What the West gets wrong about China! Four main misconceptions about China.

[@cmsoon8]

The gist of Chinese culture is simply this : my grandfather wanted my father to have a better life than him and my father wanted me to have a better life than him. And now I want my children to have a better life than me. For my children to succeed I have to provide them with the proper education together with our cultural values and most importantly the value of hard work. By cultural values I mean the appreciation of the family unit, the respect you give to your elders and the ultimate ambition to be your own boss in business. To the Chinese this is the true meaning of freedom.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@Andy-P]

Very similar to Western culture. I want my children to have a better life than myself

[@elsagelympne7943]

Well said

[@drumpfdon760]

​@@Andy-P then, what you do?? Give them more freedumb!! hahaha...

[@wnklee6878]

@@Andy-P The difference is that our Western leaders are mostly corrupt and incompetent.

[@ckong676]

I think a lot of time, US and the west choose not to understand China. Simply, they (US) wanted to maintain its hegemony

[@Andy-P]

Indeed. Why should they bother apart from diplomats and alike? and most deffinitely yes the US wants to remain No1 like all the No1's before it. China wants to be No1. Like all the No2's before it. Including America

[@ahha2744]

More than choosing not to understand, but choose to distort the truth.

[@Andy-P]

@@ahha2744 In the west there is a free press so all sides get a voice. Not in China. The press can publish news & views to an extent as long as Xi isn't criticised along with CCP policy.

[@gracelim2336]

US = Greed and Pride = Follow LucyFer

[@condorX2]

^Good points They want China stay poor. Britain waged a brutal war on China in the 19th-century because Beijing refused to allow the British to flood the Chinese market with opium. As a result of that event, known as the Opium Wars, China was defeated and humiliated by the British and, among other degrading acts, forced to cede the historic Chinese region of Hong Kong to the British Empire. For approximately 150 years, Hong Kong was a colony of a ruthless colonial power in which London implemented its dictatorial will in the Chinese region through a British colonial governor there who enjoyed a luxurious and conceited lifestyle on soil which was being exploited by London, even though it was not Britain’s to enjoy in the first place. These HK youngsters have no idea how HK was under British rule. The Brits treated HKers like 3rd class citizens. All the wealth was stolen from HK and taken back to England. All the high colonial government officials, including the governors, all retired very rich men. The early governors even took part in opium smuggling. There were all sorts of draconian laws like Emergency Regulation 31, which allowed the governor to order anyone to be imprisoned without trial, for one year renewable. If the riots we're seeing today had happened under Britain, they would have been shut down immediately under the Public Order Ordinance, which allowed the Brits to ban demonstrations and arrest anyone before they even started the protest. The public did not get to vote for the governor, he was appointed by the UK prime minister. At least now, there is a limited election to elect the Chief Executive. Only in the last 20 years of rule did Britain give HK more freedom, and that's only because they knew they were leaving. -- Flux Mulder

[@albertli3935]

It is very amazing to see a Westerner 's ability to analyze and dissect the soul and spirit o Chinese culture and system in such a detailed way. Amazing!, Pascal , you are brilliant Chinese expert. Keep doing the great work! I always like your positive tones and prospective about everything in China.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks Albert!

[@nancytay648]

LET IT B, FREEDOM MUST HAVE A LIMIT NOT I OUT ANY CONTROL... JUST LIKE OTHERS FREEDOM HAS NOT LIMIT,ITS DANDEROUS, FREEDOM TO DO WHATEVER PPL GO OUT OF CONTROL, ITS LIKE MADNESS OR INSANITY--------

[@daddyjo2182]

Your perception about China is true and correct, but the US politicians never want to listen.

[@agoodchow]

It is USA politicians + USA media + USA citizens ie. entire USA public Never want to listen.

[@noelborbon6155]

And mostly with Cold War era mentality. This is NOT THE SOVIET UNION OR DPRK/NORTH KOREA LIKE WHAT THEY THINK.

[@Shenzhou.]

You're correct that Chinese tend to be curious and willing to hear out new ideas. China's society may be closed, but the people tend to be open-minded. Whereas Western society may be open, but the people tend to be close-minded. Many Westerners are exposed to new ideas, but some (not all) tend to stubbornly stick to their own views.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks Shenzhou!

[@weizhang2834]

Chinese society has never closed , do. Not make more misconceptions

[@Shenzhou.]

@@weizhang2834 Not fully closed if that's what you mean. But it's undeniable that China's society doesn't have the same level of exposure to new ideas as Western society, yet the people are more open-minded and receptive. Whereas Western society is fully exposed to new ideas, but the people tend to be more close-minded and tend to stick to their own views.

[@justify3733]

China now is not a "closed" society by using any metrics you care to invent.

[@Shenzhou.]

@@justify3733 It's no secret that China doesn't have the same level of exposure to new "radical" ideas that the West is flooded with (i.e LGBTQ, Flat Earthers, etc). The government maintains a degree of control over such controversial issues through censorship, but the people of China tend to be open-minded and curious about such ideas. Whereas the West is literally flooded with those new ideas, but the people tend to be close-minded and stick to the view that they agree with most.

[@johannbrauer9285]

Again, an excellent analysis from Pascal. Here is an interesting example of control and freedom in China: About a year ago, I was teaching English in Dongguan. They detected one (1) case of C-19 (unfortunately a foreign teacher). The whole city was tested in about 24h (~8M people). I got a text message on my phone that said that there was a temporary testing station in my garden (gated community) and that my testing time was between midnight and 1am. I went out and waited in a line that was about 30 minutes long. There was a small store open next to the line, so I went in and bought two beers. I drank the beers while standing in the line (not a very classy move). No one said anything. One couldn't do that in the US. No one complained, and no one looked frustrated. They knew that the government was providing them a free test in the middle of the night to make sure that they were safe. As a result of the testing sweep, they found two more cases. The whole city was tested again after two days. That is the government working for you, not the other way around.

[@tonysu8860]

On the other hand, In Western countries, we have access to vaccines which work well enough to achieve herd immunity which is when a virus can't threaten the entire population even if not everyone is protected or behaving properly. Because of our vaccines which China refuses to acknowledge probably due to national pride, practically all Western countries have reopened thier economies without fear of mass infections that would cause an overwhelmed healthcare system and resulting death and injury. China on the other hand is on a path of perpetual cycles of testing and lockdowns unless and until a domestic effective vaccine is developed in order to avoid potential mass deaths and injuries. The future for China is bleak unless the CCP swallows national pride and negotiates for access to Western vaccines or magically develops one of its own.

[@derekeano]

The best part is when they make testing mandatory and restrict travel. And restrict people from earning a livelihood or even buying groceries. I love my economy firmly in the hands of the government and central planning really is the best!

[@johannbrauer9285]

@@derekeano - That is just not true. Groceries are delivered to your door and the restrictions are nothing that one could learn from the MSM. I have lived here for 6 years and even during the initial lockdown one could go out and buy groceries every two days or have them delivered to the gate. After that I have been in a "mild" lockdown for five days, The MSM wants to make it a much bigger issue than it really is and it has saved at least 4M people's lives. (Using the US as a measuring stick).

[@iamgroot1948]

Another insightful video. Misconceptions come from 2 words: prejudice and ignorance.

[@PascalCoppens]

Very much.

[@iamgroot1948]

@@PascalCoppens Hi Pascal, I saw many comments compare China to a company. I think maybe you can do a video from that perspective. Here is my gist: there are 3 types of companies, matching to 3 types of government/society - oligarchy (the US): investor(s) hold all, command all and get all. They influence the public so actually the majority (including the middle class) work for them. The executives lie from time to time to keep their jobs. - public-owned (many western EU): the public holds the majority of the shares. They will betray the executives when there are problems and another executive promises more. That's why their politics sway from time to time and progress stagnates. - member-owned (China): like the Huawei company, 99% shares are held by the collective body of all employees. That means, who works/fights for the company benefits from the profit. So employees don't betray the company and the executives don't have to lie to get elected - their performance is everything. I may not be completely correct but I hope it provides another perspective. Thank you for speak for China.

[@เจนทัศน์เชวงเศรษฐกุล]

Plus arrogrant.

[@ratnabahadurgurung9850]

Fantastic analysis by mr. Pascal i agree hundred percent with you meritocracy.

[@gracebremer5583]

"Corruption" exists in both Eastern and Western societies. * The difference is that the West can legitimize "corruption" because "candidates" need the support of rich people or powerful financial organizations to win elections". So when "one "candidate" wins an election, the people behind the election , i, e. the riches can make their "wish become the law" even if it's unfair to others. This is what I call Western society legitimizing corruption.

[@Rippinkitten18]

when they do it, it's called "lobbying" hypocrites.

[@noelborbon6155]

Throughout human history and civilizations, corruption generated by greed and hubris of government officials are the root causes of every downfall

[@nelsonc3984]

That's why the USA is governed by Robin Hood in reverse - rob the poor to pay the rich.

[@ilipika4105]

most politicians in the west are proxy of the rich and powerz

[@Shenzhou.]

