because the perpetrators would KNOW they would be fact checked.
(Note that I *haven't* checked that "70% figure😉)
Not to mention, we may actually become smarter as a species?
.
(imo😉👍)
@@rogerstarkey5390 I was commenting as a non-citizen and non-resident of China. It's something I remember from watching Jerry's Take on China, not something I investigated myself. Hence the use of the phrase. ☺
By chance, I ran into a longtime friend at the Manila airport. He was wearing a blood-stained jacket and accompanied by his wife and daughter (who I later learned went to Manila to accompanied him home). Of course, I asked about the blood stains on the jacket, and he told me that a week ago, he went to Manila to gamble at one of their casinos and, 3-4 days ago, he made quite a bit of money at the casino and decided to stop gambling and go back to his hotel. His hotel was closed by and, while walking he suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed onto the pavement. He was still conscious and could see some Filipino men running to him and he thought they were going to help him. To his horror, these men proceeded to rob him, and when he immediately curled-up tightly because he didn't want to be robbed of his gold necklace and other valuables, the men kicked him causing injuries & bleeding. Luckily some people alerted the security who rushed to his aid, but the robbers got his wallet before fleeing. He was taken to hospital and his family was notified who flew over to be by his side.
What I gather from him is that while he was sitting at the gambling table, he had some light drinks which somehow was spiked by someone which caused him to feel dizzy.
Long story short, be careful and be weary of everyone and your surroundings when you are in the Philippines because the poverty level is quite high, and desperate people will do desperate things in order to get money.
Glad to see you back in good health 👌👍🥂🍾
Thank You
In China, everything is so inexpensive. You can travel wherever you like, eat whatever you like, don't need to pay taxes, easily accessible and affordable medical care, everywhere is safe, the government look after you needs,...Now that's freedom.
And no tipping culture...😂😂😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Spot on
The constant propaganda on western msm and social media is responsible for the negativity that exists in the population
that's because labor is cheap ! ..
@@BigJoe-g3o well, why India, Vietnam,philippines,etc doesn't have the same "freedom"?
You don't need to pay taxes in China ? Isn't that a source of revenue for the government ?
Though not all, big big majority of the people in China are happy with the leaders for what they're doing, and they do enjoy what the leaders have done for them. That is why people do not, need not criticize the leaders.
I totally agree with you. I used to live in Shenzhen and the western view of China is warped. Its one of the safest and most free places I have ever been.
I simply ask them, "tell me what you can do that I can't do in China" they immediately go quite and have no answer. I then tell them of the advantages and freedom that we absolutely have. Thoroughly enjoy my life in China.
China restricts political freedom no doubt . But there social freedom and Economic freedom is Better than most Asian countries. All Chinese know what they should not say. China is pretty good place to live. The same people who live in Dubai, qatar complained about Chinese freedom. 😊
they will say they can criticise their president. They can can have a fair trial, they can have access to lawyers of their choice, they can have access to a fair judicial system, they live in a society where the law is above the government, not where the government/party is above the law. List goes on and on. Your view as a westerner living in China doesn’t represent the harsh reality the every day average Chinese faces in China.
Can you access to Facebook, Google, Twitter etc. in China? You put the comments here by a VPN which is illegal, right? Can you vote for yourself or anybody you recognize? Can you make a voice for your rights? Even can you drive your car to Beijing whenever you want? There are lots of things that "what you can do that I cannot do in China"...
@@fatwhale1985propaganda
@@fatwhale1985 Most Chinese access them with VPN.
Freedom means SAFTEY 24/7 👌👍👏👏👏
Exactly
True.
@@BarrettYT In China, A Chinese friend of mine taught me about this saying there, How can you know if the grapes is sour or sweet without having tasted it...Ironically, most who say it's sour hAVe never tasted it....
agree
@@BarrettYT What about all those people who disappear? It could be you next - you never know in the CCP's China.
Freedom means I can go out and play anytime, anywhere without any worries.
It is incorrect to say that people in China cannot criticize the government. For instance, during COVID, it was the protests that prompted the government to ease strict controls sooner. People grew weary of prolonged quarantines and nearly daily virus testing. I actually experience more freedom here than in my own country, where I don't feel safe going outside at night, for example.
