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It's starting to feel like China is a version of NK where they're allowed to leave the country (presumably in order to share the fruits of their 'logic' such as

• seanmcdirmid 9y ago
  Exit visas haven’t been a thing in china since the early 90s, but they totally existed before then.
  • alexasmyths 9y ago
    Maybe not - but - the state will grab up people's passports for whatever reason they want, whenever they want. Of course this happens everywhere, but it's a pretty big deal when it does happen. I think China is kind of odd - because you don't immediately get the sense that the government is watching everyone. I mean - there are far fewer people in prison. But the 'eye' is there and if you do specific things ... well ... the silent alarm is tripped.
    • seanmcdirmid 9y ago
      China really isn’t like the DPRK. It’s not like you are under surveillance, or anyone cares what you say or think as long as you don’t have a big audience. Well, it used to be like that, but things changed in the 80s, progress has been made. It is just frustrating that there are so many regressions. The opening up of the mid-late 80s was of course crushed after 6/4, but then there was the opening up that happened before the Olympics that was then throttled back really quickly (and indeed, internet censorship became much more harsh than it ever was). Annoying to say the least.
      • alexasmyths 9y ago
        Yes, I agree, that's what I meant to say. Not so much 'surveillance' but watchfulness anyhow.