You can thank our mainstream media for that. Everything about China has the negatives amplified and positives disregarded as propaganda. From my personal experience, I do see BS from their government, about the same levels as other countries I've lived in.
I'm honestly not sure what to think about that. Not doubting your experiences. I don't exactly blame them for the whole pandemic, either. That's on everybody and nobody at the same time. But without even reading into things a lot of things coming out from them seem pretty questionable. And it's not like there is an alternative explanation to be found that actually makes sense. Instead they seem to like keeping things happening internal as often as possible. There's a consistent lack of transparency that does not inspire trust. When you're a global player and you don't talk about things happening within your borders when it matters, people are left wondering the truth.
And yes, all countries play these games and carry out lies of omission, but China seems to have its own distinctive brand of it. Not nearly the same as the iron curtain, but definitely reminiscent of it. Vibe checks out. People are, I think pretty rationally, going to question what they DO see, knowing how much they aren't being shown. The suspicion isn't exactly for no reason. Doesn't make it all 100% true at all and in fact you can almost assume it isn't.
When I say the world needs to rethink their relationship with China, I'm not referring to shutting them out. Not only is it not possible, but not favorable to anyone. Just creates friction and difficulties that everyone would feel the impact of in a big way. It's just that the way thier own media and government handles information seems to create a whole lot of problems the moment other countries are involved. It's like they don't play by quite the same rules. I don't think other major nations would get away with it. They lie just as much, but the spirit of it is different. The divide is definitely there. China doesn't seem nearly as interested as being a team player with others as others are with them. Less so than in the past, maybe. But other times it seems like nothing has changed. I'm never surprised at the negative attention at all.