Excellent video again that man.
I appreciate that
Actually it’s not completely true you can’t criticize Chinese government. Our GZ news paper has personal columns and opinion article about how to improve the city, social improvements and how the government can be better. They don’t pick on 1 person in the city or providence level to make personal or blame. I just want to share Chinese people have a voice in our district and our local area. We tell officials what is important and what we need from our government.
You can always criticize the government if your concerns are legit and if you have suggest or feedback it is fine, you just cannot slander the government and try to rally people around you, it depends how you do it.
See this guy knows this but he’s willing to take money from the CCP to make propaganda for them.
Welcome back! You are looking well
Thank you!
Agree with you. In China there have few things people can not do such as smoke or sell pots , anything against the law is no no .
I follow you on RUclips and X aka Twitter and watched many times the people commenting about China in a negative way. It's mostly Americans who have a hate/distrust of China due to the barriers to trade being put there by the US government. A funny aside Barrett: I was in a debate on X and posted a narrative in several parts in favor of China. To my surprise the delegate from China to the UN commented to me in a positive way. We now follow each other. 😇
Hello Mister Lee Barrett, always good to see you doing well.
Hy Barrett 🙂 ... thx. for this video and Sharing your understanding ; indeed, I had some lovely experience in Shenzhen by walking around Lychee park during midnight and enjoyed basketball with the locals, as also the bicycling at the sea-side without fear during the night-hours. Will come back to town to enjoy holidays at the sandy beach next to Shenzhen !😊😊😊
welcome to shenzhen
Just inagine trying to sing, dance, play cards or any of the other things Chinese people do in their parks in most western countries ? Would you even be alive!!
You'd be alive but you'd probably get a lot of strange looks from people, since it's not very common here. Also, there are less and less places to do those things. We have less parks and public hangout areas, and if it's a private area you can be arrested or fined for "loitering."
in US you cannot criticise genocide in Gaza without consequences
Is always good to see you again🎉
I think in China, constructive criticism is okay, the obnoxious baseless nonsensical criticism is a total waste of time and meaning.
Basically "Behave like Adults, Play Nice.... We ALL win"?
Freedom of speech!!! Here in the UK, people only made some comments online related anti immigration roit got jailed for months .
You can only try your best Lee, It’s difficult to get things through to people.
Yeah, you cannot wake up a person who is pretending to be asleep. 😂
No "Walking on the cracks in the pavement"!
.
(Remember that one Lee?)
actually, you can criticize the government in China, a lot of criticize goes into changing the old policy, for exsample when people complained about lockdowns, the government finally lifted it, without those complaines, the lockdown would stay much longer. That's just one example, and there are many many more. How would the government function without legitimate criticize? Who would improve their policies without hearing complains? However, you can't insult the leaders, you won't be allowed to insult your own parents in China.
no they didn't. it was because the whole world had opened up and were making shitloads of $$$ ... china didn't want to miss out ...
For the criticism in China, you can say anything bad about government or the president with your friends or families in the street even with a police officier standing beside you. But you cannot do that to influence a wider audience.
For example, if you simply talk loudly about how you don't like the president and his policies in the street, no one actually cares. But if you hold a speaker in your hands and shout to the crowd "This country is doomed. Let us overthrow the government", you will be in trouble.
In fact, people comment and criticize on new policies everywhere in China, in restaurants, on Taxi, in the street or even at work place.
what's the point then lol
Thank you & support🙂🙏🙂
Good one Lee
I can see the freedom you're having. Walking on the streets holding a camera recording all the way as you walk. Speaking your own language English and yet no one bothers you. This doesn't seem possible in a communist country. But you have done it with all your videos before and including this one with all the freedom.
if you do the same in the murica recording with a camera, speaking chinese, you'll get beaten skit out
Same like @Gweilo60 was always doing with a can of beer in his hand.
@@petervan7372,
Viral video of a raging white woman berating the manager of a Mexican restaurant in West Virginia for speaking in Spanish.
I can't imagine Chinese people speaking Chinese and doing video recording while walking on the streets in the US.
OMG~~！You are still in China and making videos about China. Good on you. Liked!
Very well said, thanks Barrett. Looking forward to viewing your videos on your trip to Xinjiang.
