TLDR;
The video discusses a series of incidents involving uncivilised behaviour by Chinese tourists abroad, particularly focusing on an incident at Gyongbokgung Palace in South Korea. It examines the reasons behind this behaviour, linking it to failures in China's education system, the legacy of the CCP's rule, and shortcomings in domestic public facilities and cultural norms. The video also touches on the CCP's attempts to promote a "civilised China" through propaganda, arguing that true civilisation requires more than just slogans and posters.
- Uncivilised behaviour by Chinese tourists is a recurring issue globally.
- Failures in the Chinese education system and the legacy of the CCP contribute to the problem.
- The CCP's propaganda-based approach to civilisation is ineffective.
Incident at Gyongbokgung Palace [0:00]
The video begins by detailing an incident at Gyongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, where two Chinese tourists were filmed urinating near the palace walls. This event caused widespread shock and outrage. The incident occurred on November 10th, and involved a middle-aged man and a woman. The man was later fined 50,000 Korean won (approximately 34.4 USD), while the woman was not penalised. The palace, built in 1395, is a major historical landmark and popular tourist attraction, making the uncivilised behaviour all the more jarring.
Past Incidents and Generalisations [0:21]
The video highlights that this was not an isolated incident. A similar event occurred at Yongmeori Coast in Jeju City, where a woman and child were seen urinating, and used wet wipes were left behind. These repeated incidents at popular tourist sites contribute to the generalisation of individual misbehaviour as a group label. Tourism between China and South Korea had been recovering after a lull, with 3.66 million Chinese visitors expected in 2024, but this increase has been accompanied by more reports of uncivilised behaviour, such as shouting in the streets and vandalising Korean drama locations.
Rising Anti-China Sentiment [3:52]
The increase in Chinese tourists, facilitated by a temporary visa exemption policy, has led to rising anti-China sentiment in South Korea. Anti-China banners have become more common, and conservative groups have organised rallies against the visa exemption. This sentiment is fuelled by both political disputes and the recurring instances of uncivilised behaviour captured on camera. The video points out that such behaviour is not unique to overseas locations, citing examples of public defecation in China itself, such as at Tiananmen Square and in Nanjing Metro.
Global Perspective on Uncivilised Behaviour [6:40]
The video broadens the scope to examine how Chinese tourists are often labelled as uncivilised globally. Examples include traffic jams and disruptive behaviour at temples in Kyoto, Japan; touching artifacts at the British Museum; and public defecation at Paya Beach in Thailand. These actions contribute to a negative perception of China's global image. Pew Research Center surveys indicate that in many high-income countries, positive views of China are low, often below 30%.
Root Causes: Education and the CCP's Legacy [10:09]
The video argues that the root causes of this behaviour extend beyond individual actions, pointing to failures in China's education system. The education system is criticised for prioritising discipline and obedience over teaching practical civility and social responsibility. Morality education is seen as patriotic brainwashing, with little emphasis on public manners or cross-cultural etiquette. The behaviour of older Chinese tourists is attributed to the legacy of the CCP's rule, during which survival was the main focus, and public civility was neglected.
Domestic Factors and Cultural Influences [15:22]
The video also examines domestic factors within China that contribute to the problem. Poor public toilet facilities in rural and suburban areas lead to habits of public urination. The destruction of traditional culture by the Communist Party has resulted in a lack of public space awareness, leading to herd mentality where people follow the misbehaviour of others. This behaviour is then amplified when travelling abroad.
The CCP's Dual Face and Ineffective Propaganda [17:11]
The video criticises the CCP's approach to promoting a "civilised China," arguing that it relies too heavily on propaganda and slogans rather than actual civilisation building. The government's initiatives, such as the domestic tourism enhancement plan, are seen as superficial and ineffective. The video concludes that true civilisation requires internal qualities and external systems, not just posters and catchphrases, and that the uncivilised behaviour of Chinese tourists abroad exposes the failures of this false civilisation system. The Gyongbokgung Palace incident serves as a reminder that civilisation must be cultivated, and the online backlash is a warning about the consequences of hollow education.
