Thread by @swardley

X : Did you know that the Chinese military delivered food and medical supplies in locked down areas?
Me : Yes but I recently learned that it was expected, such is the trust within their Gov.
X : Expected?
Me : Yes. Hence the confusion over locked down in the US.
X : Eh?

Me : So, what I didn't realise is that when US started to lock down, there was an assumption in Chinese commentators that food and medical supplies would be delivered by the US Gov to those homes locked down because ... well, that's what you do obviously.
X : Really?
Me : Yes.

Me : A friend of mine just pointed this out. I knew the sense of community is very different in China than the US which is more a collective as in gang of "individuals" rather than a community. I didn't appreciate how much it contributed to misunderstanding.

Me : There's a much greater emphasis on community and equality in China than in the US which is more focused on individualism and materialsm.
X : Equality is a core value in the US.
Me : Hmmm, only in the sense that my dollar is as good as your dollar.

X : Do you agree with communism?
Me : No. I agree with using mixed economic tools as per China's approach but we're talking values here (i.e. beliefs) and not economic systems.
X : You agree with China's values?
Me : No but we can learn something from it and question our own.

Me : We still need to have that Me vs We discussion in the UK. It's quite clear that we need that national conversation on values especially since our political Government seems to be giving up on integrity, fairness and respect for the law.

X : What about the Uyghurs?
Me : Well, that is exactly why I don't agree with China's values and we should continue our efforts demanding unfettered access for UN representatives.

X : What values should we learn from China?
Me : Well, to answer that would be as an individual and maybe the value we most need is more collectivism. Maybe not. Either way, the only sensible answer you well get is from a citizens assembly. We should do that.