West perception freedom mean they can ridicule , bad mouth , profanity language at the president .
They can carry weapons, mass sh**tings...
"Freedom to hate"!
.
Ironically largely perpetuated and encouraged by a "Leader" (hopefully NOT returning)
Wow, you look so well recovered! ❤ Amazing. And you got some weight 😂
Freedom is subjective. There are many kinds of freedom, it depends on what kinds of freedom you think are important and which you want most
自由是主观的。自由有很多种，这取决于你认为哪种自由重要，以及你最想要哪种自由
When I was travelling on the HSR from Beijing to Datong (Train No. G2533; 13 May 2024), there was the usual public announcements on the train advising passengers on social behaviour on trains, eg., not to put feet up against the seat in front, etc. Then the announcement mentioned how disregard for social behaviour rules will affect their "Social Credits".
I think the HSR authority should rephrase such mention of "Social Credits" in their announcements. The West is already out to smear China and its "Social Credit System", many Westerners, to this day, believe China has this authoritarian "Social Credit System" to control the masses. The announcements I heard on Train No. G2533 were in English, so probably they were bad translations.
Please do not give the West the slightest opportunity to smear China.
It is not that the Chinese cannot criticize their leaders, but that they must have solid evidence that they are at fault. If the leader is not at fault, then the actions of the critics are slander.
My answer to the question in the title is that there is a lot of freedom in China, or at least 95% of the freedom enjoyed by the people living in the west😁
Lee, i have been to China and criticised the government and no one cared. So i dont think it is true that you are not allowed to criticise the government in China.
True freedom of speech is not just about having the right to speak, but also about being able to form well-informed, independent opinions. It’s a mistake to define freedom of speech by the ability to criticize a government or insult its leaders. When someone’s views are based on misinformation or misunderstanding, it raises doubts about whether they truly have the freedom of thought and speech they believe they do. In my view, many Westerners might not have the freedom of speech they think they have, as shown by their frequent misunderstandings of the social issues they face today.
Seems most westerners cant understand what is constructive criticisms. And as you said, most Chinese people will kinda agree what is the point of insulting or slandering the government or specific govt officials, unless you have really solid factual reason or evidence why are you doing that such as some specific Govt officials have done something illegal or against party/policy rules that is hurting the interest of citizens etc.
Most of the times if being presented with ample evidence or information, relevant Govt department or media will look into it.
Base on what and what does it achieve, to insult or ridicule CPC, the govt or Xi Jinping？
Yes, one will be in trouble if spreading rumors in public in China.
Hi from Cheshire UK 🙂
For thise people that said Chinese not allowed to criticise the government ... Here I'm not allowed to criticise my colleagues at work. if i do, HR will be on my back... and if i dare to do that to the chiefs im pretty sure i will get dealt with swiftly 😂😂😂 ... freedom of speech 😅
but thats different your boss pays you right ? ... but the people pay the government their salaries .
LOL I do love how westerners have no recollection of Richard Medhurst, Assange, Sarah Wilkinson, Scott Ritter and so many others had been arrested precisely for criticizing USUK govts.
No one should believe any propaganda from the west.
我们只是不能在公众场所游行推翻政府，但你有权利对政府做的一切事情尽情批判。
🎉❤ you are speaking nice news
He speaks the truth of what he witnessed & experience.
Thanks!
These are the unfortunate ppl who think they live in open societies as a matter of fact, they are the oppressed and brainwashed ones who can't remove the shackles of Western media, and its easy to understand bcoz they have been exposed to this sort of feed for decades now. Always pleasure to watch these videos, and I hope more will follow. Very educational 🎉🎉 as always.
Saw a video on the same subject from Harvey the other day...
Included a montage of safe situations.
In one shot he knelt down filming himself and a curious boy, aged about 5 or 6 years (imo) knelt down beside him and said "hello" (in good English!)
.
Not an Adult in sight, no frantic call to "get back here, or "get away" from a parent out of shot as would be 100% in the UK......
.
Believe what you see.
Nice video as always! Safety is very important! Always in defensive mode in the states. Bring your purse in closer if bus gets crowded, wear your purse cross chest or don't carry one any more. Don't leave anything on the restaurant chair when you use the toilet, or leave any valuables! We can't leave anything in the car for fear of someone smashing the window & stealing it! The thugs don't fear the law.
