In the bustling landscape of China’s all-digital society, speed and convenience reign supreme, driven by the adoption of digital currencies. In a society where smartphones have become the new wallets, credit cards, and ATMs, almost all transactions are conducted digitally through quick QR code scans. Even beggars on the street have replaced cash jars with QR codes for donations.
China’s push towards mobile payments gained momentum during the pandemic, with WeChat and Ali Pay emerging as the two primary digital payment platforms. These services, which became available to foreigners just last year, have become integral to daily life in China, making shopping and transactions virtually impossible without them.
WeChat, in particular, serves as a multifaceted tool, functioning as a person’s bank, social media account, email, and text messaging platform all in one. The convenience is unparalleled, with about 90% of China’s population, including the elderly, heavily relying on it.
However, this digitized lifestyle comes at a cost – pervasive surveillance. China has embraced a comprehensive monitoring system, with cameras connected to this system in every corner, from rural areas to bustling towns. Surveillance cameras, coupled with facial recognition systems at entry points, have become omnipresent. The country is recognized for having the highest number of surveillance cameras globally.
Law enforcement is equally robust, with police utilizing cameras to publicly shame individuals caught breaking the law. Images of lawbreakers are displayed on giant screens across towns, on buses, and even in public restrooms, creating a system of accountability. The goal is to deter criminal behavior and promote safety, a sentiment echoed by residents who believe the surveillance measures contribute to a decrease in crime rates.
While the Chinese government asserts that robberies, assaults, and murders have significantly decreased over the past two decades due to increased surveillance, some acknowledge the trade-off between safety and privacy. Public shaming and constant monitoring are accepted as tools to maintain order in a rapidly developing nation of over 1.4 billion people.
Though visitors may appreciate the sense of safety, the realization that ‘Big Brother’ is always watching may be unnerving. The intensity of surveillance witnessed in China is acknowledged as something unlikely to be accepted in more privacy-conscious societies like the United States. The delicate balance between security and individual freedoms remains a complex aspect of China’s digital evolution.
In the upcoming episode of ‘Journey to China, Hawaii’s Connection,’ Stephanie Lum explores the breathtaking world heritage sites in Southern China, including one featured in a Disney movie, offering a unique perspective on the country’s rich cultural landscape.
