高志凯半岛电视台采访精华，全程高能无尿点。｜新闻特写20240812｜

Summary

In this intense dialogue, a Hong Kong dissident challenges claims of free speech in China by asking for criticism of Xi Jinping’s leadership. The discussion covers China’s stance on Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang, highlighting the government's control and the lack of genuine freedom of expression. The debate touches on sensitive topics like ethnic cleansing, the suppression of dissent, and the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian rule. The exchange concludes with the question of whether such open discussions could ever occur in Beijing, under China's strict censorship.

Takeaways

• 😐 The dissident from Hong Kong expresses concerns about the lack of free speech in Hong Kong and the UK, particularly in relation to criticizing the Chinese government.
• 🧐 The speaker challenges the claim of free speech in China by asking for examples of criticism against Xi Jinping, which the Chinese representative does not provide.
• 💡 The representative emphasizes the importance of China's territorial integrity, especially regarding Taiwan and Tibet, while dismissing the opinions and freedoms of the people in these regions.
• 🤨 The Chinese representative defends the one-China policy and dismisses the low percentage of Taiwanese people who support reunification with China, stating it is not their decision.
• 😟 Concerns are raised about ethnic cleansing in Taiwan, particularly towards people of Japanese descent, based on comments made by the Chinese representative.
• 🙄 The representative downplays the accusations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, denying the scale of detentions despite not providing specific numbers.
• 😶 The representative avoids answering direct questions about the number of people in detention in Xinjiang, instead offering vague responses about the situation.
• 😑 The issue of disappearing Chinese officials, including the former Foreign Minister and Defense Minister, is highlighted as evidence of the lack of transparency and accountability in China.
• 😕 The representative insists that criticism in China must be constructive and not negative, indicating that free speech is heavily restricted.
• 😬 The discussion ends with a pointed question about whether a similar open debate could be held in China, to which the representative admits that criticism of the president would not be allowed.

Q & A

What was the main concern raised by the dissident from Hong Kong?

The dissident expressed concern about the lack of freedom of expression in Hong Kong and the UK, fearing that speaking out could endanger others. They challenged the claim that there is free speech in China by asking for examples of Xi Jinping's mistakes.

How did Victor Gao respond to the question about Xi Jinping's mistakes?

Victor Gao avoided directly criticizing Xi Jinping. Instead, he suggested that the Chinese government, including Xi, needed to take more prompt actions to address China's aging population and demographic decline.

What analogy was used to criticize the lack of freedom in China?

The analogy used compared China's strict control over its citizens to a dictatorship, where there is no room for public criticism of the government or its leaders.

What was Victor Gao's stance on the issue of Taiwan?

Victor Gao argued that Taiwan is an integral part of China and that reunification must be achieved, regardless of the opinions of the Taiwanese people. He emphasized China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

How did the host challenge the legitimacy of China's political system?

The host questioned the legitimacy of China's political system by highlighting the lack of opposition in elections, citing the unanimous vote for Xi Jinping with 2,952 votes in favor and none against, suggesting a lack of true democracy.

What did Victor Gao say about the criticism of China's human rights record?

Victor Gao dismissed the allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, arguing that the accusations were based on false information from discredited organizations. He insisted that the people in Xinjiang are happy and enjoy their lives.

What was the response when asked about the disappearance of Chinese officials?

Victor Gao acknowledged the disappearance of officials like the former foreign minister and defense minister but justified it by claiming that corruption needed to be dealt with swiftly. He did not provide details on their whereabouts.

Could a similar open discussion, like the one in the UK, take place in China?

Victor Gao claimed that a similar open discussion could take place in China if it involved constructive criticism. However, he admitted that direct criticism of the president would not be tolerated unless it was positive and aimed at improvement.

How did Victor Gao justify China's stance on Tibet?

Victor Gao argued that Tibet is an inseparable part of China, and that the current situation is a 'mega trend' that must be accepted. He emphasized that anyone advocating for Tibetan independence would not be allowed to return to Tibet.

What was the reaction to the idea of free speech in China?

The discussion highlighted the restrictions on free speech in China, with the host pointing out that true freedom of expression, as seen in the UK, would not be possible in Beijing due to the government's intolerance of criticism.