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
