Topic: news Expats in China: What Lessons Do They Take Away?

OK, let’s address a few of these statements: “China has inarguably one of the fastest and most sustainably growing economies on the planet.” Inarguably? There are plenty of reports arguing that China’s economic growth cannot be sustained, and/or has already slowed significantly. I don’t think “inarguably” means what you think it means. --- “I love the fact that most Chinese people are very playful.” Compared to North Koreans? I’ve never been to a country with a less exuberant atmosphere or fewer free-spirited people than China. --- “They don't take themselves very seriously.” Are you just picking random quotes attributed to other countries (in this case Australia perhaps) and applying them to China? If you make a joke about Australians, or criticise their leaders, Aussies will be like “Good on ya mate!” or “Too bloody right!” If you poke fun at China (or god-forbid criticise its benevolent leader), the response is an instant retreat into nationalism and denial. “How dare you criticise China? You are obviously biased. You don’t know about our history. Everyone is always picking on China.” Some Americans take criticism of their nation a bit personally too, but China takes it to a whole new level. --- “They care deeply about their family, children and close friends.” And they show it by cutting off their nephews’ ears or gouging out their eyes, flushing female babies down toilets, selling their children in exchange for iPhones, forcing their daughters to marry for the parents’ financial benefit, beating their wives and habitually cheating. That’s LOVE! --- “Chinese people are very passionate.” Once again, wrong country. You’re probably thinking of Spanish people. Most Chinese people are dead inside because their life has been reduced to economic slavery. Chinese people get worked up when arguing about money, and tend to shout instead of talking because they don’t care about other people. Neither is the result of passion. --- “A street cleaning lady returned my husband’s wallet.” A street cleaning lady also picked up that two-year-old girl (a couple of years ago) who got run over twice while 17 other Chinese people walked past and did nothing. There is A LOT to be said for Chinese street cleaning ladies. I seriously hope, however, that your observation wasn’t meant to reflect on the honesty or moral fortitude of normal Chinese people. --- “It is surprising the organization of so many people, transportation and security system. Everything works well.” So I guess you haven’t been to China. The organisation, transportation, etc., works well compared to India, but not compared to any other country on Earth. Hong Kong has much higher population density than mainland China, and everything ACTUALLY works well. This is because Hong Kong people obey the law and respect each other. And because public funds are spent on infrastructure and public services instead of government officials visiting the sauna. --- “Chinese food is the best. I love the intensity of the flavour.” Wait, what… Intensity of flavour? This person must be in India. Or perhaps he was on a strict regimen of soggy cardboard for several years before coming to China. I like a lot of Chinese food (especially zongzi and tanghulu), but unless you grew up on corn chips it is not intense in flavour. --- There are a lot of things I like about living in China. My job is great, I have a lot of time for reading, writing, travelling, etc., and I’ve had some amazing experiences. But this whole article glosses over the fact that China has the most horrendous social problems. It isn’t in the least bit honest about the corruption, greed, dishonesty, inequality, ignorance and xenophobia that underlie all social phenomena in China. Its half-hearted attempts to maintain a sense of culture and mystery are just preposterous.