Honest view on China after 18 years (German POV)

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Miriam, a German who spent 18 years in China working in recruitment, shares her unique perspective on life in China. She discusses misconceptions about the country, including the false notion that foreigners face constant danger or oppression. Miriam also explores China's rapid growth, its adaptive society, and the evolving internet landscape. She reflects on her personal experiences, cultural shocks, and the difference between Western and Chinese ways of life. Despite current economic challenges, Miriam remains optimistic about China's future, particularly in fields like AI and automotive industries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Miriam discusses her 18 years living in China, shedding light on misconceptions in Western media about life there.
• 😀 She highlights how Western media often distorts the reality of China, focusing on negative headlines that drive engagement and clicks.
• 😀 Many foreigners living in China or Hong Kong have an exaggerated fear of the country, with misconceptions about arrest and suppression.
• 😀 Miriam points out the Western-centric view that democracy is the only viable model, while many other models work successfully in different regions.
• 😀 Contrary to the view that China is oppressive, Miriam emphasizes how the country is actually quite adaptive, constantly evolving, and embracing change.
• 😀 There is a misconception that everyone in China works under slave-like conditions and is suppressed by the government, which Miriam challenges by noting the normalcy of life for many people.
• 😀 China’s rapid modernization is evident in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, which can be difficult for outsiders to grasp due to their size and modernity.
• 😀 Safety in China is notably high, with Miriam feeling safer traveling as a woman than in many Western countries, where violent crime is a greater concern.
• 😀 The Great Chinese Firewall, limiting access to global websites, is not an intentional move against foreigners but rather a means of controlling the domestic internet experience.
• 😀 Despite the restricted internet, China has developed local versions of popular platforms like Facebook, Google, and Netflix, ensuring that locals are not missing out on anything.
• 😀 Miriam believes China’s rapid industrial development, especially in AI and automotive industries, will continue to drive its growth, positioning it as a global leader in various sectors.

Q & A

What are some common misconceptions Westerners have about life in China?

Western media often portrays China in a negative light, focusing on extreme cases like foreigners getting arrested or mistreated. However, in reality, these situations are rare and often have legal causes like embezzlement. The general perception is often shaped by dramatic headlines, which aim to drive engagement rather than provide accurate information.

How does China's perception of internet access differ from that of foreigners?

In China, the internet is heavily regulated to manage the domestic experience. Many foreigners feel frustrated by not being able to access global websites like Facebook or WhatsApp. However, the Chinese population is accustomed to local alternatives that work similarly, such as WeChat for messaging, and there’s less concern over the lack of global platforms.

How has living in China impacted Miriam's view of different political models?

Miriam believes that many Westerners view democracy as the only valid political model. However, living in China has made her realize that other models, like China's, can also work effectively, even though they may differ greatly from Western-style democracy.

What is the 'Great Chinese Firewall' and how has it affected the internet experience?

The Great Chinese Firewall refers to China's strict control over its internet access, blocking websites like Facebook and Google. While this limits global connectivity, China has developed local alternatives for nearly every popular global service, making it possible for the population to thrive in their own ecosystem without needing access to foreign sites.

What is China's approach to internet security and privacy?

China's approach to internet security and privacy has raised concerns, particularly around the use of apps like WeChat. Foreigners often face difficulties accessing international services due to censorship, and there are concerns about personal privacy and data security with Chinese software.

What makes China’s pace of change difficult for foreigners to grasp?

China’s rapid development and constant evolution can be challenging to understand, especially for people from more stable and mature cultures like Europe. What one knows about China today can become outdated very quickly, as the country continually adapts to new developments.

What is the ‘China Standard 2035’ plan, and how does it relate to China's future economic strategy?

The 'China Standard 2035' plan is part of China's broader strategy to set global standards according to Chinese criteria. This initiative includes investments in AI, industrial innovation, and creating synergies across various sectors, positioning China to be a global leader in several industries in the coming decades.

How does Miriam feel about the safety in China compared to other places she has lived?

Miriam feels that China is one of the safest places she has lived, especially for women traveling alone. She notes that violent crime is rare, and personal safety is generally not a concern, making it a stark contrast to her experiences in other countries.

What were some cultural shocks Miriam experienced when she first arrived in China?

Miriam found that Chinese society was more open to networking, even among high-level executives, compared to her experiences in Germany, where professional relationships were more formal and rigid. She also found the sheer size and bustling nature of Chinese cities like Shanghai to be a significant adjustment.

What role do Chinese companies play in the global tech ecosystem, and how are they adapting?

Chinese companies are expanding globally, especially in industries like AI and electric vehicles. They are adapting by moving their headquarters abroad to access global information and compete on an international level. This shift is also influencing how the Chinese internet ecosystem is managed, potentially leading to more openness in the future.