In this episode of UNAPOLOGETIC, Chinese political analyst Victor Gao joins UNAPOLOGETIC for a wide-ranging and often conflictual discussion about China's global image, western condescension towards it, human rights and democracy,
Gao, a former translator for Deng Xiaoping and a vocal defender of the Chinese state, argues that China is a force for stability, free trade, and development - and rejects western narratives around repression in places like Xinjiang and Tibet.
He is challenged on China's human rights record, especially concerning the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. The clash exposes fundamental differences in how each views evidence, legitimacy, and sovereignty.
Also discussed:
- How does representation and governance work in China?
- Why is China rising while liberal democracies fragment?
- Can China be trusted as a global leader?
UNAPOLOGETIC is hosted by Ashfaaq Carim
This episode was filmed on 14 May 2025.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
04:15 Why the West misunderstands China
08:30 China’s view on democracy and modernisation
12:10 The century of humiliation
16:00 Is criticism of China racist?
19:50 Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang: the one China argument
24:30 Pushing back on human rights violations
29:00 “You are my enemy”: dissent and denial
33:45 China’s stance on Palestine and Gaza
38:00 Democracy in China: consensual vs confrontational
44:00 Can China handle more free speech?
50:30 Xi Jinping’s legacy and global role
55:00 Winning global trust