I also speak pretty fluent Mandarin, and when I talked to people there it seemed that they were very reluctant to speak bluntly about Chinese-American relations. They also wanted to believe their leaders are doing what’s best for their country. But at the same time, as long as you are protected from any government surveillance (in a car, or in a restaurant private dining room) they are willing to speak freely. And listen freely.
The Chinese are happy about the progress they have made in the last 49 years, as they should be. They find it hard to understand that Americans believe this progress has somehow come at Americans’ expense. And like everyone in every place, if required to choose between their nation-state and some other nation-state, they will choose their own. Perhaps that is tragic, but it is what it is.
I had several conversations while I was there about why the American people and their government are so suspicious of China. They genuinely do not understand. I tried as best I could to explain why Trump and those who support him feel this way, but I don’t know if they really got it.
I commend your willingness to go there and check things out for yourself.
Last 49 years = last 40 years.
Are you in China now? VPNs seem to have crashed nationwide. I guess it’s because of the anniversary. Can’t even access support sites.