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Published Nov 29, 2022

Why China's Covid Tyranny Should Scare Us All | Ep. 1619

Ben Shapiro delves into China's authoritarian crackdown on COVID protests, scrutinizing the regime's oppressive surveillance state and the tepid response from the Biden administration, while questioning the global implications for freedom and international human rights.
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  • Protests

    Mass protests in China against the zero-COVID policy have intensified, revealing deep-seated frustrations with the Chinese government's stringent measures. highlights how these protests, initially sparked by a tragic fire in Zhongjiang, have evolved into a broader movement demanding freedoms like speech and assembly 1. The demonstrations echo the pro-democracy protests of Tiananmen Square, with participants calling for significant political reforms 1.

    We want freedom, not lockdowns, elections, not rulers. We want dignity, not lies.

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    The protests have also impacted global markets, reflecting concerns over China's economic stability and the potential for widespread unrest 2.

       

    Suppression

    The Chinese government's response to the protests has been marked by increased surveillance and suppression. describes how the regime leverages its extensive surveillance state to track and intimidate protesters, using data from mobile phones and social media 3. This crackdown reflects a broader trend of authoritarian control, raising concerns about the potential for similar measures in the West 4.

    We're going to monitor exactly what you do. We're going to monitor your credit card purchases. We're going to cut you off from systems, because this is what China does.

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    The international community's muted response highlights a moral leadership crisis, with Western governments hesitant to confront China's human rights abuses directly 5.

       

    Global Impact

    China's internal strife has significant global implications, affecting international politics and economic dependencies. argues that the West's economic ties to China complicate its ability to respond to Beijing's authoritarian actions 6. The protests challenge Xi Jinping's leadership, forcing him to choose between loosening COVID restrictions or intensifying repression, both of which carry risks for China's stability 7.

    China is not a friend. China is a foe. And China is not just a foe. China is a wildly aggressive foreign power.

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    This situation underscores the need for Western nations to reconsider their reliance on China and to prepare for potential geopolitical shifts 8.

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