Letter from Shanghai: Reflections on China in 2024 - #73

[@jamesho8820]

Fantastic report. As an ABC, I too, just recently returned from China, the third trip in the last year. It is gratifying that your observations parallel those of mine and most definitely are not that of the dystopic, oppressive society as portrayed in Western media. Perhaps a bit of projection? In spite of the recent economic downturn, which is to be expected for any economy, there is still a perceptible electricity within China. Something that I first experienced 40 years ago when I was a young med student visiting from the US. China has come so far in such a short period of time and never ceases to amaze me. I am planning yet another trip with my brother, sister-in-law and possibly my 80+ mother so that they may share in my awe of China!

[@johnsmith100]

May I please ask what does ABC mean in the context of your comment above? Thank you.

[@tongwong3566]

Can I interject that ABC is an abbreviation of American Born Chinese.

[@johnsmith100]

@@tongwong3566 Thanks for the clarification.

[@kooisengchng5283]

For years, official US refused to believe in the existence of the high speed rail. Until the thousands of Americans returning from China with tales of the maglev train forced the official US to admit that it existed!. Such is the xenophobic mindset of official America.

[@kooisengchng5283]

@@tongwong3566 It also the abbreviation of Australian Born Chinese.

[@johnsmith100]

It’s nice and refreshing to watch a video that is narrated by a human being rather than an AI narration, not to mention that this human being is also a very pleasant person to listen to and watch, and of course the content is so important. Thank you very much for uploading this video, I enjoyed watching it.

[@Praisethesunson]

Went to Bejing in 1997 and again in 2022. The difference was staggering. Easily the most expansive and comprehensive public transit on the planet. China obviously has it's problems but the improvements it has made as a state and improvements in the lives of the population cannot be understated.

[@GoBFree]

Over the last several years I have been planning to travel to western China, so this is very timely. Thanks. My daughter lived in Beijing and Shanghai for three years, so I traveled extensively along the east coast and fell in love with the people and the culture. Chinese and Americans are so similar in many ways...ambitious, hardworking individuals. I will add Kunming and Emerald Mountain (with oxygen!) to my itinerary.

[@griffinjosh7183]

Yunnan is scenic and beautiful.

[@lucyng-pellicioli916]

Thank you for such an engaging commentary. It's a long video but I was totally immersed - you are a great story teller! I was especially moved by the story of you searching for your father. Also, I was in all the places you mentioned just last summer.

[@eriktan9654]

Hi Stephen, new subscriber here. The story of your father’s connection with 西南联大 and how you discovered this link between your family and the legendary history of the Chinese people’s struggles is truly beautiful. I’m a PhD student in the humanities here in California, and I also spent two years studying at UO back in 2017. Although I was born and raised in Shanghai, I’ve become very Americanized in terms of mentality and lifestyle. Because of this, I really resonate with some of your attitudes and sentiments toward China-it’s the new frontier, the future, but it also faces so many challenges, much like the U.S. does. As you said, the biggest event unfolding on this planet over the next few decades is the Sino-US competition. As someone with ties to both of these great nations, I feel, in a way, a profound sense of historicity at this moment, along with my place in this process. I don’t like Trump, but I don’t want to see him lose either-the whole deep state (which isn’t even that deep) is the common enemy of people around the world. Anyway, I just got a little sentimental listening to what you said. Cheers, and enjoy the rest of your time in China!

[@geixiong5749]

Quite a story , indeed so you're as American as anyone can be . I'm glad that you finally reconnected with your father through a spiritual journey ...well done , you are at peace . Yes , too many so called American have been exposed to the fake narratives on the cultures and social structures outside the US that their mentalities and thought processes are shock to stanage . Most are close minded so ignorance becomes their attitude..I have been living in the States for the last five decades..I know very well how the political systems operated in the States . Democracy ...? On most occasions I would argued against anyone who speak of it on behalf of the United States. But not this particular moment in time . I took have generations connected to China so I knew how both Chinese and American think accordingly with the environment they grew up in . Have a safe trip .

[@eriktan9654]

@ Thank you. I completely agree with your criticism of the political structure in the U.S. Many of my peers believe in this system blindly, just as you mentioned. Yet, our education here (especially in California) provides us with excellent intellectual resources to critically examine this imperial system, which wears the mask of democracy and progress. That said, I’m still grateful for these resources and for how American society has made me deeply aware that I am Chinese, not American-something that remains the ultimate dream for some of my Chinese friends here, even though this realization came in a traumatic way. After graduation, I’m planning to return to China to teach. I hope to share my experiences with the younger generation and help them overcome the collective trauma that has burdened our nation over the past two centuries.

