But now Brits can travel to China without a passport (rolls eyes)
helican on
AI Weiwei has proven time and time again with various statements that he is just insufferable.
DirkBabypunch on
Fair point, but that’s an opportunity to be better and claim the authority for yourself.
Virtual-Alps-2888 on
An admirable trait that distinguishes Ai Wei Wei from typical left-leaning rhetoric is his consistency in ideas of human rights. He has been a fierce critique of the CCP while being consistent in critiquing the West’s moral shortcomings in meeting their very own values.
You’ll notice this among Chinese liberals. They apply liberal ideals to all. I’ve not observed the same discernment among Western leftists, and you’ll see the moral inconsistency aplenty on Reddit: critiquing Western right-wing failings while engaging in apologetics for oppressive East Asian, especially Chinese, regimes.
dtta8 on
“Ai Weiwei, the Chinese dissident whose activist art has made him Beijing’s best-known critic, said on Thursday the West should examine its own human rights record before condemning China, as the British prime minister visits his homeland.
…
“But today I changed my mind, completely,” Ai said. “The West (is) not even (in a) position to accuse China. (They must) just check on their record (of) what they did on international human rights, (their) freedom of speech record.”
…
Ai, in London hosting events for his new book “Censorship”, said Western leaders raising issues such as human rights, free speech and censorship would be seen as deeply hypocritical and would “make people laugh”.
He pointed to how the West handled the case of Julian Assange, who returned to Australia in June 2024 after a plea deal ended his imprisonment and a 14-year legal battle over the release of classified U.S. military files.
…
Nevertheless, Ai said that, based on business interests, Starmer’s decision to visit to China was “rational and practical”. He called it a “very good move” that would benefit Britain and be well received in China.”
A great warning, to those who are blind to what has been happening for a long time now. Look at what is happening in the US, look at who is getting elected parliaments across the EU and other nations who supposedly represent freedom and rights. It doesn’t take a revolution or invasion to change things for the worse, merely the public directing blame onto “others” and accepting more and more extremist rhetoric and lies by public figures and/or elected officials as okay and not grounds for rejection.
Edit: it’s funny, all these comments just attacking China, or even worse, Ai Weiwei.
It demonstrates the warning perfectly. If we have no moral standing to criticize rights violations, then not only are we failing to protect our own rights, but we also do nothing to advance the rights of others either when we open our mouths.
Fix our own house lest we all be swept away with no point of refuge anywhere. Only if we can lead by example, can we also provide help and a voice to others.
Edit 2: Geez, it’s depressing the number of users absolutely embarrassing themselves thinking he’s pro-CCP. If only there was a way to easily look someone’s history up before commenting and publicly showing off complete ignorance…
As for those who say they don’t let the BS of the West slide either, good for you. Obviously the message isn’t for or about you/your government, assuming you’re being truthful, so why feel so attacked, unless you feel guilty about something?
If your argument is, well “the West” is a lot of different nations, obviously he’s not going to list out each and every country in such statements, else no one can ever use generalizations ever, and going after that rather than the message says it all.
Shinyhero30 on
Conversely Beijing has no moral authority to criticize anyone on rights. Not even places that completely deserve it.
Argues_with_ignorant on
Independent of the “West”‘s record, most people do in fact have a moral obligation to criticize China on their crimes against humanity.
Just like China has the moral obligation to criticize anyone else performing crimes against humanity, like their close ally Russia that they have ceaselessly supported.
Rogthgar on
Ok, so I guess we should just stop, become BFF’s with Xi and just send Al back on the first flight possible? I am not sure why you need to be the white knight of principles before being allowed to criticize others?
SandwichPunk on
China fund Russia to invade Ukraine. China actively planning to invade Taiwan. China has dozens of fighters invading Taiwan airspace daily. China brutally terrorized Tibet, Xinjhiang, HK. China arrest anyone who oppose the government.
Criticize the US all you want. But the “West” does not only include the US. I don’t see EU, UK, Canada, Japan doing these kinds of shit
DirectionOverall9709 on
100% correct.
