Now I might be naive or plain wrong, but I tell you completely honestly, that I would always have been more concerned for my safety travelling to the US than China.
Naturally, one would steer away from discussing politics or behaving in ‘concerning’ ways in China - for example filming government buildings.
But, I have never felt I’d be in any danger doing average tourist stuff in China. I’ve been there twice, to more rural parts as it happens, and felt safe: People friendly, no edge.
US on the other hand… I admit I’ve barely visited to transfer flights, but the idea of being let loose in the US is considerably more challenging for me. Knowing that everyone is potentially armed, that trigger happy police are everywhere, there are high racial tensions, drugged up homeless etc.
This was truly my impression even before Trump was ever a household name.
Is it surprising to Americans that a Brit would genuinely feel that way around about the two countries? I don’t know. It doesn’t seem controversial to me, but then I read Americans talking about China as though it’s some scary place for them.
Collectively European nations have the economy and technology to build a Military Industrial Complex to rival the US… I hope they truly wake up before it’s too late, lest the birthplace of western civilization also become it’s grave 😢