[@kooisengchng5283]

Those who travel frequently to China will notice that China changes from year to year. There is improvement in every sphere of life. There is no way US can keep up with this kind of improvement. No wonder US has to hobble China in every way it can.

[@adriansaw8329]

You assume this can continue. Just as 10% growth can continue.

[@davidk6269]

53:12 another argument for why one with the means to do so should seriously consider traveling to China in order to better calibrate one's understanding of China is that having a better, more accurate understanding of China untainted by the bias of vested interests that influence our media coverage helps one to hold our government officials accountable for their policies towards China, which arguably is an existential matter for all of us.

[@lynnwandering581]

native chinese here, your story about 联大 is great, 联大 is a high point in our intellectual and academic history, the migration itself is incredible story, your dad surely lived a magnificent life.

[@ManifoldPodcast]

infoproc.blogspot.com/2008/04/hsu-scholarship-at-caltech.html x.com/hsu_steve/status/1855409317937098864?t=6G46ldEw3KHQE0w7S4flOA&s=19

[@semqueixas]

Since the first manifold video I watched, I became a follower. It's always full of good and trustful information and analysis.

[@juliegrimme]

Oh I'm enjoying your presentaiton. I just came back to the states after two weeks traveling around the bay area in the Souht. Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and flying to Hangzhou. So quiet, kind, honest,, hard working people. Such a pleasure to be there.

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

First timer. Superb. Thank you. Best wishes. BTW “ miscalibrated.” Excellent word.

[@7eventh7ense]

the photo of your Dad in Yunnan - what a discovery for your family! I really hope to visit Yunnan some day.

[@pkrit]

Thanks for sharing your experiences in China. I have been to China many times this year but for business and leisure only. It is very interesting to hear from your perspectives involving academia there. BTW I lived in Kunming for 3 years from 2005-2008, it's a great place.

[@jwchen6952]

As a UM Wolverine, it takes a lot to give you a thumbs up, but I thank you immensely for your candor and realism about the challenges facing the most important relationship in the foreseeable future.

[@wuhui]

Have been following you on X, Prof. on your trip to China. Thank you for the more detailed description here even if you cannot divulge the confidential parts. Wonderful to know you had a great time especially the emotional part about tracing your dad's history there. The only disappointing part was that you didn't film yourself shouting, "how you like them apples Pettis!" While riding the fabulous HSR to yunnan 😅.

[@yuqin405]

Well done, applause from Toronto

[@shinlee2579]

Amazing

[@Sans-4-b3y]

Very insightful video...thanks Steve! Superlative perspective beyond the noise.

[@YellowboyRickLee]

very insightful, suspenseful and interesting info, thank u!

[@lianjunma914]

Thank you for doing what you do. You are by far my most trusted source of information in this chaotic world. Keep up the amazing work. Wishing to meet you in person one day.

[@Chebyshev-h7f]

Thanks for the recalibration on China. It sounds like life is getting better for everyone there, and quickly!

[@SarinderPrakashkarindia]

that is amazing! thank you!

[@jondoh9414]

Biking across Xinjiang lol. Yup, that's Jerry's Take on China. Excellent channel if you want to know more about China. Highly recommended.

[@tonyscene9796]

Thank you - for sharing .. thank you

[@MrGuitar1975]

Thanks to your Dad❤! Respect 🫡👍👍👍

[@JianYZhong]

He Jiankui should have sought endorsement from his peers vs going alone, but I do admire him for being willing to “take responsibility” and agree he will ultimately be vindicated. Hope he gets vindicated in his life time, and one day wins an award for his work.

[@Po-village-chief]

love to listen to a real smart guy as always. quality info and analysis

[@ZenLH]

Interesting report and insightful commentary 👍👍👍👍

[@cosmicdancer]

Dear Professor Hsu, thank you for your work and positive influence. I somewhat share your sentiments in Trump’s remarkable victory. I just want to add that at an advanced age, he overcame 2 impeachments in his first term, and 2 recent attempts on his life. Of course, you’ve already mentioned the court cases against him. Having said that, I must add that a narcissist is not what I want for a president.

