@yogthos@mastodon.social
as I said, if the Tongs (perhaps I'm using the wrong terminology) have genuine strength then fair enough

the reality is that many of the evils that concern me, lack of civil liberties, freedom of speech, right to protest etc. appear to be basic assumptions of the Chinese system.

Perhaps their people are happier for it but I am skeptical of their reports that everything is hunky dory, as I am skeptical of reports from my own government.

To bring it back to the source of the debate, the state controlling media and public debate is not grounds for a healthy system anywhere, in my view. If you have credible evidence that the Chinese state listens to and is open to vocal opposition then I'm interested to see it.