Nostalgic about pre-2019 China

[Martin B]

Every once in a while I feel nostalgic about the hype and excitement around China up until roughly 2018/2019. For some reason it's been pretty bad lately. 

My first visit to China was in 2012 and it was truly a magical place. Even then I was told by some that I had missed the "golden age". Sure China was a bit gritty and chaotic, but that was part of the magic. That's what I love about CFL - you can go back and see the excitement about China during the old days in the older posts, along with thousands of pictures from that time.

When I watch SerptenZA's and Laowhy's old videos up until 2018, I cannot believe how much things have changed. Sure, those guys exaggerate but in general, look at any China vlog pre-2018 - they are exciting, fun, and most importantly apolitical. Hell, I used to love Gweilo's old videos up until COVID when he was just drinking beer and showing his daily life as a retired guy. And look at the state of vlogging in China now - there's hardly anyone left, and those that are left are mostly unbearable shills (Jerry Goode, Jason Living in China, etc.) All the OGs are gone - Austin In China, Prozzie, SerpentZA, Laowhy, etc. Even some of the OG shills like Barrett and JaYoe have left for good. Participations in  China-US immigration groups and boards (like CFL) have declined substantially. 

I think the "end" started around 2012, when XJP took power. Actually, during his first term, not all that much changed to be fair. The election of Trump was IMO what really accelerated change. His adversarial tone, angry Twitter comments, and acrimonious policies really soured US-China relations. I'm not saying that China is totally innocent in this, but had Trump conducted himself like an educated politician vs an angry middle schoolers, things may have been different today. 2017 is where the changes really started occurring for foreigners - degree requirements, crackdowns on illegal working, drug testing entire foreigner bars, etc. Again, not saying China was in the wrong, but it clearly set a precedent and tone that still exists today. COVID totally locked foreigners out, and opportunities for foreigners were recently further reduced through laws like private-tutoring bans. It just seems so different from the 2012 China I knew, where China was clearly China, but more open and curious about the outside world. 

I just don't see what the end game is.  We've moved on but still feel pretty sad about the whole thing - the pre-2019 China is not coming back, ever. We were planning on semi-retiring to China in 10-15 years (Gweilo60 style) but it's become a lot more complicated recently. Hell, just the cost of housing in the mainland has made it questionable for us. My wife is even considering naturalizing since our kids are here. Even places like HK (which I last visited in 2017) have changed. 

Just reminiscing about the "old times" - obviously not expecting much but figured I could blow off some steam during my lunch break!

 

 

 

 

[Randy W]

Yes - the "Bamboo Curtain" is being re-constructed. Westerners in general and Western companies are finding it more and more difficult to do business in China. The situation in Russia accentuated the dangers in doing business with a potential enemy.

My feeling is that China will need to learn HOW to speak up for itself, and not rely on being able to shape opinions in the West.

Political and ideological differences are accentuated by "hurt feelings" - when companies are forced to choose between hurting feeling in the West, or hurting feelings back home - well, maybe it's time to re-group.

Trump was simply impossible for China to rely on - they were looking forward to Biden taking over, but have been disappointed that he didn't roll back the Trump-era policies.

China needs to learn that the West is what it is - NOT something that they can shape to their liking.

[Martin B]

I just found a YouTuber I haven't watched yet - mikeinchina. I watched 3-4 of his videos and he's actually pretty solid. He has a video specifically talking about what has changed during his very lengthy stay in the mainland. It's a bit overly simplified IMO and there are tons of minor details left out, but the first point IMO is spot on.

 

[Randy W]

9 hours ago, Barfus said:

I just found a YouTuber I haven't watched yet - mikeinchina. I watched 3-4 of his videos and he's actually pretty solid. He has a video specifically talking about what has changed during his very lengthy stay in the mainland. It's a bit overly simplified IMO and there are tons of minor details left out, but the first point IMO is spot on.

 

Yes - he lost me completely when I noticed he was riding his - whatever he was riding - AGAINST (into) traffic. 

WAY overly simplified.

Blaming Trump - or the West - for the present situation is NOT an option for China.

Edited August 1, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)