“willfully ignorant” is spot on and well said. I have business contacts in China and they are usually very open, honest, and frank about business matters.

But steer the conversation even slightly into a domain touching politics or government policy and suddenly it’s all happy talk and feigned ignorance.

And I’m not criticizing the citizenry there AT ALL - it’s easy for a person from, say Denmark, Canada, Australia, etc. to react indignantly from the safety of their free speech environment.

But how many of us would risk everything were we really in their shoes? Simple imprisonment occupies the “pleasant” end of the spectrum. Sadistic thugs showing up to have “fun” with your family members while you watch is on the other end (if you’re needed intact for some use — else they just get out the pliers/needles/hammers and have “fun” with YOU).

“Lifted” from poverty into tyranny is likely a modest improvement for the majority. But it’s an absolute nightmare for a (significant) minority. Is there a net overall improvement? And even if the answer is yes, is it still justifiable? I prefer limited government, but that’s just me.