I love watching your videos
Like as some European countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Hungary, Spain and Norway), Australia and New Zealand people and children no need apply China visa can enter to China trip visa free for 15 days.
freedom to go anywhere day or night without having to worry about getting robbed or assaulted
A woman friend of mine from the Philippines said she feels safer there than she feels here.
For that statement to have context, you need to clarify where you, and she are at the moment.
While the Western liberal capitalist model allows for personal freedom and individual wealth, it also comes with deep inequalities, political gridlock, and short-term thinking. These issues lead to social fragmentation, making it hard for governments to address the root causes of economic and social challenges. Meanwhile, China’s collectivist approach focuses on stability, harmony, and the long-term good of the nation, providing an alternative model where the government works to ensure economic development and social well-being, even if it means placing some limits on individual freedoms.
Very well presented Barrett, your videos are always informative and uplifting. Thank you so much I just want to add that I am soon to be 84 and I have been going to China for over 20 years and staying for an average of 57 days since my visa allows 60 days day. I’m going to up the ante and return twice a year for 60 days mainly because I’m not free to walk around safely in a small neighborhood in California but I am free to do so in a huge huge city like Shanghai late at night, that’s what I call freedom. Americans may be able to see anything the one about the president and they also are able to purchase as many guns as they want. Many of the guns are rapid fire, military style with scopes, and as many bullets as they want, and people do that it’s not the kind of freedom I wanna live around on a regular basis
Some people have a very shallow definition of freedom. They think insulting your leader and government in public is the ultimate freedom.
Young Thai women that's why Brits and yanks move to Thailand
nicely said. you are absolutely correct.
Every country have their own way of freedom.
The 144hours visa free policy only only help tourism and business but also tell the whole with great confidence that: 'don't just criticize China baseing on what u listen and read from the Western media and their governments when u have never visit China, pls come and see and explore by yourself and enjoy your stay in the real China, and u are welcomed to come again and again whenever u like'. Then, tens of thousands of foreigners really take this convenient advantage to go to China and found that they have long been cheated by the Western media and their government.
Love your videos, especially the tech ones. 👍😊👍
As for the difference between China and the US.: one is tipping. Basic tipping in the U.S. is 20%, so with taxes added on, a simple meal could have almost 30% added on in the U.S. No taxes nor tipping in China, you pay for the food, not the server nor the government.
Meant to add: freedom from tipping.
100 times more than the US.
collective freedom is more important than individual freedom. I can't even go to the places what I used to because of high crime here. Freedom, none. Freedom of speech - as long as the FBI is not going after you.
Freedom means, fearless, homelessless , crimeless, society like China is
Protesting is allowed according to a civilised efficient system implementedin China.
Many Westerners think that insulting the Government is freedom, but they are wrong because this is an uncivilized way, and China is a very cililised society. (based on my 20 years experiences in China)
Thank you for telling the truth, my friend, telling the way it is....
About criticism on government I must point out that actually you can criticize the government. On platforms such as TV, newspaper, network media, Wechat channel, Weibo and Douyin(Tiktok), there are tons of articles and we-media videos criticizing the government. As long as they are based on facts and do not incite riots, they can be published and allow viewers to comment freely without any trouble. In China, such criticism on government can often receive feedback from the government, which can often promote government improvement. The actual effect is much better than similar criticism on government in the west.
Same as everywhere. You are free to eat and drink as much poison as you want. You are free to choose which work you need to do. You are free to BUY a house and pay for it all your life. But you are not free to roam, claim land, cut trees and build your own anything or farm or hunt animals
In China, you can criticize the government. Now, only some people avoid cursing leaders on the Internet, but that's actually because there is an old saying in China that disaster comes from the mouth. If you look at the early years when the environment was not so sensitive, many people scolded it, but it doesn't matter. It's just that there are a lot of foreign forces stirring up on the Internet in China now.
Therefore, people avoid mentioning sensitive environment. When the network environment improves and foreign forces don't stir up on the China network, everything will return to the previous state.
