China How I learn more about China
In the past, I read articles about China from western sources. I do not have a strong command of written Chinese, so I could not read materials from Chinese sources.

The situation changed two years ago, when I came across videos in English in the CGTN and CCTV networks. 

I know that these networks are funded by the China government and are likely to reflect the views of their government. 

I am intelligent enough to discern what is credible and what is not. If there are views and reports that are important, I would seek other sources to verify them. 

Later, I learn about several YouTube channels made by producers that are supportive of China. These channels claim to be independent and not funded by the China government. I take their statements with a pinch of salt.

I apply the same approach to information about China from these "independent sources" and from the western sources as well. I discern whether they are truthful or biased. 

It is easy to detect views that are exaggerated, fabricated or biased. This is now quite common. 

After I am satisfied with the reliability of the information, I formed my opinion about what is happening in China - about politics, governance system, economic development and social development. 

I shared my views with other the readers in my Facebook page.  

I get different kinds of responses, which I will describe in detail in a separate article. 

At this current time, I only want to point out that my light research into the current affairs in China is illuminating. It gives me a perspective that I was not aware of. 

Like most people that read the western media, I had the view that China was non-democratic, was authoritarian, disallowed free expression and diverse opinion, and exercised excessive control over the lives of their citizens. 

I learned that this view was outdated. There are many positive aspects in how the government runs the country.

These lessons are useful for other countries that are struggling unsuccessfully with their economic and political challenges. 

These lessons are useful for Singapore as well.

Tan Kin Lian


 

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