In a previous article I had mentioned what I like about the Chinese civilization. In this article I will list out what I dislike about China.
- The first thing I dislike about China is the fact that it is not a democracy and is a dictatorship, ruled by the CPC (Communist Party of China). I cannot understand how a great civilization and culture like that of China allowed a person like Mao Zedong to become a dictator and rule the entire nation.
- In Sceptical Essays, Bertrand Russell made the following point – There is one serious defect and only one in the Chinese system, and that is, that it does not enable China to resist more pugnacious nations. If the whole world were like China, the whole world could be happy; but so long as others are warlike and energetic, the Chinese, now that they are no longer isolated, will be compelled to copy our vices to some degree if they are to preserve their national independence. But let us not flatter ourselves that this imitation will be an improvement.
- The Chinese have learnt the above lesson a little bit too well and have made their nation into the factory of the world; they have a military which is surpassed only by the USA and are intent on flexing their military and economic muscles at this time (mid July 2020). It is all very well to preserve national independence but when an entire nation of more than a billion people focuses on retribution then it is scary and dangerous. Which brings me to my next point –
- The Opium Wars – I am not 100% certain and I will be happy to stand corrected but I think that the Chinese have a chip on their shoulder because of their defeat by western powers during the Opium Wars. The youth of China suffered due to Opium addiction as a result of defeat in these wars and a number of unequal treaties were imposed on China by Western nations (resulting in concession of territorial and sovereignty rights). I think that the leadership of China is still seeking retribution from the world for these humiliations and misfortunes.
- The human rights record of China is bad and its treatment of Uyghur Muslims reflects that. At least 2 million Uyghurs are locked up (according of a Google search). This figure includes children in special boarding schools. Such an event would never be possible in a democratic country.
- The annexation of Tibet by the Chinese army in the 1950s is a blot on the great nation.
- Lastly the origination of COVID-19 virus in China which has led to immense inconvenience, aggravation and loss of life in nations all over the world. And if it is established that the pandemic was deliberately engineered it could lead to a war between nuclear armed nations. The death toll in western countries due to the pandemic is much higher than that of many wars that were fought during the 20th century.
I will write a concluding article on China and post it this week. Stay tuned.
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