The two governments (central and provincial) actually work together to drive policy. The central government is responsible for all of China and makes long-term plans for China's future, while the provincial government is responsible for the local region and implementing those long-term plans into short-term goals.

[@QQ-hp8mh]

There is a saying in China that guarding the country is the heart of the people. To put it more directly, to maintain the integrity of the country's rights, you must first gain the hearts of the people, and this is why research institutions in Western countries have The research report that people trust the government, the reason why China always ranks first, the Chinese people's trust in the government is between 90 to 98.5%!

[@relaxwhc]

If you believe China is a peaceful and progressive country, raise your hand ✋🙋🏻‍♂️👍

[@ellingwood1651]

✋🙋🏻‍♂️👍

[@justice929]

US been at war since 1945..

[@gshrdy5415]

Peaceful for themselves and not peaceful for others, that is going to be official China policy from now on.

[@ibvocean]

Progressiveness depends on the government; peacefulness, definitely!

[@topsuperseven7910]

I was in the middle of some unpeaceful Hong Kong riots a few years ago. It wasn't that peaceful.

[@emole9511]

Outstanding and realistic on China. How unfortunate that our western mainstream media refuses to broadcast this. 🇨🇳🕊️🙏

[@ACE778]

Cuz their government controlled the mainstream media of Western.

[@ociiu]

For this, I just bought your book even though I know, but you are the most ACCURATE western on this topic!

[@Martincic2010]

Go to China as tourists! You will see that you will have more freedom than anywhere else, walking is safe it's not like the US see a lot of people carrying guns and you can go out at night and feel safe.

[@stvdmc2011]

Cut somebody off or give the wrong look could invite a rage response in the firm of shooting.

[@Andy-P]

"Go to China as tourists!" Zero Covid makes that difficult

[@kennethkeen1234]

Never compare yourself with dogshit. Always compare yourself with what could be possible.

[@fannyalbi9040]

i heard a lot news europe has a lot of pick pocketing. is that true?

[@fannyalbi9040]

@e621keith the police in united snakes too coward to protect the kids in school. Thugs? gives me money, i pretend hear nothing, see nothing

[@hoekeatung1760]

Chinese throughout her thousands year history have Always believed in...A Central Government(Mandate from heaven), has to be a Strong, Responsible and Benevolent government and is given the Authority to bring Order and Peace to Society to enable progress and prosperity. Her deep rooted beliefs in Confucionism where relationships of respect and love for elders, order in family and collective rights are emphasied over individual rights and the discipline of the individual is highly expected both in family society and in the nation, ...and since the family is the unit of society..this sets the foundation of Chinese society and how they see their role within society. Now to enable a strong central governing person or body... meritocracy, experience and abilty are the cornerstones of Chinese expectations. So China's CCP is a totally Legitimate, Admired and Supported Government that is completely suited to Chinese Society. This elected and selected body is unique to China...Westerners find this incomprehensible. Another huge factor standing in the way of Westerners' lack of understanding is their attitude. The West thinks their system of governance is the Gold Standard, a template for every nation on earth so there is no need to understand any other. This is their own undoing. So until they come down from their high horse, nothing can penetrate their minds.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks for sharing

[@高蛋-z2b]

你想多了，根本没什么人关心谁执政

[@hoekeatung1760]

@@高蛋-z2b 中国的历史总是有人关心 也照顾中国的国家.。

[@hyc1266]

@@高蛋-z2b The is the same for most ordinary people in the world, regardless which country and which gov't as long as people can live happily. According to some US/western research, 70% of the people are just followers and lack the wisdom to be be leaders or making correct decisions. So general public election doesn't guarantee people are making the right decisions in choosing a leader or country policy.

[@เจนทัศน์เชวงเศรษฐกุล]

They think they are supremacy. Other is underdeveloped world. This is the same thinking of ancient Chinese who see other as uncivilized .

[@oenhauw1814]

Basically this video explain everything about history , philosophy , cukture , passion and spirit inside china and chinese people in general . Very good . That’s also explained the difference between the east people which tends to learn and respect their elder and mother nature , they learn how to balance life , focus on improving quality of life internally . While The west led by capitalism destroying and take everything on its path to achieve some group of people ‘s prosperity and power to control others by propaganda named human right and democracy . At least that’s what have happened for several decades .

[@WayneLyons]

Aaahh yes nothing says a peaceful and advanced civilisation like blatant racism and ignorance of other cultures while promoting fantasies about your own history and achievement. Congratulations wumaos everywhere, I am now an avowed hater of mainland China. The Taiwanese and Singaporeans are okay,. It's just you brainwashed mainlanders that I can't stand.

[@mitchellselby705]

Respect mother nature? Three of the top five polluting rivers in the world are from China.

[@kevin_mitchell]

There was contradiction in his presentation and that same contradiction is repeated here.

[@derekeano]

Absolutely, capitalism is a bad system. We must return to state centralized economy like under Mao Zedong. Let the government decide what we should produce. We should kill pests like birds and insects. Also make quality things like iron, it’s easy, anybody can make it. It will pull us all out of poverty because capitalism is bad but economies controlled by the state are good.

[@jamie1128888]

No misconception. No misunderstanding. Pure hegemonic mindset.

[@justnow5809]

Another way to say is you have superiority complex?

[@Gangster88232]

Hegemonic mindset which lacks of personal hygiene and eating dogs. Do not think you are worth of existence, mate.

[@hyc1266]

The US/west gov't has no misconception or misunderstanding but they create misconceptions and make their people to misunderstand China with their anti-China propaganda.

[@KampGallery]

@@justnow5809 The best government is where the citizens don't know just how heavy is the burden they carry. It takes three generations, minimum. In that sense the US is way ahead of China. But in another three generations it will catch up.

[@boonteoh2346]

Awesome presentation Pascal, thanks! Understanding China is Vital in today's fractured World. 🤗🤗🤗

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks

[@thyson6136]

Pascal is spot on. I say this as one who has traveled widely in China - from Beijing to Kashgar, from Guangdong to Shanghai, and many places in between. I traveled not as a foreigner guided in a foreign tour group, but as an individual traveling freely just like an average Chinese - by high-speed trains, local buses, subways, cabs, and joining in in some local Chinese tours.

[@PascalCoppens]

We seem to gave similar experiences travelling China. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidli2080]

Meritocracy is the key word to explained the Chinese acceptance of the legitimacy of the GOVT. in other words, the Chinese is focus on substance, Whilst in the West, formality is fundamental important. Our Chinese people ( majority ) believed the Govt should deliver what the ordinary people expected and the Govt should achieve what they have promised to do. We, Chinese want the " Results" whilst in the West quite a lot politicians say one things in the election campaign while doing other when they get into the office. Chinese will see this as " betray" and " Illegitimacy" will denounce these politicians and govts but in the West, its so common. every experts says you have to wait for another 4 year terms to vote this govt out. It is very interesting point that when a politician promised he/she will do this or that to help his country to get the votes. he/she is making solemn statement to the general public. but when he/she do not, he/she is actually tear apart the contract. if one party does not performance the contract why the other party have to keep it? No way to get out from it ?

[@hclau362]

Hypocrisy and double standards are grounded into children in Western schools... the result is there for all to see.

[@sichuan385]

I would believe u haven't I had live in China. China doesn't work the way u presented

[@tonysu8860]

I don't know that people's expectations of their government is that different between China and the US in this case. But the big question is how you rectify a non-performance problem in the Chinese single party system? In a liberal democracy and Republic like the US, if his failings are moderate the person can be voted out and replaced at the end of his term which in most cases varies between 2 and 6 years. If the problems are bad enough, the person can be removed before the term expires by special recall elections. The people that official serves are always the people that decide whether that person stays or must leave. But, what happens if a person doesn't perform in China? Who decides whether the person should be removed, replaced and by whom? Certainly not by the People of the at district. Maybe someone from higher up? But it's unlikely in that case decisions are being made by anyone in that locality, it could be made by by someone thousands of kms away.

[@hclau362]

@@tonysu8860 Don't shroud your anti china bullcrap in fancy theoretical speech. Look at your claims of accountability in USA solving problems. I won't even bother repeating the endless perpetual problems of racism, police brutality, homelessness etc etc.. You swallow those yourself. Your refusal to see that your arguments carry no water is pretty amazing. Brainwashed or muddle brain by being angry with your own skin... I know, dreaming about being White constantly is pretty distressing.

[@WilsonTan]

On the topic of meritocracy, I think when the West looks at China's leadership, they see an authoritarian, a dictator, a despot etc. What they ignore (or choose to ignore) is that Xi or any other political leaders didn't get there by chance or by force, they worked their way up spending years at the county and provincial level. If they hadn't succeeded at those levels and better the lives of the people they served, they would have been taken off. Hence, their rise to the top is considered meritocratic as well as legitimate from the people.

[@PascalCoppens]

True.

[@ACE778]

​@@PascalCoppens Fact.