Char_Ell on
What is this “moral authority” people speak of? Where does this authority come from?
tecdaz on
I tend to think anyone can and should call out injustice, and be criticised in their turn.
As individuals. Anything else is assigning collective guilt or even racism, which in themselves are injustices.
lanfordr on
I honestly thought Ai Weiwei was the name of some Chinese AI platform.
How about this, why don’t we criticize every nation when they violate human rights and stop with the “what aboutism”? Yes, our shit stinks, so does yours. Instead of saying mine’s okay because yours is okay, how about we both flush our shit down the toilet?
Proud_Organization64 on
The comments are interesting. Why are people butt-hurt at this plain statement of fact? The west (US in particular) has lost the moral authority to criticize any other country about rights; especially while it is actively and openly tearing down the human rights within its own borders.
SoFloDan on
With that logic nobody can say anything about anything.
puffic on
I’m not the West. I’m just one person who criticizes China’s government in my capacity as an individual. So are the vast majority of people criticizing China’s government.
They want us to think of ourselves first and foremost as members of some collective called the “West”, so that they can hold us responsible for what bad government sometimes do in the “West.” But we aren’t responsible for everything bad that happens, any more than the lowly Chinese citizen is responsible for the sins of the Chinese Communist Party.
And this isn’t just a cultural difference. Chinese people definitely understand themselves to be individuals. The choice to bucket us all into one group is exactly that: a choice.
Knucks_408 on
Would’ve been closer to wrong 30 years ago, but not too far from spot on now unfortunately
Atlein_069 on
Soft power goes quick.
Von__Mackensen on
Then why doesn’t he leave Portugal and go back to live in china?
EfficiencyIVPickAx on
I mean, ya, but we should still.
Also, I speak for the entire Western world.
Due_Ad_3200 on
People can be hypocrites and correct when they criticise others.
Voodoo_Masta on
He’s absolutely right. It’s never been clearer than it is right now, unfortunately.
Atheizm on
That smells like argumentum tu quoque.
PandaBlueDance on
“Moral authority” sounds like something Project 2025 or the infamous Family Research Council got stamped to their foreheads.
thombo-1 on
After being placed under arrest and having his passport and laptop confiscated, Ai fled China to the West. Since then, he has been sheltered, supported and elevated to a rarefied position of respect in society, where he is free to pursue his artistic expression without fear of persecution.
It’s not that I expect him to be *grateful* but some appreciation of the difference between the freedoms he enjoys here, compared to the oppressive society he fled, would be nice to see at least.
Muffled_Incinerator on
Real talk, we’ve always been morally bankrupt, talking out of both sides of our mouths, saying one thing with our politicians, doing quite another with our CIA/DOD/etc.
duva_ on
Bah fuck off, Aiweiwei!
I’m so fucked tired of this dude jesus Christ what is he whining about tod… Oh wait I actually agree
LEIFey on
If he just means that countries in the west have also violated people’s human rights, he’s absolutely right. If he thinks that makes them on the same level as China in that regard, he’s off his rocker.
Nightredditing on
Doesn’t seem like China has any problems criticizing others. And moral authority is something they’ve lacked for nearly a century.
Charming_Elk4328 on
The 2010s are calling, they want their Assadist propaganda back
ganbaro on
Ok Ai, you live in China then, since all the west is morally on equal footing as China? Could it be that living in UK, Germany, or Sweden, is actually safer for you?
Be glad that we are allowing, even funding, people to criticize our own societies, so we can learn to be better. That’s something you won’t experience in CCP China. That’s why you display your moral righteousness out from comfy locations in Western Europe, just like any random left-wing Redditor.