[@shirleyzhou8697]

Just want to point out that Nankai University, not Nanjing University, was one of the three members that formed Southwest Associated University (西南联大）. Nankai University was and is still located in Tianjing. Nanjing University was formed in 1952 and is located in Nanjing.

[@StephenHsu]

My bad! Not familiar at all with that university, although I have visited the other two. Thx for the correction.

[@yuchenliu2676]

作为一个南京大学毕业生，我要指出南京大学历史可追溯至1902而非1952年😊即便你觉得两江高等师范与现在的NJU关系不大，至少不能否认南京大学和国立中央大学的承继关系吧

[@yuchenliu2676]

顺便说句，我媳妇是天津大学的，就在南开隔壁，天津人习惯把南开大学叫南大，我过了很长时间才适应😂

[@fox2004yuan]

The purchase power of RMB is 2.5-3 fold better than the current exchange rate with US dollar! This means either RMB is undervalued, or US dollar is overvalued...

[@heckcheck1022]

It’s undervalued because the CCP maintains strict price controls, so that they may stay competitive with exports. Which is actually precisely the opposite of what the domestic Chinese economy needs. Chinese lack internal consumption. Not good. America by comparison has a free floating currency. The Chinese are simply too scared to allow the Yuan to be free floating. China will never give up strict price controls of RMB, thus can never replace US dollar. China’s leadership knows this.

[@moustaphadiallo600]

Or both?

[@callas60]

Phenomenal report, very insightful.

[@stvdmc2011]

Great on the ground report.

[@gl9249]

Excellent, very interesting.

[@stanbimi]

Many insightful observations.

[@moss5427]

You wouldn't know from pictures and videos of Yunnan that it's ranked as the second or third poorest Chinese province. That gives you some perspective.

[@yuchenliu2676]

Yun'nan ranked at 23rd out of 31 provinces on GDP per capita in year 2023, it's below average, but not that far off.

[@georgelee6857]

Without doing Tonya Hardin on China, no way can US compete

[@lvxsupclub6001]

Wow I wish I am a physicist so I can have cool vacations like yours.

[@fannyalbi9040]

😂😂😂

[@wolf-man-bear-pig-torque]

A nice informative video, and good to hear you had a fulfilling trip to China. It is worth a trip, or several trips considering the size and diversity in that country.

[@davidk6269]

33:32 it was at this timestamp that Gina Raimondo spitefully gave this upload a thumbs-down. ; )

[@duyataksis5210]

It was at this moment she knew... she fucked up.

[@davidk6269]

@@duyataksis5210 😆

[@666raki]

especially about xinjiang , why are multinational food chains operating in xinjiang?

[@GMATveteran]

With regards to the sense of confidence that the Chinese sci-tech community is feeling about the tech race vs the US - if Trump doubles down on the "China Initiative" (which Trump started in his first term), that sense of confidence will skyrocket from "we'll be able to keep up just fine" to "we will surpass the US for sure".😈😎

[@mandelbrotisfun]

all nice words for China, but not true picture of China. i live in China for my life . anyway thanks . most Americans are honest and straightforward , willing to love and praise other than with jealousy and hatred. indeed China has a lot of issues at the moment domestically.

[@KhelderB]

Yunnan is wonderful isn't it! I went to Jade Mountain in 2018, also was fine without the gas bottle, maybe cause it's quite a short hike up. Can testify to the mobile coverage. On a bus journey to Jiuzhaigou hundreds of kilometres from the nearest city or even large town, there was better than most of central London.

[@georwoogle]

Very informative talk, and the experience to hear, at 5000 meter sea-level, about Trump's win is incredible. 😂

[@888YangJi]

@manifold 两弹一星 Two bombs and one Satellite, means atomic bomb and thermonuclear bomb (i.e. hydrogen bomb). BTW one Satellite already implies ICMB delivery capabilities.

[@StephenHsu]

Thanks for clarifying that. Originally I thought the two bombs were atomic + thermonuclear, as you wrote. When I was in China I asked someone for clarification, but may have misunderstood their answer!

[@SwazzerProductions]

Steve(Manifold) is probably one of the best informed/connected Americans with regards to all facets of scientific and industrial progress in China. This is not to mention his personal connection/lineage to Chinese academia through his National Southwestern Associated University educated father. The US would be stupid not to utilize such knowledge in drafting domestic/foreign policy; and frankly as a multipolarity enjoyer, I hope they continue to ignore people like Steve.