[@tonysu8860]

A sociologist might opine that running an advanced country is too complex and demanding for a single or few individuals to competently succeed. Maybe decades ago when China had only two main objectives... To feed the people and avoid feudal civil war... Authoritarianism might have worked. But 2021 was a particularly bad year for the CCP... Picking a fight with Australia over Taiwan statements that resulted in embargoing needed coal shipments Poorly estimating how much coal needed to be mined for the country's needs which was influenced by wanting less pollution during the Olympics Coal production further affected by natural disasters including heavy rain that flooded mines Rolling blackouts due in large part to lack of coal and coal prices. RE development sector imploding due to widespread corruption, fraud and poor and non-existent regulation that also exposed China's lack of financial integrity laws Not limited to RE loan defaults, a wider financial implosion that has resulted in accelerating foreign investment flight. This is also part of a 3 year trend of foreign companies including high tech giants evacuating China and relocating elsewhere Continuing crackdown on Internet related companies for both public and perhaps unspoken reasons Recognition that the previous 5 year plan was an utter disaster with hardly anything accomplished so the new, 5 year plan has more attainable goals Implosion of numerous BRI that has been continuing into 2022 Of course, can't ignore Pandemic related problems, everything from company and community lockdowns to port congestion to business going out of business and more... The question is if 2021 was a uniquely bad year or a sign of more failures to come?

[@derekeano]

Absolutely, and especially Mao, he did a great job with pulling people out of poverty, killing the intellectuals and helping children get their parents killed for political crimes. Like he said, it’s worth it for half the population to die so the other half doesn’t need to starve. You can’t break an omelette without breaking some eggs. Mao Zedong was a great leader because he knew that letting people die was what’s best for the country.

[@dryeoh2023]

Pascal, I am puzzled why the people of other countries or any country needs the west or even America to decide what country system is "free"or authoritarian? The USA accepts and never dare to question Saudi Arabia nor reject Saudi regime for their system that are different from your perceived "free". USA is not God and did not have that divine authority to decide what type of govt system is suitable for the people. We Asians do not accept Gun Laws and the freedom to own a gun and kill school children of which America accept that it is their democratic rights to kill, to destroy and conquer other countries and destroy Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, etc. Those days of bullying will end soon and if America needs a war with China I think they are welcome to declare and act. Lets see the outcome. China is not arrogant nor had all the accusation against China by America is of any concern to China. The days of reckoning is near and I am anxiously waiting. Russia has acted and its time China must be brave to act. Lets see. Lets not pretend that USA can be allowed to behave like Satan. Lucifer is ok for Russia and China. Japan had the experience of atomic bomb and Japan is waiting for their revenge by playing the nice guy. Iran will also be ready soon. Nobody wants to be USA enemy but eneugh is enough of the bullying. BTW, Nato will also face the day of reckoning, the Waterloo...

[@PascalCoppens]

I hope a wake up will still happen.

[@dryeoh2023]

@@PascalCoppens Pascal, I agree with you and all your opinion in this video.

[@hyc1266]

"I am puzzled why the people of other countries or any country needs the west or even America to decide what country system is "free"or authoritarian? " It is because the US/west dominates the world massive media in the current. Their anti-communism, anti-Russia and anti-China propaganda has brainwashed almost three generations of people in the world. If not because of the Internet, many of us would be still in the dark and would believe all the lies by the US/UK.

[@horridohobbies]

The bottom-up contribution from the people is the very definition of Chinese democracy. "People power."

[@Andy-P]

Chinese democracy is not democracy in the western sense. No one person one vote. No elections.

[@horridohobbies]

@@Andy-P That's correct. Chinese democracy does not hew to the Western model. Who says the Western model is the right one or the best one? And, by the way, China does have elections, both at the local level and within the party structure.

[@Andy-P]

@@horridohobbies Indeed you can argue if the western model is the right or best one. Western government is democracy. Chinese government is autocracy. Just having one party is autocracy. The mis-use of the word democracy is a concern for the west. Xi himself said to Biden has said the world of liberal democracies is over. Only autocracies can flourish. Biden response to this was that there isn't a democratic bone in Xi's body. Do you think one day there could be an equivalent of the CCP running America?

[@horridohobbies]

@@Andy-P "Just having one party is autocracy." This is indeed the Western view. Pure Western arrogance. What entitles the West to tell everyone what constitutes democracy? China's definition is every bit as valid. I'm reminded of a quote... Julius Nyerere famously said, “The United States is also a one-party state but, with typical American extravagance, they have two of them.”

[@gracelim2336]

Western Democracy = Money Power = DemonCrazy.

[@siewkonsum7291]

Most of the perceptions toward China by the Western democratic governments are generally wrong. Obviously a few thousands years old civilizational nation is more socially developed and culturally refined in terms of people's cohesion, self correction & adaption to the ever evolving environment to live harmoniously in unity, develop and prosper in an orderly fashion thru' peaceful time. The unique Chinese ways of national administration, governance and government cannot be easily copied and adapted by any other countries worldwide as it took a few thousands years to evolve in history.

[@derekeano]

The original Chinese don’t exist anymore. They have been raped, subjugated, and conquered throughout history. The mongols, the Manchus, the Europeans, everyone has had their turn. “Han” Chinese is just a catch-all term at this point. “China has a history of thousands of years.” That’s great but the government doesn’t. The government changes constantly, even foreign invaders take over. Sure, some characteristics of the people and the land itself has remained relatively the same, but that’s not the same thing as a country staying the same country.

[@kth8200]

As a person of Chinese descent, born and bred outside China, I can fully understand, agree and accept your analysis of the misconceptions about China. However, I think it's difficult for the West to grasp these concepts as these concepts were built up through thousands of years of Chinese history and culture. Most important of all, is the West willing to see China through these concepts. Through the media, one can see that the West is often out to draw blood rather than try to analyse or amend the differences. If they are willing, there will be no "Cold War" between China and the West as is happening right now.

[@goChina33]

A very difficult concept to be accepted by the west, I really wonder how many of the west will be as Objective as Pascal, still many many thanks to the research into the nitty-gritty of details, great 👍 work

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks!

[@geapow]

Thank you for putting hard work into this topic, I truly wish nations can cooperate with mutual understandings instead of building conflict out of fear and propaganda. Hope the west can put aside their pride of their own system, and be more objective when it comes to China and the CPC.

[@charlesyang4923]

From what these so-claimed four misconceptions, we can be sure Chinese is good at seeking balance between extremes, which is also tied heavily with the Chinese history and culture. I would like to offer my concluion in short summary that Chinese is always seeking best fitness dealing with force of nature, properness of relationship between people, and rationale or reasoning among dealing business.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks for adding!

[@WayneLyons]

From your ignorance of western culture we can be sure China is a deeply racist and hostile nation that believes itself superior to all others. I would like to offer my conclusion in short summary that China under the CCP is always seeking to lie about any and every small detail and to denigrate other countries at every opportunity.

[@maniaouri2146]

Excellent presentation Pascal. However with all my deep respect for your excellent works, I thing it would be even better if the word ''Regime '' had not been used in certain part of your video.

[@kwoktony121]

I agree the word "Regime" is not that positive. But like Pascal switching between "CCP" and "CPC", his targeted audience are English speaking foreigners, who are able to think out of their framework. So as a Chinese, I wish his wordings could be more precise but right now I'd accept that.

[@eugenec7130]

I think Pascal was trying to reach his audience who are so used to the word "regime" when describing the Chinese Government.

[@sharpwater2]

I think the title, regime, is actually very accurate.

[@jeorge1153]

Precisely, power comes from beneath. When the top is corrupt, people beneath will rise. No government in this world has total control of its people and has power to suppress its angered citizens. Video content is well said. spot on

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks

[@oswarz]

Uncle sam is trying really hard.

[@dovepenrol5955]

Amazing ...your explanation is entirely true, chinese reach advancement through practice and correction , again and again until perfection ...while western through theoritical and application ....thus , this is quite different ... China is keeping advancement bit by bit ,...and the resultante is going right track , while us ,the advancement is depending on theoritical and application ...now when it comes to the application too much debate since usa is liberal ... some debates were useless , plutocracy and unfair ..

[@marioleonl8800]

Change is a constant !

[@pngkk]

Chinese utopian view is to have differences and yet maintain harmony (和而不同). It is different from the approach espoused by others where the utopian view is similar but not harmonious (同而不和), which is quite dystopian in reality.

[@connie01]

i m a Hongkonger born and brought up in Hongkong. I think the west's freedom is selfishness and untamed wildness and create chaos, destroy order. Chinese are diciplined, considerate in a wide perspective. We think it is an honour to contribute to the society. The west's individualism means seperation but Chinese culture is always unification above all.

[@PascalCoppens]

I love Hong Kong, but always wonder if Hong Kong would have been better of today if the Britts would have still ruled it. I am actually not so sure about it. We will however never know.

[@connie01]

@@PascalCoppens Thanks for your concern. Just like many other so-called democratic countries, peopel are torn 50/50 by different political opinions. Half of the Hongkongers, most of them youngsters born after Brtish gone wish British still ruled HK. However half of the Hongkongers, most more mature, rational and practical love our mother country and life here is no second to any other countries on earth. The worst thing is the terrible colored riots in 2019. The riot makes many of us wake up from democratic dreams and lies. We began to realize that the so-called June 4th disaster in Beijing was merely a 1.0 version and the 2019 riots in HK was a 2.0 version plots by the USA. There were all lies and fake news by the rioters. Western medias dominate the fake news. Thanks to the China Communist Party, our life back to normal and safe now.