Also, one fault does not excuse another. Pretty basic concept, that’s also implied in international law. Furthermore, equalling all the west is dumb. Estonia, Ireland or Canada are neither historical empires nor have any recent history of crimes with respect of international law. And UK is a *past* hegemon, China is *currently* striving to become one. Would China attempt a move like Starmer tried around Diego Garcia, following UN recmendations? Just ask the Taiwanese…
I am honestly tired of this wannabe intelligentsia type of people that spew Reddit-level takes, just better articulated, to get free PR in liberal press. They have the right to do so, of course, just like we have the right to call them out on it. Another thing not happening in CCP China.
31 Comments
But now Brits can travel to China without a passport (rolls eyes)
AI Weiwei has proven time and time again with various statements that he is just insufferable.
Fair point, but that’s an opportunity to be better and claim the authority for yourself.
An admirable trait that distinguishes Ai Wei Wei from typical left-leaning rhetoric is his consistency in ideas of human rights. He has been a fierce critique of the CCP while being consistent in critiquing the West’s moral shortcomings in meeting their very own values.
You’ll notice this among Chinese liberals. They apply liberal ideals to all. I’ve not observed the same discernment among Western leftists, and you’ll see the moral inconsistency aplenty on Reddit: critiquing Western right-wing failings while engaging in apologetics for oppressive East Asian, especially Chinese, regimes.
“Ai Weiwei, the Chinese dissident whose activist art has made him Beijing’s best-known critic, said on Thursday the West should examine its own human rights record before condemning China, as the British prime minister visits his homeland.
…
“But today I changed my mind, completely,” Ai said. “The West (is) not even (in a) position to accuse China. (They must) just check on their record (of) what they did on international human rights, (their) freedom of speech record.”
…
Ai, in London hosting events for his new book “Censorship”, said Western leaders raising issues such as human rights, free speech and censorship would be seen as deeply hypocritical and would “make people laugh”.
He pointed to how the West handled the case of Julian Assange, who returned to Australia in June 2024 after a plea deal ended his imprisonment and a 14-year legal battle over the release of classified U.S. military files.
…
Nevertheless, Ai said that, based on business interests, Starmer’s decision to visit to China was “rational and practical”. He called it a “very good move” that would benefit Britain and be well received in China.”
A great warning, to those who are blind to what has been happening for a long time now. Look at what is happening in the US, look at who is getting elected parliaments across the EU and other nations who supposedly represent freedom and rights. It doesn’t take a revolution or invasion to change things for the worse, merely the public directing blame onto “others” and accepting more and more extremist rhetoric and lies by public figures and/or elected officials as okay and not grounds for rejection.
Edit: it’s funny, all these comments just attacking China, or even worse, Ai Weiwei.
It demonstrates the warning perfectly. If we have no moral standing to criticize rights violations, then not only are we failing to protect our own rights, but we also do nothing to advance the rights of others either when we open our mouths.
Fix our own house lest we all be swept away with no point of refuge anywhere. Only if we can lead by example, can we also provide help and a voice to others.
Edit 2: Geez, it’s depressing the number of users absolutely embarrassing themselves thinking he’s pro-CCP. If only there was a way to easily look someone’s history up before commenting and publicly showing off complete ignorance…
As for those who say they don’t let the BS of the West slide either, good for you. Obviously the message isn’t for or about you/your government, assuming you’re being truthful, so why feel so attacked, unless you feel guilty about something?
If your argument is, well “the West” is a lot of different nations, obviously he’s not going to list out each and every country in such statements, else no one can ever use generalizations ever, and going after that rather than the message says it all.
Conversely Beijing has no moral authority to criticize anyone on rights. Not even places that completely deserve it.
Independent of the “West”‘s record, most people do in fact have a moral obligation to criticize China on their crimes against humanity.
Just like China has the moral obligation to criticize anyone else performing crimes against humanity, like their close ally Russia that they have ceaselessly supported.
Ok, so I guess we should just stop, become BFF’s with Xi and just send Al back on the first flight possible? I am not sure why you need to be the white knight of principles before being allowed to criticize others?
China fund Russia to invade Ukraine. China actively planning to invade Taiwan. China has dozens of fighters invading Taiwan airspace daily. China brutally terrorized Tibet, Xinjhiang, HK. China arrest anyone who oppose the government.
