I was asked a question a while ago and I'm afraid I didn't record who asked it but his name was Terry, and if you see this Terry, I apologise for not recording your handle like I usually do when I respond to a question.
Thanks for a great piece, Jerry. In particular, it reminded me of Hitler's disdain for the "Diplomatic Corps" that he considered totally out of touch, providing close to useless "intelligence" for the very reasons you mention. It's the equivalent on basing your world view exclusively on CNN 😁 Hopefully, I'll make it to China to see for myself but the Orwellian view of an evil Eurasia has never cut it for me.
That's an interesting comment, Jerry. You may be interested to know that I have been working on article on the real causes of the second world war and have read the first volume of Mein Kampf. What I discovered in my researches astounded me and changed the views I had held for about seventy years.
It's amazong what we find when we read what we've been toldis bad for ourselves with an open mind - I'm looking forward to reading your findings Walt, please let me know when they are online
This is a thoughtful and nuanced perspective that really challenges the mainstream narrative on China, especially the views held by prominent figures like Kevin Rudd. What stands out most is the emphasis on lived experience and direct connection with ordinary Chinese people as the foundation for understanding China, rather than relying on diplomatic, academic, or intelligence-filtered interpretations.
I agree with most of what you say. I also lived in China for short-term projects, six months each time.Not as much as you did but longer than most others. Unfortunately , I couldn't hack the language, although I tried very hard. I share your fondness of the Chinese people.
I also voted for Kevin07 and I would dare say that Australia viewed China differently then. I used to work for a university and we were encouraged to collaborate with the Chinese. This started to change in mid-teens. I remember the University admin starting to warn us against collaboration in sensitive areas or dual use technologies, which covered most of engineering. I tried to argue against it at that time to no avail. Unlike you, I see the Albanese government walking a fine line between the US coercion and the Australian interests and I wish them luck.
Your experience and mine arte not so far apart, I was in China when that change happened, you were in Aus, but it was a definite turning point - I had high hope for Albo but so far, he's let me down - I do agree though that he has a chance now and I hope he doesn't blow it because Australia will suffer
Good question, but I would say, people assumed by many, and used by others to gain information on China would be considered experts - people like Gordon Chang are not included in thiis, they are entertainers
THey can wallow in their ignorance - eventually people must question him and question themselves, the only people who will ever believe him are people who want to believe him
I am retired from the Canadian RCMP, travelled to China for 15 years and lived there for eight years. My wife and all our friends were/are Chinese. I agree with your take on China and the "experts" is right on. The Western world is overwhelmed with propaganda and people don't want to hear or read anything they don't already believe.
Cheers Brian, we have some commonalities, I spent 10 years in the British police, 5 in central London and 5 in Essex, very close to London - then moved to Australia as the police were becoming something I didn't want to be part of - I was lucky I'd married an Australian gorl who is still a good friend but now an ex.
I came to China in 2004 and haven't looked back, like you, married to a local here
I don't think Westerners view/dislike/hatred of China will ever change as propaganda is our only source of news...and it is extremely efficient.
I was sent to China by the police college I worked at (my wife of 36 years had died) to study Chinese police training and organized crime. I met a beautiful woman there (her father had been a police officer) and eventually got married and stayed. I had a great career as a detective and intelligence officer, but I would not join the police now.
I have been wondering about a visit, if the sanctions against Russia are ever lifted and I can use the Trans Siberian Express. How hard is it to get around as a non Chinese speaker? I'm already learning a new language so no brain space left for yet another.
Getting to Moscow is not a problem, wherever you are you can link to the following (DeepSeek):
As of my latest knowledge, several airlines are operating flights to Moscow, primarily landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DMO), Vnukovo (VKO), and Zhukovsky (ZIA) airports. However, availability depends on current geopolitical situations and sanctions affecting air travel to Russia.
From China, it's quite possible, in fact easy to use the Trans Siberian Train - it even travels through Xinjiang, which is also easy and free to travel through
OK, I thought you could and actually know people who have done it but it's possible the serives is suspended or has been terminated - I haven't looked into it
I haven't done definitive research but I checked out the man in seat 54 website which is how I normally plan my travels and it says Russia is a no go at the moment due to sanctions and the war in Ukraine. I'll check out your website, thanks. I'm just about to move so if it is possible, now would actually be a good time to go, if possible. Let's see what I can find out.
Thanks for a great piece, Jerry. In particular, it reminded me of Hitler's disdain for the "Diplomatic Corps" that he considered totally out of touch, providing close to useless "intelligence" for the very reasons you mention. It's the equivalent on basing your world view exclusively on CNN 😁 Hopefully, I'll make it to China to see for myself but the Orwellian view of an evil Eurasia has never cut it for me.
I hope you do make it to China and see for yourself - I wasn't aware of Hitlers view - there are a few things Hitler got right in his day!
That's an interesting comment, Jerry. You may be interested to know that I have been working on article on the real causes of the second world war and have read the first volume of Mein Kampf. What I discovered in my researches astounded me and changed the views I had held for about seventy years.
