It was an absolute honour for me to return to my alma mater and to talk about mainland China’s democracy movement.
I was touched by the willingness of mainland Chinese, Taiwanese & Hong Kongers in the audience who engaged in a respectful dialogue about a democratic way forward.
I was touched by the willingness of mainland Chinese, Taiwanese & Hong Kongers in the audience who engaged in a respectful dialogue about a democratic way forward.
During the talk at SOAS I learned something myself.
When answering audience questions I realised that while many Taiwanese and Hong Kongers *think* that they know much about mainland Chinese society, they actually don't, mostly due to the lack of personal experience /1
When answering audience questions I realised that while many Taiwanese and Hong Kongers *think* that they know much about mainland Chinese society, they actually don't, mostly due to the lack of personal experience /1
The same is true for many young students from mainland China.
They often assume that they understand their own culture and society. But due to their young age they often have not yet engaged in community affairs or public policy and thus lack first-hand experience /2
They often assume that they understand their own culture and society. But due to their young age they often have not yet engaged in community affairs or public policy and thus lack first-hand experience /2
To avoid any misunderstanding: I am saying this not to critique the lack of experience among young students.
But think about it this way. Culturally & linguistically, I am German. But without studying German literature and history, my understanding of Germany will be limited /3
But think about it this way. Culturally & linguistically, I am German. But without studying German literature and history, my understanding of Germany will be limited /3
Not everyone will have the time, energy and resources to study contemporary China, e.g. at the university.
But everyone can engage in what I call a 'learned conversation'. I have learned a lot simply by talking to people. Cab drivers, hawkers, professionals, politicians etc /4
But everyone can engage in what I call a 'learned conversation'. I have learned a lot simply by talking to people. Cab drivers, hawkers, professionals, politicians etc /4
I cannot recount how many conversation I have conducted with people from all walks of life in Mandarin Chinese.
I have spoken extensively with the poorest of the poor, e.g. migrant workers in Ningbo, just as I have discussed political reform with high-ranking CCP cadres /5
I have spoken extensively with the poorest of the poor, e.g. migrant workers in Ningbo, just as I have discussed political reform with high-ranking CCP cadres /5
These in-depth conversations have honed my thinking about mainland China's society.
And this is something everyone can do. 1-1 conversations allow us to speak more openly and without having to fear that someone will reveal what we just said /6
And this is something everyone can do. 1-1 conversations allow us to speak more openly and without having to fear that someone will reveal what we just said /6
This is why 1-1 conversations between Taiwanese, Hong Kongers and mainland Chinese citizens are so important.
It allows everyone to have an uncensored and open-ended conversation. This way everyone can learn something new /7
It allows everyone to have an uncensored and open-ended conversation. This way everyone can learn something new /7
In my view it is very important that our friends in Taiwan and Hong Kong do not give up on mainland China.
Yes, the political system is awful. I also think the CCP must go. But in the meantime let us engage with like-minded people in mainland China. They exist /8
Yes, the political system is awful. I also think the CCP must go. But in the meantime let us engage with like-minded people in mainland China. They exist /8
I have explained my thinking on this issue in greater detail in my article for @ChinaFile end of May 2019 /End
chinafile.com/reporting-opin…
chinafile.com/reporting-opin…
@ChinaFile Unroll @threadreaderapp
