THREAD:

My latest #China #vlog is live, discussing why so-called "Armchair Experts" on China are a big problem, especially to those in government and business who need sound advice on China, now more than ever.



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REASON #1:

If it's easy, anyone can do it. Just because you can write a book on #China, or visit for several short trips, doesn't mean you can somehow suddenly understand China. Understanding China takes lots of hard work if you didn't grow up here.

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One classic example of this point is #PeterNavarro, who is apparently still a top advisor to the President on #China, despite not speaking any #Chinese, and having made up sources for his book critical of China.

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Another case is the current Secretary of State, #MikePompeo, who has made public comments and remarks alluding to him having an apparent deep understanding of #China and the #Chinese people. However, these statements seem silly and uninformed to those of us actually here.

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REASON #2:

Scholars writing about and researching #China from overseas can be out of touch with how modern Chinese people think. For example, those who think the average Chinese will be discussing the #MandateofHeaven in relation to the recent floods.

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As mentioned in the video, being a #scholar is fine, and I have previously written a journal article myself. However, after spending my entire career (almost) in #China, I don't feel that someone could effectively advise on China by only researching from overseas.

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REASON #3:

So many people are advising on China without visiting or spending significant time here.

#China is a very important part of the global economy in addition to being a rising geopolitical power. I would expect many more "experts" to want to spend time here.

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We sadly see too many experts preferring to be based overseas, perhaps due to #cultureshock or their preference for a more comfortable life in the culture they grew up in. But #China is changing so fast, being on for even several years could create a big gap in knowledge

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REASON #4:

There is a definite need for actual #Chinese skills among reputed experts, otherwise, I (and others) would seriously worry about their actual ability to understand and engage with #China.

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And the thing about understanding the #Chinese language is that it serves as a gateway to better understanding the Chinese culture and people, especially due to the problem literally translating meanings between Chinese and other languages.

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REASON #5:

Watching from the sidelines doesn't make you smarter, or make you see more clearly.

For those interested, the Chinese idiom I refer to here is 当局者迷，旁观者清 (The person on the spot is baffled, the onlooker sees clearly) - #ChinaWatchers

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REASON #6:

We need more actual #Chinese in positions of authority where they can advise governments and businesses on the real China.

This point was inspired by @RealSexyCyborg, the top tech influencer in China, and a great window to the real #China and #Shenzhen.

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Overall, this #vlog is discussing senior experts advising organizations, businesses, or governments, as they are the ones who help decide on how the West works with #China. Considering their power and influence, they need to be held to a higher standard.

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What do you think of the term #ArmchairExpert? Do you feel it is similar to or the same as a #ChinaWatcher?

Thanks for reading!

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