Propaganda-Hoaxes vs. Chinese Reality

Last week, an article was published about former Ambassador Chas Freeman, a highly respected U. S. diplomat. Early in his career, Freeman served as President Nixon's personal interpreter during his significant 1972 trip to China, which became one of his areas of expertise. Over the years, he was the U. S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War and later became an assistant secretary of defense. In 2009, he was nominated by the Obama Administration to chair the National Intelligence Council but faced opposition from the Israel Lobby, which viewed him as disloyal to Israel, leading to the blocking of his appointment.

Despite his impressive career, Freeman received little attention from mainstream media until recently, when he began appearing on various YouTube channels, sharing his knowledgeable perspectives on U. S. -China relations. The internet has helped elevate not only his views but also those of other scholars and experts who were previously underrepresented in traditional media.

The article highlights the growing tensions in the U. S. -China relationship, which can potentially escalate into more serious conflicts over Taiwan or the South China Sea. Restrictions placed by the U. S. on exporting advanced microchips to China have led to China's retaliatory measures, including bans on exporting vital raw materials to the U. S. A significant point of contention arose in January 2020 when officials from both the outgoing Trump administration and the incoming Biden administration accused China of committing genocide against its Uyghur Muslim population. These claims were heavily promoted by major media outlets, resulting in many Western companies boycotting products from the Xinjiang region, which angered China.

The author of the article expressed skepticism about these genocide accusations, arguing they lack solid evidence and resemble false justifications used in the past, like those leading to the Iraq War. The accusations were not taken seriously by the Muslim world but gained traction among Western populations. Differences between situations in Xinjiang and Gaza were also noted.

The power of the internet to share personal experiences and stories from average citizens was highlighted. The author found video bloggers documenting their travels in China, providing a different perspective on the country. One such vlogger, Katherine from Virginia, lived in China for several years while pursuing a master's degree in Environmental Engineering. She shares her experiences through weekly videos documenting her life, travels, and love for nature, presenting a more personal and relatable view of China.

Katherine's channel has garnered a significant following, providing insights into everyday life in China that contrast with mainstream media narratives. Her videos often depict friendly interactions with locals and a welcoming atmosphere throughout her adventures. Living in rural areas gave her the opportunity to explore different aspects of Chinese culture, including connections with the Uyghur community, which are relevant to the ongoing geopolitical debate surrounding China. 

https://www.unz.com/runz/american-pravda-propaganda-hoaxes-vs-chinese-reality/