China Responds to State Department Comments

China has recently responded to the reports by the state department that "Hotel rooms, residences and offices may be accessed at any time without the occupant's consent or knowledge." As I wrote in my previous post this is ridiculous and inappropriate. I am glad that China has now come out with response. In the short article by AP, China basically says that, It was out of line for America to say those things, and that China's security measurements, in public places, such as hotels and offices, is "in accordance to international norms." That they specifically only mention public places is interesting, and obvious, as that is all a regular traveler to China should be worried about, and anyone traveling to "non-public" places is probably fully aware that there will be increased security.

Is America Serious!?

Seriously people, please. I can understand the western world being ignorant of China. I can even understand when foreigners come here and first think they'll have the Chinese government monitoring their every move. But seriously, having the US Government issue a warning about never having privacy, and that "All hotel rooms and offices are considered to be subject to on-site or remote technical monitoring at all times." This is just plain ridiculous. Not only is it impossible for China to keep tabs on EVERY foreigner visiting China, Especially during the Olympics. They have no more reason to than America would. Of course they are uptight about what gets out to the news, but that's why they do watch journalists much more closely than every other foreigner. If China we able to monitor every foreigner, and if according to the state departments, "Hotel rooms, residences and offices may be accessed at any time without the occupant's consent or knowledge." I don't think there really would be many foreigners left in China. From either being deported or more so, leaving from having their house broken into. This article really upsets me, and while I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the US government is more stupid when it comes to China than even most of the ignorant 'citizens.' At least some of them are open to new information and willing to accept that China has changed from any previous ideals that they once had, and that maybe they themselves were just a victim of the anti-communist propaganda of their days. That China is less Communistic now than America. That your more likely to get spied on, and your phone call's listened to in your own country than when your visiting for the Olympics. If you want to read the full article is here, from ESPN surprisingly enough.


Update--- Just found the Fact Sheet from the State Department here. The actual fact sheet gives a much more balanced view and so decent warnings. Shame on ESPN for trying to scare people.