That Snowden chap was SPOT ON says China China is ramping up its war of words with the USA over online espionage, releasing a report by its Internet Media Research Center that – surprise! - concludes Uncle Sam does a lot of spying online. There's lots of pompous language in the report, such as this opening paragraph: “As a superpower, the United States takes …
The main difference seems to be that China advertises that they spy on anyone they can in order to actively discourage any kind of meaningful dissent, whereas the USA tries to pretend that they actually honour a concept called "privacy" while doing everything they can to sabotage any kind of meaningful dissent. The operative term being "meaningful". The USA is more than happy to let the crazies do their ranting, but are quick to make sure that anyone dangerous to their ruling class is carefully vilified and threatened with anything from seclusion in solitaire prison to assassination.
Stunning how to such different (on the surface anyway) political systems seem to have merged in how they want to deal with meaningful dissent.
It's not really so "stunning" that supposedly different political systems both involve suppression of dissent and systematic lying about that suppression. It's the nature of the beast, and I think you'll find that the important independent variable is the size of the state and the consequent power of its rulers. The bigger, the more corrupt, ruthless and mendacious.
I also disagree with your apparent suggestion that different systems are converging. From my point of view, they are all very similar. The only different part is whether (and how) they try to conceal their true nature.
Once more, individuals are Glued, Screwed, and Tattooed. What has changed / will change?
Apologies to all, I can't deal with this BS. Perhaps when I'm sober - then again, perhaps being in an altered state of mind is better than trying to deal with these lumps (although "altered States ( Govts)" would work much better).
No, no! Put down that pickle! (props to Firesign Theatre, and to Raising Arizona for the "title").
So they spy on everything and everyone, but we know the US does too! Whereas:
* --- The attractions and culture are much more interesting (see below)...
* --- The native cuisine is far more healthy and delicious.
* --- Women treat their men better....
Travel suggestions: Hong Kong, The Great Wall, Leshan Park / Big Budda, Longman Grottos, Shangri-la...
Ah, the Rise of China, the Red Tide, etc. etc.
China will rise, no doubt about it, it's happening now. They manufacture nearly everything, they are making their own models and doing their own engineering, and they're even on their way to the Moon. Nobody can say the Chinese industry is a just bunch of copycats anymore.
But to say that their culture is much more interesting is wrong, their culture is different. It is the difference that makes it interesting to us. They have Leshan Park, the US has Mount Rushmore. China has the Great Wall, and that has been a World Marvel since it was built, but the US has the Grand Canyon, which is totally naturally awesome, so tie.
As for native cuisine, I don't much outside of what I find in Chinese restaurants around here, but I have heard of the 100-year egg nest. I can't image that being actually healthy. On the other hand, I can see unhealthy American food every time I go to the supermarket or pass a fast food outlet, so ok, I'll leave you that point there.
But "Women treat their men better" ? Really ? What agenda are you pushing there ? What misogynistic point does that make ? The US has actually made the term "wifebeater" into a proper name for an element of clothing, so I just can't see where you're going with that.
I can't agree about your bullet points but I agree about the travel destinations, and while the commentards are visiting China they should also check out:
* --- Xinjiang region (bring a video camera for extra hidden perks from the police!)
* --- Some fine dining in Cheggong - never have to wait for a seat!
* --- A wintertime jog in Beijing to clear your lungs with fresh, crisp air
Everyone knows the USA won't do business with Cuba. To imagine it might even consider doing so with China is ridiculous!
What a betrayal if it was selling them stuff. You can't smoke an Havana and drink a Coke at the same time in the same place. Imagine all the Vets and NRA men who imagine themselves the last bastion against commnnists if you could do both in China.
The idea is enough to turn you into a liberal pinko.
«And of course let's also note that there's colossal hypocrisy on both [emphasis added, MHD] sides ...», which, of course, explains why our dear Simon points out examples of such hypocrisy on the part of only one side, that of the Chinese - quelle surprise ! And speaking of «hypocrisy», I like that comment about «Snowden allegations» - which would indicate that Simon questions their veracity. Way to go, Simon, can't wait to read more of your impartial and unbiased reporting from the region !...
Henri
"There's lots of pompous language in the report..."
I didn't see any particularly pompous language in the extract you quoted. In fact, as a professional editor, I would be happy to approve it if one of my authors submitted it. Be careful not to attribute faults such as pomposity to statements with which you merely disagree.
"«And of course let's also note that there's colossal hypocrisy on both [emphasis added, MHD] sides ...»"
I think the hypocrisy is hugely more colossal on one side than the other. Remember all the outrage from the US when the Chinese government forced Yahoo to reveal details about certain email accounts and when the Chinese government was accused of breaking into gmail accounts, whilst all along the US government had been forcing US companies to allow them to tap into all communications, and to top it all those same companies were served with gagging orders that prevented them from making public this coercion.
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