Criticize the US all you want. But the “West” does not only include the US. I don’t see EU, UK, Canada, Japan doing these kinds of shit
100% correct.
What is this “moral authority” people speak of? Where does this authority come from?
I tend to think anyone can and should call out injustice, and be criticised in their turn.
As individuals. Anything else is assigning collective guilt or even racism, which in themselves are injustices.
I honestly thought Ai Weiwei was the name of some Chinese AI platform.
How about this, why don’t we criticize every nation when they violate human rights and stop with the “what aboutism”? Yes, our shit stinks, so does yours. Instead of saying mine’s okay because yours is okay, how about we both flush our shit down the toilet?
The comments are interesting. Why are people butt-hurt at this plain statement of fact? The west (US in particular) has lost the moral authority to criticize any other country about rights; especially while it is actively and openly tearing down the human rights within its own borders.
With that logic nobody can say anything about anything.
I’m not the West. I’m just one person who criticizes China’s government in my capacity as an individual. So are the vast majority of people criticizing China’s government.
They want us to think of ourselves first and foremost as members of some collective called the “West”, so that they can hold us responsible for what bad government sometimes do in the “West.” But we aren’t responsible for everything bad that happens, any more than the lowly Chinese citizen is responsible for the sins of the Chinese Communist Party.
And this isn’t just a cultural difference. Chinese people definitely understand themselves to be individuals. The choice to bucket us all into one group is exactly that: a choice.
Would’ve been closer to wrong 30 years ago, but not too far from spot on now unfortunately
Soft power goes quick.
Then why doesn’t he leave Portugal and go back to live in china?
I mean, ya, but we should still.
Also, I speak for the entire Western world.
People can be hypocrites and correct when they criticise others.
He’s absolutely right. It’s never been clearer than it is right now, unfortunately.
That smells like argumentum tu quoque.
“Moral authority” sounds like something Project 2025 or the infamous Family Research Council got stamped to their foreheads.
After being placed under arrest and having his passport and laptop confiscated, Ai fled China to the West. Since then, he has been sheltered, supported and elevated to a rarefied position of respect in society, where he is free to pursue his artistic expression without fear of persecution.
It’s not that I expect him to be *grateful* but some appreciation of the difference between the freedoms he enjoys here, compared to the oppressive society he fled, would be nice to see at least.
Real talk, we’ve always been morally bankrupt, talking out of both sides of our mouths, saying one thing with our politicians, doing quite another with our CIA/DOD/etc.
Bah fuck off, Aiweiwei!
I’m so fucked tired of this dude jesus Christ what is he whining about tod… Oh wait I actually agree
If he just means that countries in the west have also violated people’s human rights, he’s absolutely right. If he thinks that makes them on the same level as China in that regard, he’s off his rocker.
Doesn’t seem like China has any problems criticizing others. And moral authority is something they’ve lacked for nearly a century.
The 2010s are calling, they want their Assadist propaganda back
Ok Ai, you live in China then, since all the west is morally on equal footing as China? Could it be that living in UK, Germany, or Sweden, is actually safer for you?
Be glad that we are allowing, even funding, people to criticize our own societies, so we can learn to be better. That’s something you won’t experience in CCP China. That’s why you display your moral righteousness out from comfy locations in Western Europe, just like any random left-wing Redditor.
Also, one fault does not excuse another. Pretty basic concept, that’s also implied in international law. Furthermore, equalling all the west is dumb. Estonia, Ireland or Canada are neither historical empires nor have any recent history of crimes with respect of international law. And UK is a *past* hegemon, China is *currently* striving to become one. Would China attempt a move like Starmer tried around Diego Garcia, following UN recmendations? Just ask the Taiwanese…
I am honestly tired of this wannabe intelligentsia type of people that spew Reddit-level takes, just better articulated, to get free PR in liberal press. They have the right to do so, of course, just like we have the right to call them out on it. Another thing not happening in CCP China.