The ten commandments of a China watcher

According to Fr. László Ladányi SJ fromPierre Ryckmans

• Remember that no one living in a free society ever has a full understanding of life in a regimented society.
• Look at China through Chinese spectacles; if one looks at is through foreign glasses, one is thereby trying to make sense of Chinese events in terms of our own problems.
• Learn something about other Communist countries.
• Study the basic tenets of Marxism.
• Keep in mind that words and terms do not have the same meaning in a Marxist society as they do elsewhere.
• Keep your common sense: the Chinese may have the particular characteristics of Chinese, but they are human beings, and therefore have normal reactions of human beings.
• People are not less important than issues; they are probably more so. A group may adopt the programme of those who oppose it in order to retain power.
• Do not believe that you know all the answers. China poses more questions than it provides answers.
• Do not lose your sense of humour. A regimented press is too serious to be taken very seriously.
• Above all, read the small print!