[@connie01]

@@PascalCoppens I think most Hongkongers admit British did govern HK well and we learnt a lots from them. I like British. However China is our mother by blood, same culture, same language, same pride and same heart and same food. It is different.

[@hyc1266]

@@PascalCoppens Under the British rule, Hong Kong people will be considered as 2nd class citizens even on their own land. The gap between the rich and the poor will continue to widen and there will be little growth in Hong Kong. As it is now that Hong Kong is under the same gov't structure as left by the British due to the "50 years no change policy", Hong Kong's growth is much slower than other major cities in China. Also, under the British rule, Hong Kong people are not citizens neither of China nor Britain, but "subject" of the British colony.

[@tonysu8860]

I would modify your observation, Liberal democracy attempts to harness humanity's instinctual selfishness (No matter what the culture, individuals are most concerned about their own personal circumstances before the community because the pain or joy one feels is personal and immediate. If pain is sufficient, you actually die and no longer exist). Chaos and order is not an evil, it's actually the only way that each individual's ideas can be presented to all and only then the community can decide together what should be the course of action. Suppressing individuals may mean lack of chaos but it will also mean that the group follows only the ideas of very few. In political philosophy, Thomas Hobbes wrote about this centralized authoritarian society where it would require a Leviathan, aka leader endowed with godly powers and insight to efficiently rule the People. Without a Leviathan, an authoritative leadership must make mistakes and decisions will be personal and likely less than best.

[@conh2296]

Chinese culture is very rich. It has more than 5000 years history. It’s more civilisation than any other countries.

[@Gangster88232]

Chinese are eating dogs and they are not aware of personal hygiene. Their existence is insulting to me.

[@Shenzhou.]

Agreed. China is among the world's oldest "continuous" civilization still alive today, whereas other ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Rome and Egypt have since succumbed to history. China has witnessed the birth and death of various other nations, the rise and fall of numerous other empires, yet China has survived the violent passage of time to modern times relatively intact, whereas even Rome eventually crumbled.

[@siahiongngie642]

Pascal, well said in simple English and easy to understand! Thank you.

[@liteupcandle1]

If you really know China, you should know Chinese would be really annoyed when you said we are influnced by our 2500 years of culture. In archaeology point of view, China is recognized world wide from Chu dynasty which date back at least 3000 years, where we inherit "Yi Jing" and Chinese characters, and the system of worshiping our ancestors and etc... It is pretty ignorant to believe Chinese only start forming our own culture from Confucius as if there were nothing exist before Confucius. If you dig deeper you should know China as a rich culture way before Confucius was born, and mostly of the time he is just the person who first systematically put them together.

[@talast2000]

Lol!! Only 3000 years??? I think you just insulted a bunch Chinese already. 20 years ago when I was in China teaching as a foreign teacher, all the college students and teachers stated China has 5000 years of history. 20 years later, it is now 5020 years of history!!!

[@liteupcandle1]

​@@talast2000 If you read at least more carefully you should know, it is not histroy I am talking about here. I don't know why the college let someone with such poor comprehensive skill to teach here, or maybe that's why you are now back to you country.

[@talast2000]

@@liteupcandle1 I read you correctly. You didn't understand my sarcasm. Your arrogant attitude is exactly the thing I am making fun of. Always about having thousands of years of history and being the center of the world. It's the same mentality during the Ming dynasty and the dynasty after that, that caused the hundred year humiliation. No single government is perfect. It's one thing to say the communist government lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese out of poverty to show the benefits of their rule, because that's constructive and a positive argument, it's another to keep trying to show some sort of superiority by saying you have thousands of years of history. That's neither helping nor constructive. You are not trying to win friends, you are merely indirectly implying everyone else is inferior.

[@liteupcandle1]

​@@talast2000 I am using a foreign language to me to state the fact and you are the person who firstly smeared my entire people, furthermore lectured me about how we should subccumb to the truth in order to make friends. Who is the arrogant one? Think about it. It is laughable you are so used to being condescending that you don't even notice when you are doing it.

[@Shenzhou.]

@@talast2000 China has 5000 years of history and is among the world's oldest "continuous" civilization still alive today, whereas other ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Rome and Egypt have since succumbed to history. China has witnessed the birth and death of various other nations, the rise and fall of numerous other empires, yet China has survived the violent passage of time to modern times relatively intact, whereas even Rome eventually crumbled. China has always been under the authoritarian rule (and we still are today) of emperors and the imperial court, because that's how China has been successfully governed for millennia. Not all countries have to adopt Western democracy to be successful and China is living proof of this.

[@elboon_80]

I wonder if I can get my mother-in-law to read your book... (she's German) We've been having some discussions that got nowhere, because we both look at the world through our own lenses... and I suspect we're both not as open minded as we think we are. thanks for another great video! Would you be in Berlin any time soon? I'll buy you drink and get you to sign my book if you do! :)

[@Shenzhou.]

It's said that China is a closed society with not much exposure to new ideas, but the people are open minded and curious. Whereas the West is an open society exposed to many new ideas, but the people tend to be close-minded and set in their views.

[@PascalCoppens]

I am trying to find a way to get my book published in German, but no agreement yet. I will be in Berlin with the family end of July. Do send me a mail [e-mail].

[@elboon_80]

@@PascalCoppens thanks! I’ll write you an email ;)

[@petehoney1]

Hi Pascal .. a thought 😀😀 Why 'Western' Democracy is Weak: A large well run competitive company decides to be the 'first democratic - free' company .. elections are prepared, political propaganda arrises and workers start thinking about voting, candidates offer all sorts of promises to get votes, 3 day working week, more pay for less work, and everyone gets a company car. The company votes and all skilled management is transferred to the charismatic people often the ones with the biggest mouths .. What happens next ? We know democracy is not perfect and we are told different .. but the issue is we struggle to except that other countries, during different periods with other different cultures, religious may have different systems that may offer better 'STABILITY' than what we believe is better .. a lot of US - anti China media these days .. If you want to make an enemy, rubbish him, if he doesn't bite and become an enemy .. rubbish him more . a very complex topic for sure 👍 refreshing to hear a different insight and explanation. thank you

[@PascalCoppens]

If you compare government with a company, it would never run as a democracy. Interesting enough, I often say the CPC is run more like a company than any Western governments.

[@Andy-P]

@@PascalCoppens Agreed. China is run more like a company than a democracy.

[@monkeyking-self-proclaimed7050]

Democracy is for a well educated society were at least 90% or even 95% needs to be educated. It usually fail because there a lot of stupid people.

[@Shenzhou.]

China's government is run LIKE a company, whereas Western governments are literally run BY the corporations themselves.

[@twlamSG]

@@PascalCoppens Even more interesting is Singapore has been running like this since independence. Singapore PM is paid like normal company CEO in millions. Our government official are the highest paid in the world.

[@lovetrustandpixiedust]

This is very enlightening! Thank you for demystifying China through your experience and observations, Pascal. I just bought a copy of your book and hit Subscribe.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks JC! Appreciated. Hope you like the book!

[@sablefilms]

Thanks for the special offer of your book!!! Got it and shared the sale on my wall!

[@karchi12]

The most direct and realistic way to compare and judge the Chinese and the West is to see which one can provide a better life for the people. Simple!

[@PascalCoppens]

Having lived in both places, it really depends who and where you live. For middle class and rich, the West still is pretty good living environment. For people needing social upward mobility, the West is losing its appeal. Then again it depends as Norway is very different from Nebraska.

[@alliesteamc3546]

Good understanding of China. Thanks! Corporation in US are also not democratic, when there is priority on providing basic necessities and preventing chaos in society as priorities it is maybe easier to understand.

[@yzhang9265]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. When US politicians say China success is not because of Chinese government is because of the hard working Chinese people. I don't agree at all. Sure, hard working Chinese culture and people is a main factor. But the right governing and policy is an essential factor to China's achievement! Imagine we have North Korean government in China for past 70 years, will we have the same China s you see today? No! Simple answer.

[@hyc1266]

"Imagine we have North Korean government in China for past 70 years, will we have the same China s you see today? No! Simple answer." It's better with: "Imagine we have the US government in China for the past 70 years, will we have the same China you see today? No! Simple answer. China will cease to exist in the world if under a gov't similar to that of the US."

[@belkacemseddiki1174]

Excellent presentation from which I've learned a lot. Thanks Pascal. 👏

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks!

[@QQ-hp8mh]

When it comes to the mentality of curiosity and learning, in fact, the West also had such a mentality thousands of years ago. They learned from China the technology of printing, papermaking, gunpowder, compass, etc., thus creating the Western Renaissance and Industrial Revolution. With the prosperity of the next 2-3 centuries, it is a pity that today's Westerners have become accustomed to arrogance. We must know that modesty can make people progress! 😎

[@PascalCoppens]

Modesty is one Chinese confucianistic value we lack to often in some Western countries. Norway is way better than U.S. though.