[@ellengran6814]

In regard to US foreign policies, US politicians (also Trump) have made it clear they will try to contain (=starve/coup/bomb) anyone opposing US supremacy (=$ dominance) in the world. Personally I find it strange how americans from different parts of the world support the destruction/containment of their ancestors homeland. I wonder , would I have done the same if my family had emigrated to US ?

[@Danny-sg2zb]

They do utilize Steve. He gets tapped by various think tanks for consultations.

[@SwazzerProductions]

@@Danny-sg2zb The point is that he doesn't have the ears of the top policy makers.

[@lonecandle5786]

His experience in China may have taught him a lot because he talked to important people and spoke the language. But, most people don't learn all that much by traveling to a country. I've been to China and I didn't learn anything significant.

[@fannyalbi9040]

U didn't blend in or it depends on what people you blend in.

[@banarama4144]

Because u are insignificant

[@sickg6417]

wow, your video popped up on my utube feed, and it's very refreshing to watch it but from what you described in the video, i gotta say that you definitely in the agencie's watch list, so be careful

[@achaindia]

两弹一星，are indeed hydrogen bomb, atomic bomb, and one satellite.

[@03mai67]

Not really a competition. Rather a Cold War.

[@SwazzerProductions]

A one sided cold war. China (still) considers it's rivalry with the US to be a competition.

[@danieltam5463]

Let's share a claypot dinner @ your first stop in the US. D Tam, M.D.(ret.)

[@lonecandle5786]

How would he know the extent that the CCP is affecting Chinese KZbin videos?

[@nafaniakuzmin2067]

Is that a good way to pronounce Shanghai in Mandarin? Or just too Americanized?

[@TriPham-j3b]

The god fairness is all equal in proportional of things and value allbthe same fir each countries but size matter and cultrure is important to make the difficult

[@fashionlab7]

If you think 23andme is a good example of scientific research something it is not right. As an user I have seen my data being distorted, contradicting the regions in the report. Maybe it got hacked and they just used replaced my data with social media for proximity? I got tired of dealing with their customer service.

[@cyansadventures]

He said the Chinese version of 23andme. Or maybe your mother was naughty.

[@grsafran]

You are very knowledgeable but your delivery is too slow. Leave out some of the filler in your presentation and get to the point faster. Otherwise good stuff.

[@daniel15726]

My only question to the presenter. Where did you invest in the last 3 - 5yrs and where will you invest in the next 3 -5 yrs.

[@mdcmamahuhu]

CN YANG still alive..104

[@jasonl3254]

I was in China back in 2008 and it was one of the most stressful trips I’ve had. The pushing, the shoving, the crowds, and the lack of wait lines was a bit much. I’m hoping next time I go to China (hopefully within the next couple years), the situation will be much improved. Based on what Steve said in the video, I’m optimistic that would be the case.

[@alanchanhongkong]

Oh, it's totally changed.

[@Chebyshev-h7f]

How can the Chinese government make Chinese people’s money go farther?

[@conniefu3023]

If the gene technology is good enough for human, it should have some applications for pets. If there isn’t one application already mature for pets, eg dogs, then I doubt the case for human.

[@Danny-sg2zb]

It’s a matter of cost and value. A human being takes $millions of investment from the parents in direct and opportunity costs to turn into a moral and productive adult. Puppies cost much less to breed, unlike humans can be euthanized well after birth (sadly) if there are defects, and serve a much more limited and economically less valuable role in their lives compared to a human being. In another example, embryo selection and gene editing is economically used in commercial agriculture and probably will happen for racehorses and racing dogs soon if not already.

[@kapk]

the Economist is pure propaganda.

[@ChrisKirtley]

Watching most reports these days from China, it seems the country is falling apart - bad economy, demographics, environment etc. I cant see it coming back any time soon.

[@lulc4694]

All western bs. They have been predicting the fall of China for 4 decades now. Did you know China bailed out the US during the 2008 financial crisis? Obvs not.

[@guppycolours1199]

China is not perfect. They are learning fast. To become guardian and maintain world peace.

[@fannyalbi9040]

Stupid first line, which country is perfect? Point me one.

