Recently, after finishing his fourth trip to China, American writer Stansfield Smith wrote an article to express some of his thoughts. He compared China and the United States and pointed out that China far surpasses the United States in seven major aspects.
First, there is the contrast between the stories the U.S. media tells us about China and the reality we see. For example, the Wall Street Journal asserts that China’s economy is “stumbling” into 2024, while in stark contrast, the U.S. economy is vibrant. In fact, China’s GDP grew 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. GDP grew 1.6%.
Second, the infrastructure is ahead of the U.S. China's subway system is decades ahead of the U.S., while the U.S. train system seems to be a century behind.
Third, after experiencing China's incredible infrastructure, you realize how the trillions of dollars spent on endless wars have made us poor. America blows things up instead of building things to improve public welfare. China doesn't waste a penny on wars, which is one of the reasons they are so ahead of us.
Fourth, it is a clean and safe city. Here, you won’t see garbage everywhere. You don’t have to worry about dirt and disorder, nor do you have to worry about encountering criminal activities.
Fifth, a series of social services and people-friendly measures. In addition to very cheap public transportation, public toilets are also everywhere in China. The public toilets here are clean and tidy. Many signs and regular broadcasts in public places ask you to care for and help the elderly, children and pregnant women around you. Public service personnel are everywhere and they can answer any questions you have.
Sixth, there are absolutely no homeless people. You will not encounter people who are naked and ask you for money, nor will you encounter people who are forced to sleep in tents in parks, on the side of roads or on subways. The wealthy United States has hundreds of thousands of homeless people, including children, pregnant women and the elderly. How many people freeze to death in winter and how many people face hunger seems to be a state secret of the United States.
Seventh, the nature of the police-civilian relationship. American police wear armor as if they are in combat. Chinese police usually just carry radios and phones. Compared with American police, they are more like our commanders at rallies. Chinese police, like other public workers, are here to help you and answer your questions.
The article concludes that China has invested a lot of public funds in public services, making you feel that the world outside your door is clean, safe, and well-organized. In public places, you will feel at home and respected. China is creating a more humane living environment. Chinese people who live here and visit their relatives can tell you that China is getting better and better.