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There's a balancing act here. Each individual Chinese citizen is innocent, but their government isn't; how much should each citizen suffer the consequences of

There's a balancing act here. Each individual Chinese citizen is innocent, but their government isn't; how much should each citizen suffer the consequences of their government's actions? On one hand, it could be argued that they're innocent, and shouldn't be punished. It's not their fault, and they nave no real ability to change their state policies. They're the primary victims, we should be helping them, not hurting them. On the other hand, any attempt to hold the government accountable for their actions will invariably impact their citizens. Tariffs, sanctions, war, all can punish a populace because of the actions of a corrupt leadership... and yet it can still be just (see the sanctions against Russia, for example). Being too precious about hurting their population just perpetuates the regime.

zaik 2y ago
All very true, but in this case there is no balancing act. Blocking prospective Chinese students from receiving education abroad punishes only the students and also helps the government in perpetuating their censorship, as this student will now never get to enjoy uncensored access to the internet.
aithrowawaycomm 2y ago
The democratic Japanese government could simply ban Chinese admissions as a matter of policy, but there isn't a diplomatic or security justification for doing so. The fact that U Tokyo resorted to a sneaky and underhanded tactic speaks to a bigoted motivation.
- davorak 2y ago
  > speaks to a bigoted motivation. There is smoke there so it should be investigated. Alternatively maybe they wanted to admit more Chinese students who normally use or were willing to use proxy serves. Maybe because they think these students would be less effected or boxed in by propaganda, essentially giving more support to those they favor ideologically. Not clear from the article if this is going to get investigated and cleared up though.

zaik 2y ago

All very true, but in this case there is no balancing act. Blocking prospective Chinese students from receiving education abroad punishes only the students and also helps the government in perpetuating their censorship, as this student will now never get to enjoy uncensored access to the internet.

aithrowawaycomm 2y ago

The democratic Japanese government could simply ban Chinese admissions as a matter of policy, but there isn't a diplomatic or security justification for doing so. The fact that U Tokyo resorted to a sneaky and underhanded tactic speaks to a bigoted motivation.

davorak 2y ago
> speaks to a bigoted motivation. There is smoke there so it should be investigated. Alternatively maybe they wanted to admit more Chinese students who normally use or were willing to use proxy serves. Maybe because they think these students would be less effected or boxed in by propaganda, essentially giving more support to those they favor ideologically. Not clear from the article if this is going to get investigated and cleared up though.