I’ve always been thinking about the question since I entered university : what’s wrong with China ? I read a lot of peoples viewpoints, Chinese and foreigners, dead and alive, and I also asked some in person. But I’ve never got a clear answer on it. At least not clear enough for me. Because a clearly defined problem comes up with a clear solution trajectory, which I haven’t seen in any of them. But one thing that I’m sure is that this problem of China can only be solved by local Chinese people who still count China as their home.

Chinese people who’s thinking about this question like me are pretty aware of the current image of China, such as the outrage burst out towards Shein’s first permanent physical store opened up in Paris on November fifth. Unlike other fast fashion, Shein was unanimously viewed as the lowest brand, a lot of French I know never hide their disdain on Shein, and on the same kind of brand like Temu. Me, as a Chinese studying in Paris, I totally get why they think like that, and I don’t want defend Shein and Temu at all even though they break into the world market for the first time as Chinese brands from mainland. I don’t feel proud of them, neither do I feel shame. As a foreigner living in Paris over two years, I’m impressed by the eco-fever here in the Europe which I believe is out of good initiative, a sense of mission. But I have to say, they don’t see the real problem which divides them. The gap between the rich and the poor goes to extreme after the Covid. Why can’t you simply see it. People lining up to the opening of Shein in Paris, being accused of buying Shein trash could only feel the hypocrisy of their accusers on the other side of the streets, mainly from bourgeoise class, with good education or good family background, manifesting for the ecology. Both of the sides is the victim of this capitalism whose outcomes are predicted long time ago. I don’t have a solution for you because China’s mode is definitely not the answer. But I hope you can understand why some Chinese business feel the hypocrisy of Europeans’ reactions towards Shein or Temu. They would simply say it’s not them who create so many poor without choice in your country. Just be aware. Understanding is the first step for solution.