Member-only story
They are drinking beer at a bar in Shanghai.
Feng is a businesswoman, 35, who’s started a clothing import company. Huan is a member of the communist party, 32, who went to her shop to ask her to join the party.
They’re sitting at a table in a corner of the crowded room.
It’s just past 8 pm.
The war in Ukraine continues and recently China has flown jets near Taiwan in a show of force.
Feng — That was impressive… all those fighter planes flying near the island.
Huan — We need to show them that they will have to submit to us. That’s what the Chinese people want.
Feng — I don’t.
Huan (surprised) — Why not?
Feng — Have you been to the island?
Huan — Not yet.
Feng — I feel different when I go there… no cameras following me and I can say what I want.
Huan (smiling) — But the people are not happy.
Feng (shaking her head) — People seemed happy to me, and the few people I talked to were content with their government. They didn’t want to join the mainland.
Huan — It’s the Taiwanese government’s propaganda distorting their views. Look, historically they belong to us. And the People’s Republic of China will take back the island, that’s all there is to it. We just have to wait for the right moment.
Feng — People in the mainland would like the freedoms of the Taiwanese.
Huan (mildly annoyed) — You do not…