Up here in Scandinavia you can critisise anyone as long as you are respectful, we do have freedom of speech. In Sweden where I live we love Dalai lama a person that is not very liked in China. A couple of years ago some Chinese people came up here and throw themselves on the floor and behaving strange in a hotel in Stockholm cause they came a day to early and was told they had to find somewhere else to spend the night till next morning. It turned so ugly the had to call the police to remove them from the hotel. They came to early cause the wanted to create chaos cause Dalai Lama had been supported in a Swedish news article or something. This event apparently created a hatstorm in Chinese media against us. Lots of bad stuff is going on all over this planet both up here and in China but it is our leaders that messes things up not the actual everyday people cause we all work hard to put food on the table and give our kids a better world.
Just been in Guangzhou and now in Shenzhen. First time for 5 years. I am still amazed at this place . First time in Shenzhen , it is amazing.The people are friendly . My wife is
Chinese so that makes it easy but people always happy to help you . Our so called Freedom in the west is a joke . The constant negativity and criticism, nothing gets done. Public transport in Sydney is a joke and any new road has exhorbitant tolls .
To think Shenzhen didn’t really exist 40 years ago is just mind blowing as to how so much is achieved here.
Our so called Freedom is an illusion we are sold so we put up with bad inefficient government
Nah, unless these people are politically active anti China, what they mean is no freedom of hooker, massage, drug, homosexual, public nudity, unregulated local small "business", enjoying looking down upon local Thai etc. well, that's the main difference when people like to travel to Phuket, Bali etc. Visa relaxation is a big development in China, but for that kind of beach, only Hainan can match
Thanks for adding clarification about the social credit myth. I've been trying to get the truth about this from my Chinese wife, friends and family and the only aspect of social credit, is the same as we have inthe West; i.e if you have a bad credit record, for not paying bills, etc, you will find it difficult to get a loan or a mortgage etc. One of the many myths spread about by the likes of BBC and USA anti China funds. People in China have a dedicated Helpline 12345, if they want to compalin about any local government issues.
If UK has got such thing as Social Credit, then it won't have so many problems in the allocation of resources, facilities and planning objectives in all Government policies and their deliveries.
On my recent trip back to HK, had already got my visa to visit the Motherland sorted and we nipped over to China, SZ for a couple day trips from HK, have to say felt free and safe whilst over in SZ, food was good and CHEAP! Back to uk and when u see the poor quality of the food/produce and the sky high prices! It’s depressing! Can’t wait to go China again!
what was unsafe about the UK ?
As recently as 2019, I publicly criticized Mao Tse-dong in Boa Kong Temple, Kaifeng.
Chinese often criticize the government and their leaders. You'll only get into trouble when you try to incise unrest or rioting by criticizing the leaders. The Chinese government has much more important things to do then pay attention to a little no-body mumbling some discontent while millions of happy people are milling around them enjoying their best lives for hundred of years.
Csn go fishing without having to pay for a "licence". That is freedom
You can do basically anything you feel like in China but won't in other countries
Free!!!
The best way to find the true and try it by yourself, so the best way to really know the real China is to go and see and explore by yourself for 4days or much more days (China is really too big and it took me a few years to have visited more than 500 cities and towns in all the provinces in China)
criticizing a country without going there to find the truth is rootless. Unfortunately that's exactly what many haters are doing.
freedom of speech will prevail.
主论自由只是众多自由的一种，任何一种自由都不应该凌驾于其他自由之上。
Safety is freedom . Government's do as they please anyway ,one guy tweeting isn't going to change that.
🎉🎉🎉
I understand that freedom is broad concept, but you SHOULD be allowed to criticise the government. Without pressure on the government to act (be it through protest, or democratic action) change doesn’t happen; having said that, I think without capitalist interest at heart, that becomes less of an issue.
This is how riots happen in UK
As a Chinese living in China, people around me don't CRITICIZE the government. In stead, we use the term that the government SHOULD...... We are not telling the government is bad because of blah/blah/blah. We will raise our expectation. We want 24/7 public safety. We want high speed transportation. We want affordable healthy care. We want equal opportunity of education. And the government fulfill the request... Then why bother to criticize the government.
@@林珂-q9g that’s kind of what I’m saying - if the government doesn’t do what it should (and it seems it usually does please the people in China) then there should be a right to protest.