[@killa3x]

I want to see hsu debate peter zeihan. He thinks China fall in 5 to 6 years. 😂

[@NottinghamForest-d3w]

no words to describe those shameless american politician ... ' What happened to this Neighborhood? ' ' I've never seen anything like it': Inside the center of the tranq drug crisis ' ' Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Ave Documentary, October 25-26 2023 ' - youtube

[@8p.q8]

你回美国吗？小心哦😮

[@sophiashakti5638]

Shall China become another American state 😂?

[@NottinghamForest-d3w]

any remorse from united states ???! | I Spent a Day in LA's Most Dangerous Hood | | Zombie-like woman found convulsing near abandoned house | | Open AirMarket • Ep 38 | Los Angeles, California [4K] 🇺🇸 | | Pizza & Rodents (Ft. Rebecca Olsen) • Ep 43 | Los Angeles, California | - youtube

[@GlobalDrifter1000]

I took a look. They picked my pocket. Only time after 6 years in asia.

[@cyansadventures]

When was that? Over 10 years ago? Modern China is virtually cashless, all transactions are easily trackable and there are cameras everywhere. I left my wallet on the table at Macdonalds to collect my order and nobody touched it.

[@hw4383]

Your dad did not teach the united university history well to you. Nankai U. went back to Tianjin, not Nanjing.

[@StephenHsu]

Apologies! I know almost nothing about Nakai U. My dad was associated with Tsinghua bc his training was in engineering.

[@SailAcross]

The problem is, in spite of their GDP being 1.5 times the US', their population is about 4 times bigger. The median income in urban China is only about 40% that of the US' overall median. They still need a lot more growth to catch up to the US' standard of living. On a macro level they are impressive, but on a micro level they lack a lot of talent. Where are the Palmer Luckeys and Isaiah Taylors. China wants to raise the population average without massive disparities in income, and they want everyone to do it in unison. I don't think China has it in them to embrace unhinged individualism and full fledged capitalism. If they did I would be concerned, but as it is America can still bide its time. If China is really as high-trust as you say then that may be a concern. I believe a high-trust society is necessary for a socialist/capitalist system to work as intended. If the people trust in one another then they can work more efficiently. If the Chinese gov loosened its stranglehold then the people would have more agency and, I have no doubt, would outcompete every other country in the world. Unlikely though.

[@banarama4144]

Thank God! They are a 5000 year civilization that needs no lectures from people that neither know the language, country or people.

[@alexg7836]

Why do all highly intelligent people support trump?

[@destubbed]

In this case it is because this guy thinks he is a princeling too.

[@gliang9406]

I won't say Trump is great but comparing to the current horde of Democrats and Republicans, Trump is as pure as a virgin.

[@tofuyam7361]

Because Harris is even a bigger fraud created and manage by the media and the democratic elites. Trump was at least "elected" by real people thru the primary and election.

[@alanchanhongkong]

I cant see how any highly intelligent people support Kamala Harris. In fact, quite many intelligent people do not support either of them.

[@Alex-ig2xr]

He cares about the democratic processes, not the end result.

[@Umma1967]

What about the hundreds of millions of poverty-stricken people in the Chinese countryside? You are one in a million in terms of cognitive ability and technical knowledge. Do you think the hundreds of millions of people in the countryside are staying in hotel rooms in Shanghai and giving lectures on theoretical physics? You are out of touch with reality.

[@weiwei8072]

Those no longer exist, extreme poverty in China has been eradicated since 2021. Many Chinese maybe “poor” by western standards but they have shelter food and access to basic services even in the most remote corners. Go visit and try to look for it, or stay ignorant and believe the same propaganda that you’ve been spoon fed for decades.

[@nomercynodragonforyou9688]

That, is clearly false.

[@banarama4144]

They have a better quality of life than yourself and the middle class in your country.

[@InnerSpectrumInsights]

It all depends on your perspective and which location in China. If you just focus on technology, infrastructure, convenience etc, China is the top of the world now, no doubt. But if you look at their food safety, unemployment rate, social benefit, corruption in education and healthcare, hyper rat race (内卷) issue, it's quite unsustainable. Also China is multi tie based society. If you stay in tie 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 vs. rural , north vs. south, east vs west, you will feel completely different and unbalanced society. China is a magical country and no one knows where it's heading toward...

[@markchiu1716]

bs

[@fannyalbi9040]

Your opinions is irrelevant. Sheepish!

[@banarama4144]

Patronizing nonsense

[@Steve-iu5hy]

西南联大！wow！