THREAD: Why Chinese overseas students don’t feel sympathetic to democracy? Can they be the force to “change” China after western education? A lot of China-watchers may wonder.

Short Answer: The approach taken by some in the West on this issue is problematic.

Long Answer:

Today, a Chinese meme page on Instagram tagged @joshuawongcf, a student leader of protestors in #HK, when they posted a meme. That triggered one of Joshua’s supporters. Accused the page of being ruled, controlled by China, and asked the admin if they dare to criticise China...

... on Weibo (Chinese Twitter). He also thinks Chinese overseas students are stupid and don’t care about others because they don’t do anything even after getting a taste of democracy abroad.

This really infuriates me: accusing people, who you think don’t understand democracy...

... of complicity in China’s alleged “atrocities” really turn them off. This cannot be more obvious. (same in the case of Brexit and Trump) Students who may originally be sympathetic to Western democracy, will only turn away after being patronised and their belief that China...

... has been unfairly represented in the West will only be reinforced. If one claims that they want to “preach” democracy, this is not how it should be done. Mutually respectful discussions based on rationality and supported arguments is the way. And if after that...

... Chinese overseas students still don’t accept your proposed form of “democracy” that is *also* their legitimate *choice*. Assumptions and implications that every Chinese student is controlled, linked, coerced by Beijing does not help you to establish your case for democracy...

... China-watchers should realise the situation, more so under the current situation with what’s going on in America, since some Hong Kong protestors openly called for Trump to intervene and “liberate Hong Kong”. For people disagree with them, this further weakens their point...

... additionally, I’d like to point out that HK student protestors’ leaders such as @joshuawongcf, @JooeySiiu etc. Should also be scrutinised more by the media. This is to offset bias for the sake of integrity and neutrality in journalism — to restore people’s trust in media.