China was hell for decades – but it’s a living paradise now!

I agree with Michael Setter that China was a living hell for the previous two centuries. My father told me how our ancestors suffered starvation, harassment by Western aggressors, and effective banishment from areas of many cities via high rents and signs  that read “Chinese and dogs not allowed”. Meanwhile they were subject to “justice” doled out by Western aggressors’ judges, and forced to be a free-trade zone for poisonous opium. The list is endless.
But in the past few decades, China has changed from a poor country to one of plenty. We can see Chinese tourists flooding into destinations all around the world. Progress in the economy, industry and most other things in this world is being made by Chinese. Prominent examples include an extensive network of high-speed trains, modern commercial aircraft and warplanes, the world’s longest tunnel-and-bridge from the mainland to Hong Kong, satellite-communication stations on mobile sea platforms, and the most advanced mobile phone technology (5G). Once again, the list is endless. Socially, limits may have been placed on freedom, but the payoff is relative peace and safety. The shooting and stabbing sprees that America suffers on a monthly basis are rare in China. Neither does it suffer the frequent rapes and gang-rapes of the world’s largest democratic country, India. Christian children in China have never been molested by the clergy appointed by the Beijing government, whereas children in the democratic world face frequent sexual assault from clergy appointed by the Vatican.
Having read the above facts, if Mr Setter still cannot clear his mind of narcissistic prejudice, may I advise he read the speech Angela Merkel recently delivered at Harvard in which she urged us to “tear down walls of ignorance and narrow-mindedness”.
Prasan Stianrapapongs
Pattaya