Richard; interesting article, with no surprises. China is undemocratic and manipulative. We, however, live in a democracy and I assume this forum exists for us to exercise our right of free speech and make our opinions and arguments know. We should do that objectively - like you have using an article from a respectred newspaper (serious journal, magazines, websites or other references should be cited where possible). We should avoid insults or derogatory comments. I think if we feel our health, finances, human rights, citizenship or other freedoms are being jeopardised that seems reasonable - in fact, as I noted earlier, we perhaps have a duty to do that?
I'd agree sniping, like insults, isn't helpful and should be avoided but when one's having one's intelligence insulted by government statements sometimes it's difficult not make such comments when one's exasperated by them! I normally prefer, and try, to inject some humour, but as I have a slightly off beat (cynical?) sense of humour I suspect that's sometimes misinterpreted ...
So Bunny is right to raise this but that shouldn't stop robust, focused scrutiny or criticism - or agreement - with actions regarding COVID, Brexit, the NHS, Wandsworth Council, TfL, etc.
It's nice to be positive and we should be. I take the view where there's life there's hope. On that basis I'd put health in front of finances: if I'm alive I can always look for ways to earn more money; if I'm dead the money's no use to me!
Michael Ixer ● 2153d