[@QQ-hp8mh]

@@PascalCoppens yes, I agree, except for UN Secretary-General Stoltenberg!

[@lightcable]

Precisely. Chinese government is merit based. To become a leader, one has to show case what she or he achieved in the past. In this setup, the new leader doesn't have to spend effort to prove to her/his direct reports that she/he is capable. If you had doubts of her/his leadership skill, you could go back and check the data set. In other words, this practice inherits a strong trust between the leader and her/his organization. Trust is proven a very important success factor in big corporations for execution. We can argue that trust is as important to the corporate world as to government. In the end, government is a big corporation.

[@Shenzhou.]

You're right! In China, the politician first fulfill promises then get elected afterwards. In the United States, the politician make promises and get elected without fulfilling their promises first.

[@ex0duzz]

China is the highest ranked democracy in the world(latest Latana poll), ruled by a government with the highest approval rating(13 year Harvard poll and basically every other western poll has the same results). West puts freedom of speech and press as most important, but Chinese also do, but we see it differently. In USA, they think billionaires being able to buy and control mass media as freedom of press or individual freedom. In China, we see this as corruption and inequality, allowing the rich billionaires to control and game society for their own benefits. Same thing with citizens United and being able to lobby politicians. To Chinese this is legalised corruption. To America it is freedom. We Chinese also love freedom, but we love equality and helping the common man even more than allowing billionaires freedom to lord over everyone else. We want the gov to rein in the rich and powerful to benefit the poor and politically powerless. The government is called the PEOPLES government, and China is called the PEOPLES republic of China for a reason. This is why China is a democracy, for the people by the people. USA is an oligarchy, run by the 1% for the 1%. The poor and lower class are powerless and have zero say, while the rich and powerful can basically write laws and buy politicians themselves. People in the west are against censorship, but Chinese support censoring religious cults, separatists, and other harmful degenerate stuff. We trust the government to do the right thing in the name of the people. If they don't, they will quickly lose power and be toppled. As has been the case for thousands of years in China. They will lose the Mandate of Heaven, aka mandate of the people. In China, the government fears the people. In USA, people fear the government and do not trust the government. They need guns and always expect the government to oppress them. Chinese trust the gov and know they can overthrow the gov anytime they step out of line. No government can oppress 1.4 billion people. The CPC itself is made up of 90 million+ members alone, from al walks of life, and with their family and friends, it will be pole 500 million or a billion. If they don't have the support of the people, their fsmily or friends, the party itself will collapse and lose legitimacy. This is the social contract and how China has always worked. If you do good and succeed in helping the people and country, you will keep power and legitimacy. If not, then you will lose your mandate and quickly be toppled and replaced. Toppled by the 90 million+ CPC members themselves, and supported by 1.4 billion Chinese behind them. This is why it's called the Mandate of Heaven, because 1.4 billion Chinese is literally 20% of all humanity itself. eoeeTrying to oppress 1.4 billion and 20% of humanity is the same as trying to stop the ocean itself from having waves.. Or stop the sun from rising and setting everyday.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks for sharing

[@yeai2773]

Thank you for your excellent video. It´s so true about the stereotypical western propaganda perceptions of China. For the moment China doesn´t have same pro capita income like in the West, but it has an amazing strategy and it is just a matter of time that it will bypass the West by far.

[@சிந்திக்கப்பழகு]

Please make a detailed video about India Comparing China. Because many Indians think China as the way Westerners think... In addition India-China Border problem also playing main role in people's thinking about China. If you do so it will surely gives clarity to Indians about China way more better...Thank you Pascal Coppens for your great work... 🙂👍

[@PascalCoppens]

I am trying to get more insights into India first. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@TheKkpop1]

Thanks for your explanation. You understand China more than I do. China had actually tries many idealogy including monarchy, capitalism, sectarian, warlords, dictator and democracy in modern history. However, only communism can fit into its 5000 years civilization. European also tried many system. It abandoned warlords for monarchy, then democracy first introduced in France, the west went against France. They also try facism but failed. They then against communism when capitalism exploits working class. They then settled for socialism blended with democracy. Why not keep the idealogy which suits themselves?

[@wellawong2417]

Good Job and Support ! Bravo to China Rise Peacefully and be Strong ! Together for a Shared Future !

[@ianodonoghue6322]

Always said it, China always gets a bad wrap.

[@huas5350]

Sir, your observation of China is very precise.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks!

[@edelstein6788]

whether the westerner is happy or not. the Chinese will be doing what they can to improve what's better for their lives. the westerner dont want listen,

[@edelstein6788]

and FREE,,,, depends what kind of free.

[@Andy-P]

Westerner not happy with wolf warrior, threats to democracies and support for Russia.

[@hyc1266]

@@edelstein6788 In the US, ordinary people are free to be robbed, attacked and murdered with no or little consequence to the criminals.

[@eddywinlson5338]

Thanks Pascal for such clear understanding of China, a big Yes as the country is producing good leadership. Unlike democracies indeed produced a lot of corrupted and brainless leaders, except Singapore and Indonesia that are so lucky to have extra ordinary leaders.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks

[@aredtomato8957]

Singapore and Indonesia for now have good leaders.. but the system cannot ensure it will produce a good one every 4 years or 8 years. Even if you got a good one you only stay there for 8 years the most then you have to step down... And still a flaw for foreign intervention.. foreign power can support the opposition to meddling the country..

[@olderchin1558]

Good attempt at describing the Chinese. Here is my inside story as a Chinese. Chinese are extremely self-interested or self-centered, most Chinese wants to make it. Many would do anything to make it. Chinese hate inequality of opportunity and is obsessed with fairness. You hear this predilection from speeches of Chinese officials. Because of this, corruption and in-fighting is a huge problem, history is a great record of this. Chinese empire fall because of in-fighting. China had to make rules to control this predilection, Confucius developed moral rules, emperors created examination to create a sense of fairness and maintain stability. It is this Chinese characteristic that make Chinese the Jews of Asia. And it is because of the characteristics that Chinese support a strong government and enforced rules. Just look at democracy in Taiwan, politicians fight and throws chairs at each other in the assembly. Singapore is so strict, it is not even recognised as a true democracy but an authoritarian state. Chinese need strict rules to thrive, we destroy ourselves in a weak state. Lee Kwan Yew made this same observation in his speeches.

[@Andy-P]

Taiwan doesn't want to be ruled by Bejing. They enjoy democracy. They have experienced autocracy

[@zylbygdfn6542]

I’m a third gen overseas Chinese and I totally agree

[@evanangeletos964]

In Taiwan they may throw chairs but they don't murder each other or murder their citizens.

[@Shenzhou.]

@@evanangeletos964 Taiwan had been under authoritarian single-party KMT rule for *more than half its life.* For decades the KMT ruled Taiwan with iron fist and Chiang kai-shek was a dictator who jailed and executed dissidents and political rivals (whether real or perceived) in a period known as _White Terror_ (白色恐怖) and imposed martial law on Taiwan for more than *38 years,* which was qualified as "the longest imposition of martial law by a regime anywhere in the world" at that time. Source: _White Terror (Taiwan)_ wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Terror_(Taiwan) But under authoritarian single-party KMT rule, Taiwan actually flourished and prospered, in what's known as the _Taiwan Miracle_ (台湾奇迹). Between 1952 - 1982, Taiwan's economic growth was on average 8.7%, and between 1983 - 1986 at 6.9%. Taiwan GDP grew by 360% between 1965 - 1986. The percentage of global exports was over 2% in 1986, over other recently industrialized countries, and the global industrial production output grew a further 680% between 1965 - 1986. And its all been achieved under KMT leadership. Source: _Taiwan Miracle_ wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan_Miracle Only in the late 1990s, when democracy was introduced (because USA threatened to cut off weapons sales to Taiwan) did Taiwan's economic growth became more modest. Since then, Taiwan's economy has stagnated, wages are stagnant, cost of living is rising, unemployment is rising and Taiwan graduates are increasingly seeking jobs abroad, such as in Singapore or mainland China.

[@olderchin1558]

@@evanangeletos964 You have very little knowledge of Taiwan. Many of the assembly were gangsters, they do kill each other.

[@dontaskmewhy100]

Chinese people requires the CCP to really deliver something tangible. Or else the CCP will be in trouble. CCP can't just make empty slogan and no compatible actions/policies that deliver tangible results over time. At the same time that also means CCP has no other political parties to blame (no Democrats or Republicans whatsover) but be held solely responsible. No blame game to waste time.

[@mike4evolution]

China is not just different from the west, it's much better. The Chinese system is not just different from the precious liberal democracy (demagogic corporatocracy), it's much better and efficient system... it's a Socialist Meritocracy. There's a very good reason (many reasons actually) why China keeps going up while the west keeps going down.

[@PascalCoppens]

Whether it's better is debatable. time will tell.

[@mike4evolution]

@@PascalCoppensOk I accept that. Time will tell for sure.