It's amazong what we find when we read what we've been toldis bad for ourselves with an open mind - I'm looking forward to reading your findings Walt, please let me know when they are online
This is a thoughtful and nuanced perspective that really challenges the mainstream narrative on China, especially the views held by prominent figures like Kevin Rudd. What stands out most is the emphasis on lived experience and direct connection with ordinary Chinese people as the foundation for understanding China, rather than relying on diplomatic, academic, or intelligence-filtered interpretations.
Thanks Alexander
Absolutely true! ❤️👍💯
I agree with most of what you say. I also lived in China for short-term projects, six months each time.Not as much as you did but longer than most others. Unfortunately , I couldn't hack the language, although I tried very hard. I share your fondness of the Chinese people.
I also voted for Kevin07 and I would dare say that Australia viewed China differently then. I used to work for a university and we were encouraged to collaborate with the Chinese. This started to change in mid-teens. I remember the University admin starting to warn us against collaboration in sensitive areas or dual use technologies, which covered most of engineering. I tried to argue against it at that time to no avail. Unlike you, I see the Albanese government walking a fine line between the US coercion and the Australian interests and I wish them luck.
Your experience and mine arte not so far apart, I was in China when that change happened, you were in Aus, but it was a definite turning point - I had high hope for Albo but so far, he's let me down - I do agree though that he has a chance now and I hope he doesn't blow it because Australia will suffer
Great piece. So many similarities as "living in Korea" versus "Korea experts" - check out a few on my Substack.
I will, thanks
I guess in Korea tyou also have far too much "American influence"
Real Experts as defined by whom, maybe we start from there
Good question, but I would say, people assumed by many, and used by others to gain information on China would be considered experts - people like Gordon Chang are not included in thiis, they are entertainers
What's sad is I just saw a Post celebrating what Gordon was saying. They even said a Chinese Expert Gordon and I was like what
THey can wallow in their ignorance - eventually people must question him and question themselves, the only people who will ever believe him are people who want to believe him
I am retired from the Canadian RCMP, travelled to China for 15 years and lived there for eight years. My wife and all our friends were/are Chinese. I agree with your take on China and the "experts" is right on. The Western world is overwhelmed with propaganda and people don't want to hear or read anything they don't already believe.
Cheers Brian, we have some commonalities, I spent 10 years in the British police, 5 in central London and 5 in Essex, very close to London - then moved to Australia as the police were becoming something I didn't want to be part of - I was lucky I'd married an Australian gorl who is still a good friend but now an ex.
I came to China in 2004 and haven't looked back, like you, married to a local here
Hi Gerry:
I don't think Westerners view/dislike/hatred of China will ever change as propaganda is our only source of news...and it is extremely efficient.
I was sent to China by the police college I worked at (my wife of 36 years had died) to study Chinese police training and organized crime. I met a beautiful woman there (her father had been a police officer) and eventually got married and stayed. I had a great career as a detective and intelligence officer, but I would not join the police now.
Brian
Interesting story Brian and, like you, I wouldn't join the police now if my life was starting over again
I have been wondering about a visit, if the sanctions against Russia are ever lifted and I can use the Trans Siberian Express. How hard is it to get around as a non Chinese speaker? I'm already learning a new language so no brain space left for yet another.
A visit to China as a non native wouldn't be hard but get a translator on your phone - I promise you, you'll love it
I did the Trans-Siberian in 2012. A six day party. You can take the Beijing route from Moscow.
Film here:
https://rumble.com/v5p1pww-russia-siberia-through-my-window.html
Getting to Moscow is not a problem, wherever you are you can link to the following (DeepSeek):
As of my latest knowledge, several airlines are operating flights to Moscow, primarily landing at Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DMO), Vnukovo (VKO), and Zhukovsky (ZIA) airports. However, availability depends on current geopolitical situations and sanctions affecting air travel to Russia.
Major Airlines Flying to Moscow (2024)
European & International Carriers
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul - IST)
Emirates (via Dubai - DXB)
Qatar Airways (via Doha - DOH)
Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi - AUH)
Air Serbia (via Belgrade - BEG)
FlyDubai (via Dubai - DXB)
China Southern / Air China (via Beijing/Shanghai)
Uzbekistan Airways (via Tashkent - TAS)
Cheers Walt, this is definitely sometihng I'd like to do, the Train across Siberia, with a couple of stops really appeals to me
Thinking of doing it again! Another time I’d stop off at Lake Baikal and maybe a few other places but back then I was going to work!
Thanks. The thing is, I am wanting to use the train all the way and as far as I can find out, that isn't possible at the moment.
From China, it's quite possible, in fact easy to use the Trans Siberian Train - it even travels through Xinjiang, which is also easy and free to travel through
The problem is that you can't get by train to Russia at the moment, not as far as I can see, anyway.
OK, I thought you could and actually know people who have done it but it's possible the serives is suspended or has been terminated - I haven't looked into it
You might want to look here: https://www.russianrail.com/route/beijing-to-moscow
I haven't done definitive research but I checked out the man in seat 54 website which is how I normally plan my travels and it says Russia is a no go at the moment due to sanctions and the war in Ukraine. I'll check out your website, thanks. I'm just about to move so if it is possible, now would actually be a good time to go, if possible. Let's see what I can find out.
All you need to know:
https://www.seat61.com/trans-siberian-railway.htm