The Red Note

 

The Red Note is made famous by the so-called “TikTok refugees”. It is used by Chinese (most are middle class) to talk about daily life events, restaurants and travel tips. No politics,  religions… are allowed. Most of these refugees find the lives in China are better than theirs in the US, and print a rosy picture of China. Let me comment on some of their comments.

 

·        Some want to move to China. As long as you can teach English, there are a lot of opportunities there. I do not want to be in technical jobs in China, as the competition is keen. Open source allows your competitors to catch up with you, and hence you need to work hard and innovate every day.

·        One complained she has a $400,000 student loan, while one Chinese only paid $800 for her college tuition. It could be true many years ago. Depending on the college and the major, I estimate it would cost about $2,500 per year. They charge far more for foreign students.

·        You should have a good life with $12,000 in a Tier II city. Tier I such as Shanghai will cost you more judging by the average rent.

·        Everything is cheaper there as the government practices socialism.

·        China offers nine years of free education to all children between the ages of six and fifteen.

·         China has improved in the air pollution and water pollution, but they are still not up to par to the world standard.

·        Health care is far cheaper compared to the US. The following are from the internet: A primary care visit in China can cost between $0.71 and $2.38.  A general consultation with a family doctor in a private clinic in Shanghai can cost around $22.

However, we have Medicare for folks over 65 and help for low-income folks offered by most states.

·         It is safer in China as severe punishment and cameras are everywhere. For example, raping an underaged girl would most likely results in death penalty.

·         A Chinese ‘owned’ house is typically for 70 years.

·         The homeless problem is virtually non-existent in China. Our homeless problem is caused primarily by drug addiction.

 

Please be reminded that every country has its problems and merits.  The world would be a better one if we communicate with each other. The $1.6 B to bad month China is smoking fast via Red Note. I still believe our problems are minor and can be easily fixed by balancing our budget and trade deficits.