[@ibvocean]

China is actually more flexible than most countries try to be. A one party system affords that advantage. At least for the foreseeable future, Xi Jinping or otherwise.

[@TiddlyCloud]

People centric: China is a true and biggest democratic country with a government of the people, by the people and for the people!

[@PascalCoppens]

I made a video on that earlier. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip6qgKOeqZadrK8

[@gellegrainja9805]

sant.

[@laohu5511]

I'm glad you got the name of the party right something that 99% of youtubers can't. Based o my own experience in China you hit the nail on the hit on every point. 加油中华人民和国 在我的看法中国改变夜来夜快。 孔子说 活到老学到老 this is the essence of their thinking of constant self improvement.

[@hyc1266]

"夜来夜快" should be "越來越快"

[@danlovesayu]

Thanks for sharing. Very well presented but I am pretty sure there will be some Westerners will disagree with what you said. Until they step foot on China and learn about the Chinese, they may change their mindset.

[@dariusmolark6820]

this is an excellent treatment of a topic we have often refused to even try to understand. yes, china has even recently evolved through many changes which you have noted appear more corrective for its people. perhaps it's its culture that keeps 1.4 billion people satisfied, tied together in positive efforts toward benefits for all. i think that nations should work more toward building relationships out of cooperation with each other instead of forever promoting the disruptive dialectics of opposition.

[@PascalCoppens]

I agree. We should cooperate more.

[@PubliusUSA]

I can easily argue China has the most civil society on Earth.

[@WANDERER0070]

Japan is even more so imo

[@PubliusUSA]

@@WANDERER0070 Japanese are noble and great people too. However, they are not sovereign, nor do they abide by Neutrality Principles in foreign Trade and foreign War.

[@jackchiu7560]

@wanderer Civil Japanese society? They should not have gone around committing atrocities all over Asia.

[@Gangster88232]

@@jackchiu7560 its not crime when it is comited on Chinese.

[@Gangster88232]

China is civil society? They lack of elemental hygiene and eating bats.

[@tc-fz5qn]

kudos, Pascal. great in depth analysis and understanding. congratulations. I hope this clip can go viral in the West, especially the extremely ignorant US......

[@PascalCoppens]

I hope indeed it goes viral. Been a while ago any of my videos went viral.

[@ielee1765]

Pascal, this is the same as the European Commission leader and the Monarchy systems, the top, President of the EU and the King/Queen are not voted in by their population. The west called it autocracy in China but not their own system. Why?????

[@hyc1266]

The leaders of the current Chinese gov't system are elected or selected at all levels.

[@connie01]

Chinese philosophy: When we unify, we are strong enough to free ourself from any humiliation and free from any big problems together. So you see why China rise in 70 years to earn back 200 years. China has been always the hegemon in Asia except that 200 years of 19th & 20th centuries. Chinese culture has never been discontinued.

[@nmew6926]

Snakeman said: China succeed despite the CCP Why don't he say: India FAIL despite being democratic

[@PascalCoppens]

I don't see India as failed.

[@rockychan4739]

@@PascalCoppens India failed to make use of their advantage of being able to speak English over China.

[@pausereflect5911]

Always this comparison with India! You're obsessed because you can't beat India.

[@rap3208]

@@PascalCoppens Just glacial in progress.

[@liubang9375]

@@PascalCoppens Hi , I don't exactly agree with you on India...As I can explain to you on Why India can't rise to be the superpower for the next few hundred years. ..Firstly India cultural don't united as there are a few hundred languages spoken across the country and Hindi not understand widely in them ..Secondly many intellectual and rich Indian don't lives in India , however they are living and serving west especially USA and UK , therefore India never in their interest as their wealth were already kidnapped by those countries unfortunately many of the super rich can easily influence over their government politically.....Thirdly most Indian are ignorance and arrogance once they have a bit of success as most of them believe that they were better than the Chinese in all aspects..As they also boosted that there are many Indian serving top positions in many western companies which many Chinese failed to do so and my only reason is that they were not targeted by US yet because they don't see the Indian as a threat to them yet , however it interesting to see them target by and US and see how they respond....Fourthly how many Indian companies in the top 500 companies in the world ?? How many technological solely invention and innovation by Indian ?? I guess we can count with 5 fingers or maybe not at all.. In my view India need to put their differences behind them and work with China if they want to have the chance of rising , because China have the most complete supply chain in the world and they are the best on building infrastructure which is very important for every country as nobody going to invest in a country with none of this...Unfortunately I don't see it happening soon in the near future...

[@what_1917]

Often Chinese media shows address important issues in China. The recent "Story of Xing Fu" addresses many interesting issues (also brought up by this video) especially in showing local rule and economic growth and compromises with the central government and its expectations. Chinese life is indeed bottom up and very diverse. The show is available on KZbin with English subtitles.

[@efeocampo]

Great perspective and sound explanations, Pascal. So much to learn in the West from China. I would identify 5 key factors to explain China's power: 1. No religion. 2. Confucian ethics at home, at work and at government. 3. Millennial culture, with many ups and downs leading to hard social learnings. 4. Huge population 5. Near uniformity of language and writing for millennia. Amazing People... 👏

[@twlamSG]

I would like to correct some misconception here. This is important: 1) There is religion in China. People are free to practice, but most Chinese are not religious. Also religion has no place in politics. 2) China uniformity in language is a modern thing, because here are 302 spoken languages in China. To reduce conflict and misunderstanding, to enhance trade and social cohesion it is imperatives that every citizens understand each other. The only way to achieve this is an official national (official) language. Mandarin was designated the national language. People are free to continue learning and practicing local dialects/languages but they must also learn mandarin.

[@efeocampo]

@@twlamSG Good precisions. And you are right, thank you. But imho the important facts remain, taking the absolute majority as the rule, to simplify (avoid nuances) and be able to compare with other countries: 1. Most chinese do not practice or believe in any religion. This frees their minds, stimulate much more their creativity (mentioned by Pascal) and make them far more tolerant, less inclined to impose their ideas on other cultures. What a difference, compared to India, for instance. 2. That common language and writing has led to more cohesion, tremendous sense of belonging to the same community. Unity!

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks for sharing!

[@PascalCoppens]

These point you mention are wttten in my book as well. Thanks for adding!

[@atky7032]

Great explanation. I really like the People Centric visuals. Thanks Pascal!

[@rajneeshbhangale2730]

A perspective through which the people all over the world see China as a communist regime, but actually it is not so

[@ongdavid4896]

Great sharing and insights. You should be the Mentors and Coach to those leaders who have misconceptions about China. Make them realised that working with China hand in hand is the right way, instead of controlling/forcing/threatening ways.

[@OP-mz3hr]

Thank you for sharing your great insights. Like your informative videos

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks!

[@OP-mz3hr]

@@PascalCoppens this work you are doing is so difficult (providing a bridge for communication) and you are so brave to continue this journey. Respect to you.

[@mechannel7046]

You routinely hear one sibling from a poor family in China drops out of the school to work, in order to support another to attend college. It's common for Chinese families to make such sacrifices for each other. I'm not so sure the same is true in the West, at least not to the same extent.

[@michaelwoo4123]

Awesome and resonating!

[@longyou8254]

Thx for the great analysis in the book

[@sweelim5473]

Thanks for a very thoughtful and good program with many valuable ideas and truths. There are a few potentially important points missing: 1. You do not need to try to understand Chinese or any other civilization or how other countries work, all you need is to learn to be respectful to other cultures, civilizations and governing systems. With an attitude of respecting others, you will naturally be able to understand others. 2. Why are you not being respectful to others? It is very likely because you have a superiority mindset. Often, superiority mindset derived from your religion and your culture. Many ancient wars were due to religions. “I am the God chosen” or “I am serving my God’s teaching”. Many civilizations were based on conquering and destroying others to grow.

[@PascalCoppens]

Respect is central starting point indeed.

[@jetthapeterkhoo]

The Chinese government is truly one by the people and for the people as proven by their ability to move 800 million of its people out of poverty in the last 30 years or so; and the government has an approval/support rating by more than 90% of its people. I don't know of any other country with such high rating, do you?

[@jetthapeterkhoo]

For someone to get to the top of the communist party in Beijing, he or she has to be elected by the people from bottom up...meaning each party member is voted at each level of governance from being a village head, to one in town, city, province before one gets to Beijing; and to get to be a member of the Politburo (the highest level of government equivalent to the cabinet of the British system or the Congress/Senate of the US system) are all based on meritocracy. So, there is actually a system of selection (equivalent to election in the west) which is even more efficient and real; Chinese politicians are all hands on the affairs of the country from the village level up to the Politburo. Who's to say their system is not better than the one man one vote in a democracy??