@@UnKnown-ij1iy again, capitalist interests have weaponised fear and the right-wing have gone absolutely nuts. But, in Australia (where I live) we criticise our government for its stance on Palestine-Israel conflicts, its ongoing inaction on climate change, rights for workers, women, and LGBT+ people. These are all things our government SHOULD do, but DON’T do.
@@braegrimes8870 I don't agree. It is difficult to decide what government should do. This is a 1.4b people country and lots of difficulties. If there is obvious object that the government does not fulfill, I would believe there is reason that I am not aware. Protest means you are forcing government to accept your team. Usually, Chinese people will not do. We choose to sit down together and try to understand the problem.
For example, affordable healthy care, what does it mean by affordable? it may be affordable for you but too expensive for me. Shall I protest my healthy care bill? No. Instead, we bring representative from different society classes and see what is the best solution under current situation
When the government is helping it's citizen to progress out of poverty what is there to complain? good & bad governance is everywhere in the world but if the government is mindful of it's citizen is the most basic need of a country, how many countries government is doing that i must say not many mostly are for the politician's interest only. Freedom is a mind set of people's thoughts not narrated by propaganda media for politicians to stay in power for their own interest.
Kebebasan Tiongkok sangat aman makmur, kebebasan Hongkong merusak .
Contrast this to freedom and civil rights in Taiwan. Big difference. For example, Taiwanese citizens vote for all levels of their government (local, regional, national). They also have total freedom of speech - they can openly and publicly criticize government officials, their president, the leaders of their political parties, Chiang Kai Shek, Chairman Mao, Lai Ching-te, Xi Jing Ping, whoever. AND, they are free to start their own political action groups and organizations, even new political parties. The internet is also completely open - no firewall, so if a Taiwanese citizen wants to read the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, or The People's Daily, they can. You can go out and demonstrate FOR reunification with China, or against it. It's your civil right.
Also, Taiwan is just as safe, if not more so, as China - you can walk on the street late at night without fear, and, yes, you can put on a Gweilo 60 wife-beater T-shirt with an open can of beer in your hand, and that's OK.
Barrett - you really should visit Taiwan sometime.
Love your walk and talk, Lee! Looking forward for your Xinjiang videos👍👍
u should ask them to criticise the official religion in the country they live in
China probably have freedom but nobody knows!
in China, you can absolute critisize the government policy. we never target individual unless you are corrupt. we can agrue about policy whenever we want.
we ?
@@BigJoe-g3o yes, we. you got problem?
Some people believe freedom means only criticism ... 😅
sadly that is the tragedy, that in the west, especially U$A, ordinary Americans are being sh0t, rising gun crimes, rampant sch00l shootings are regular occurrences, black americans are taught to put their hands on the car dashboard during police stop, Karens can report a black dude at anytime, you could get robbed, knifed at any time in any cities, you could loot any shops up to $1000.
Many don't have jobs, homeless, no healthcare, on drugs, huge debts, and the only thing they care about is ability to protest and vote for their presidents.
THAT is Western Freedom and Democracy, completely upside down.
is social credit points real or not lol, i can't find a proper answer. Gweilo 60 said there is. And of course not the western media version of it, that is b.s
it is but they haven't flicked the switch yet to what it's meant to become
That Fila t-shirt is older than me lol
typing correction: not only , not 'only only', and whole world, nit 'whole'
WHAT ABOUT FREEDOM OF RELIGION??????????????
thanks
"Freedom" and "democracy" are just nothing but hollow buzzwords.
I really don't understand the whole political accusations about China not having freedom, if you're the type who doesn't repeatedly disturb the public peace or break the law you will almost never run into the authorities. Chinese people are quite free you certainly can criticize the government for legit reasons, you can even protest as long as it's within the law where you don't cause any obstruction, cause public panic or unrest or try to overthrow the government. That is the extent of your lawful rights so I think that is all common sense . There are even official channels for complaints and report issues with the local government. Chinese people are reasonably free, Individual freedom is really something else and it's something people seek on their own, the government is only concerned about public safety. There no mysterious disappearances as claimed in these boogie man stories, obviously if you break the law you will be arrested and find yourself locked up. I don't how that is different in any country especially in the U.S that has the worlds largest prison population.
Seems to me that a Global definition of the term "Freedom" might be a ggod idea?