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks for adding. I did mention that in my book and in a previous video as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip6qgKOeqZadrK8

[@jetthapeterkhoo]

@@PascalCoppens Many thanks for redirecting me to your other Utube on Chinese Democracy. You are absolutely right that China do not need a multiparty system when the one party system has a democratic system within itself; and the most capable man (in the present case, Xi Jin Ping was selected amongst his peers to be the President of the country or Chairman of the party) to lead the country. Once selected as the leader, he is entrusted to carry out the manifesto and the 5 year plan of the country with the support of the party and its populous; as such, he is not an autocrat or a dictator (unlike some leaders in some African countries or some other 3rd world countries who come into power by sheer force and support of their armed forces), and Xi can be removed by the Central Committee of the CCP if he is found to be incompetent and/or corrupt. What's the point of having a multiparty democratic system when the policy and plans of one party is often replaced and/or dropped when it loses at the next election. Nothing ever gets done in the long term. In the US, they are too preoccupied with the midterm election even before the full term is served out. Another weakness in the Western democracy is when there is no one single majority party and it has to seek coalition from one or more other parties to form the majority. The present case in point is France with Macron; this is how people become divisive as in the US with the Democrats vs Republicans. And yet, they want to export their form of democracy to other countries which inevitably failed in many countries such as Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia etc.. My suggestion is let other countries choose their own system of governance for better or worse; it is their countries, it is their choice... They just have to live with it. Its really not the the Western Power's business to dictate but of course, they do so for their own selfish interests for reasons I need not elaborate here except perhaps a summary of their need to sustain their hegemony, maintain their economic interests via the petrodollar and military industrial complex and to contain other super powers such as Russia and China. The US and its allies are hell bent in suppressing any nations which are doing well economically and catching up with their technological capabilities and advancements, and China's BRI initiatives around the world. The US is very good in changing regimes which do not toe to their policies. Sadly, this always lead to war and internal conflicts created by the NED and CIA.

[@hyc1266]

In the US congress/senate, many representatives didn't even graduate from high school. They can't even do math correctly and know little about science and technology, and has no experience in "governing" but the art of lies and politics. The US gov't is made up with lowly qualified people and it's gov't structure is outdated for the 21st century and future. There is no long term plan for the country and its people but short term plan to keep the party in power. The only US long term plan (agreed with both parties) is to keep China and Russia as enemy from rising and keep bullying the rest of the world to keep them poor and under control, so that the US can be "great" forever.

[@jetthapeterkhoo]

@@hyc1266 The US will not be great for long; all the signs of a falling empire are evidently clear. Their fiat currency cannot sustain itself for long...the world will wake up to their folly and gangsterism policies, sanctions and intimidation of smaller and weaker nations. Their external debt of 30 trillion is a joke like a house built on ice. No country need to invade the US, it will implode by itself; Sun Tzu art of war...the best battle is won without a war; let the enemy destroy itself. It has started with the insurgency on 6th January, a President who fell from his bike, a vice president who cackled a lot, spending money on war instead of repairing its dilapidated infrastructures and a nation divided not just against the blacks but also between Democrats and the Republicans (never the twains shall meet), ridiculous gun laws and the constant mass shootings, increasing homelessness and poverty amongst the working class etc...need I say more?

[@tonysu8860]

I would not want to argue for or against how the Chinese people feel about their government because I do not live in China, everything I hear is through others and can only apply Chinese traditions and insight that are handed down through generations that persist even when Chinese emigrate to other lands. But, I would very much argue Pascal's opinions and perspectives about modern day China and its form of government which is very much a part of Chinese society because China is a one-party system where membership qualifies the person for society's benefits and non-membership prevents being a member of society. Only an estimated 1/3 of China's entire population has participated in China's newfound wealth, better education and better jobs. The remainder continue to live as they have for thousands of years in 3rd world agrarian subsistence poverty, often victims of those who are CCP members who lead only because they are extensions of the national leadership and not because they have been chosen by the people they rule. I can agree with Pascal's content in this video on only 2 points... Near the beginning, he opines the CCP is legitimate and in general that's probably true... The vast majority of all the people in China either tacitly or actively accept CCP rule. Modern day China is a docile country because no company, individual or entity is allowed to become powerful enough to challenge the CCP on even the smallest issue. Rule of Law does not exist in China, which means that the powerful don't need a rule or law to take whatever is desired. Even Jack Ma who is likely China's most successful businessman who is founder of the Ali group of companies and the Ant Group will probably have lost control of his companies entirely to the CCP by the end of 2022. Numerous celebrities from Entertainment and Sports have been "disappeared," suspected to have become too famous and possibly influential for the CCP to tolerate. Individuals and businesses have been slapped with unique taxes and fines wihout warning or legal basis that apply to no one else simply because they have been successful. The other perspective I agree with is that China puts the Collective ahead of the Individual whereas liberal democracy reverses that and places the Individual ahead of the Collective. But, Pascal's characterization putting the Collective ahead of the Individual can be good is misleading in China because the Collective in a One Party system is run only by the powerful who by their power is also the rich. The Collective in China becomes its own entity with a self-interest that is potentially separate and different than the interests of the Individuals. In plain words, the CCP becomes an entity which places its own survival and self-interest ahead of the people it serves. One doesn't have to look hard to find specific examples where the CCP places its own interest ahead of the People... Corruption is overlooked and even encouraged if it makes the CCP stronger. The CCP refuses to intervene in incidents like bank fraud by blaming the bank, but it leaves defrauded depositors losing perhaps generations of savings. Homebuyers are defrauded, lenders are defrauded, even the CCP is defrauded by contracts that are never fulfilled like the semiconductor factories promised by the last 5 year plan. On every other issue, I find fault with Pascal's perspectives in this video. Pascal argues that the CCP is not top-down but bottom-up due to a distributed and not centralized government structure. That is misleading because a distributed structure of anything requires that each node is independent of every other, and operates independently. A strength of distributed design is that if any single or few nodes are removed, the remaining can easily take up the slack and replace the functionality of what is missing. That is obviously not the case in China where the CCP national leadership has positioned itself as indispensable to national decisions and policy and lower regional and local governments operate by extending national policy. There are probably numerous examples but the coal industry is a current and relevant example. The national government tells the coal mines how much coal to produce. The national government tells the local governments what the price charged to customers will be regardless of the cost of coal to that locality. Because of meddling at the national level which makes it impossible for local governments to operate on their own, the results have been energy blackouts and bankrupt localities. Pascal argues that China is a meritocracy, that leaders rise through party ranks and the best lead all others. That's a fallacy in a one party, autocratic system when the party rules in its own self-interest and survival which isn't necessarily consistent with the needs of the People. Every promotion and every decision always is to benefit members of the CCP. If CCP interests are endangered, you won't find decisions made contrary to that primary interest, even if the decision benefits the People. Pascal argues that freedom should be defined by not living in fear. Wow, that suggests quite a stark dichotomy that people should be allowed to live without fear. I would suggest that fear should not be the only determining factor, that the US Declaration of Independence provides an eloquent and easy to understand definition of freedom that all humanity should be entitled to... That there are inalienable human rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. The question then becomes whether an authoritative system like what exists in China satisfies those ideals. The problem with Pascal's definition of freedom in China is that a Collective entity can stand in the way of any person's wish to live their life, to do whatever one wishes in this life and to pursue happiness. There is no Rule of Law that impersonally provides guidelines how one should live, the CCP has shown that it will change rules, laws and guidelines on the fly and at its own whim. No one can know until long after the fact whether they have done everything compliant with CCP wishes. Is that freedom? Is that even living without fear? Pascal interestingly argues that curiosity is a sign of freedom, I would argue the type of curiosity Pascal describes is quite the opposite... That it's a sign that Chinese do not have the freedoms that exist in other societies and Chinese don't automatically understand what those are. Pascal argues that China is not rigid and adapts to changes. Maybe that would be true compared to some societies and cultures, but certainly not compared to the US which adapts literally with the blink of an eye to changing circumstances due to its responsive liberal democracy. In fact US society has been changing so rapidly that a backlash Conservative movement has sprung up that attempts to slow or reverse Progressivism. Within a generation or two, US society and culture has recently undergone changes that ordinarily take centuries and many more generations to change on such matters as prejudice, bigotry, racism and equality. Within only the last 30 years, numerous wrongs that have existed since America's Founding and before are being rectified. And, the US is not alone, numerous Western liberal democracies and even a few authoritarian regimes have also adopted some changes but only the US has attempted to change so much in so little time. China is left in the dust when it comes to cultural and societal changes and hardly any changes in China are real reforms, nearly all have been incremental and again only apply to the privileged. The point is that China is not self-correcting in the same way as liberal democracies because the ad hoc chaos of liberal democracies enable action and change immediately once critical mass of an idea is achieved. The US didn't plan to eliminate certain bigotry and it wasn't done by proclamation, it happened organically, immediately and without fanfare once a certain amount of the populace decided the change was necessary. And it doesn't happen without pushback, the forces of bigotry have their say whether their views should prevail. Authoritarian regimes can't act that quickly, and are always colored by self-interest, in China's case CCP self-interest.

[@mranonymous9034]

Whether china is an authoritarian state or not is non of US and its western allies business. You do what you do and leave china alone. Its people are happy with the way ccp are running the country with proverty alleviation, good infrastructure roads, building and transportation but litlle can be said about US and its allies on these.

[@PascalCoppens]

The West has had very bad experiences with autocracies in the recent past, and so we are fearing them and few in the West can believe there are good autocracies. Putin reconfirmed that belief.

[@hyc1266]

@@PascalCoppens The west has bad experiences with autocracies because its culture of individualism and lack of respect in general and love to solve problems by force and wars. To eastern culture, the western culture is still in development stage and is still have the barbarian mentality. This is demonstrated in how technology is applied. In eastern culture, technology is applied in improving people's live while the western culture technology is applied for warfare first.

[@rosebud4387]

Thanks for this brilliant explanation which is long over due for the West to gain some understanding. Thank you.

[@PascalCoppens]

Better late than never.

[@rosebud4387]

@@PascalCoppens Very true, well done , lets hope it gets spread widely.

[@ansa336]

Thanks for your explanation, have you heard of Peter Zeihan? What motivates his utterance about China?

[@Andy-P]

Peter Zeihan has some strange opinions

[@Shenzhou.]

Nathan Rich has made several recent videos debunking Peter Zeihan's claims. Zeihan's motivations seems to stem from him personally wanting to see China fail and not succeed, when the reality is different.

[@richardlo4867]

Let's see, Gordon Chang has made a fabulous living uttering his personal preferences w.r.t. China and being fabulously wrong for decades. I'm thinking Mr. Loopy Eyes think he should be able to do as well as Gordon.

[@juyinhuang8839]

The biggest difference of bureaucratic concept between China and the West is: a good Chinese officer is expected to be a parental officer（父母官）. He or she is able to take care of people like their own children, and meet people's need for clothing, food, housing, and transportation. Three generations live happily under the same roof signifies unification, harmony and prosperity. l reckon a good Western officer is also able to play a parental role, but in a different way. He or she has the responsibilies to support individual freedom and independence. Goverments do not oppose running away from home kids and support adult independence.

[@condorX2]

They want China stay poor. Britain waged a brutal war on China in the 19th-century because Beijing refused to allow the British to flood the Chinese market with opium. As a result of that event, known as the Opium Wars, China was defeated and humiliated by the British and, among other degrading acts, forced to cede the historic Chinese region of Hong Kong to the British Empire. For approximately 150 years, Hong Kong was a colony of a ruthless colonial power in which London implemented its dictatorial will in the Chinese region through a British colonial governor there who enjoyed a luxurious and conceited lifestyle on soil which was being exploited by London, even though it was not Britain’s to enjoy in the first place. These HK youngsters have no idea how HK was under British rule. The Brits treated HKers like 3rd class citizens. All the wealth was stolen from HK and taken back to England. All the high colonial government officials, including the governors, all retired very rich men. The early governors even took part in opium smuggling. There were all sorts of draconian laws like Emergency Regulation 31, which allowed the governor to order anyone to be imprisoned without trial, for one year renewable. If the riots we're seeing today had happened under Britain, they would have been shut down immediately under the Public Order Ordinance, which allowed the Brits to ban demonstrations and arrest anyone before they even started the protest. The public did not get to vote for the governor, he was appointed by the UK prime minister. At least now, there is a limited election to elect the Chief Executive. Only in the last 20 years of rule did Britain give HK more freedom, and that's only because they knew they were leaving. -- Flux Mulder

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks for adding the content. Useful.

[@527ctguy]

Author is right. The people see their lives improving - they can eat and survive now. Eventually, the people will get to a point where they will have independent thought and want to drive the direction of their country - this is when CCP will be in danger.

[@PascalCoppens]

Possible. Just 2 answers to that prediction to consider. 1. There are still more poor people in China than Middle class 2. CCP is now focusing on common prosperity, better medicare, affordable housing and more comfortable retirement which gives a new target for people of all classes, except the rich, to look towards. So could last a few decades still.

[@hyc1266]

When people in a country has "individual" thought, not willing to cooperate, distrust their gov't and the gov't fails to lead, the country will be divided and revolution will be irreversible, like the US. US will has its 2nd revolution soon, much sooner than CPC will be in danger by its own people in China.

[@527ctguy]

@@hyc1266 Despite what you see in the media, the US can quickly unite when faced with a crisis. A revolution is unlikely as we have nothing to revolt against. Soon, the US will go home and trade will be in the Northern hemisphere - China will collapse as they rely on the US for growth.

[@seanlee9377]

Is China system of government determined by the West or by its own 1.4b people? Does the West really understand meritocracy laid down by Confucius millennia ago? Yours is a great text to add to the library.

[@hyc1266]

The US and the west has no right to determine gov't system of another country. Different situation and culture will dictate the gov't type of a country. During chaotic period, a strong dictatorship gov't system is needed to bring stability and order in a country or society and satisfy the basic survival needs of its people. Everything else is not important.

[@MyOhwhatever]

Well-explained, for once a westerner that is open-minded and hence can understand the culture and her way of doing things differently, the things he explained, I have never thought about them, it’s just kind of “natural” the way we just get on with it. While all the haters will go on with hating the CPC, in fact the processes of meritocracy of governing has been, more less, been like this for thousands of years. It’s difficult to explain to the western educated folks, as their mind set is fixated on their idealism and mirror of their own society.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks!

[@AngelaRodhas]

Excellent presentation! Is your book in Spanish?

[@xiaoq8329]

In English I believe.

[@PascalCoppens]

Not yet in Spanish. Hope to find a publisher to make that happen. It will likely be available in Portuguese for Brazil.

[@AngelaRodhas]

@@PascalCoppens It would be very appreciated if you could find someone who wants to publish it in Spanish, there is very little serious information in my language. My English is not bad but I still need to improve to read or listen fast, in fact I hear you slowing down your video to 0.75 hahaha. In any case, I love your work that has come very educational or informative in my search for the truth in relation to China, among others.

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

Government messages in China tend to be in the form of a number and a collective noun, e.g. "The Four Pests" and so on. I see you have adopted the same style with your "The Four Things". That's what living there for 20 years does to you. Great video by the way.

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks! Never thought of the number. maybe it was unconscious.

[@lisa.e5776]

The ones who are responsible should hold power. Those who hold power are resposible for the goodwill of the people. The legitimate of CCP where Chinese people call " The Consent from Heaven " is actually the works and resposible that a group of people did that fulfilled the need of Chinese people.

[@Andy-P]

What happens when the economy of China slows down to 3% or less growth. Will the needs of the people still be met?

[@Shenzhou.]

The _"Mandate of Heaven"_ (天命) means that a competent ruler would be allowed to remain in power, whilst an incompetent ruler would eventually be overthrown by revolution, with the success of either outcome being _"Heaven's Will"._ This means that rulers have to perform for the benefit of the peoples if they want to retain their right to rule.

[@daning9456]

Well said!

[@SamLoveSharing]

Pascal, your explanation, many westerners can't understand, haha, it's a bit esoteric

[@PascalCoppens]

I hope many will though!

[@Andy-P]

Westerners understand just don't believe. Saying China is a democracy when very plainly it isn't is enough for them.

[@Shenzhou.]

@@Andy-P There are multiple ways to define democracy, the most common being a government _of the people, by the people, for the people._ China is democratic in the sense that the Chinese government is able to deliver what the people want, as shown in a Harvard Univesity and Ash Center survey revealing that some 80%-90% of Chinese citizens support the Communist party of China. Whereas if we take the U.S for example, they are more a plutocracy than a democracy. Their government is _of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%,_ and the U.S government is just isn't unable to deliver what the Americans want.

[@Andy-P]

@@Shenzhou. While I agree the CCP have a lot of support. China is a one party state. HK was a democracy and now isn't. In an English test you would fail if describing China as a democracy.

[@jackchiu7560]

@Andy .P Comparing democracy and communism shows a mind drowned in propaganda ever since Harry Truman devised his theory of "good guy bad guy" between free and authoritarian regimes after WW2 to divide the world into 2 camps of "joint me or against me." Who has the authority to say that communism is evil when a large majority of the Chinese population support their government? Is democracy in the U.S. or on Taiwan any good when its citizens are kept in the dark about the activities of those who exercise real power? Hong Kong had just one illusory democratic example when the last British governor, Chris Patten, granted a supposedly fully open election of the Hong Kong Legislative Council in its 99-year occupation of the territory. How delusionary you are when you said Hong Kong "was" a democracy. At the very least, Hong Kong people are happy with the current security arrangements where they can go about their daily businesses without fear of being attacked and/or killed by agents of the West.

[@CarloCoxxx100]

Hi Pascal, didn't you say in another video that your book is €35? On Amazon Germany the price is around €64. Can I get it on another website? Thank you!

[@blackknight4996]

Don't tell the Anglos too much. Let them stay blind and when the end comes they feel no pain..

[@PascalCoppens]

More people have told me. I can't help myself🤔

[@hyc1266]

Those Anglos who are blind will stay blind. So no need to worry. They can't see that they are marching to the cliff.

[@wxhqyfpy]

Thank you for introducing the real China to the West!

[@PascalCoppens]

My pleasure

[@humgarchaun]

well said

[@PascalCoppens]

Thanks

[@BKLau70]

To understand any culture, it takes some effort to try and understand their perspective and looking through their eyes. How many actually do that?