The Surveillance State in China Began With Mao Says Minxin Pei
Feb 13, 2024
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Minxin Pei, an expert on the surveillance state in China, discusses the history and development of China's surveillance apparatus. He explores the broad definition of political activities, the presence of informants, and the adaptability of Leninist states to implement surveillance systems. Pei highlights the challenges of obtaining information about the system and emphasizes the impact of surveillance on society and behaviors within China.
China's surveillance state in the 1950s has evolved and expanded, incorporating advanced technology and targeting specific threats and individuals.
Surveillance in authoritarian states like China is primarily focused on regime security and deterring political opposition, rather than crime control or public safety.
Deep dives
Difference between Surveillance State and Authoritarian State
In an authoritarian state, surveillance is primarily political, aimed at monitoring known threats or suspect political threats. The purpose is not crime control or public safety. The goal is to maintain regime security and deter political opposition.
Development and Expansion of China's Surveillance Infrastructure
China's surveillance state was built in the 1950s and has since undergone modernization and expansion. The state has invested in manpower and technology, with programs like the Golden Shield and Skynet, focusing on secure information networks and visual surveillance. The system has improved over time, incorporating facial recognition and expanding into rural areas.
Impact of Surveillance on Ordinary Lives in China
China's surveillance state varies its surveillance activities based on perceived threats. Key targets include ex-criminals, suspects engaged in criminal activities, explicitly political threats, and those on blacklists maintained by local political authorities. Surveillance impacts individuals' lives differently based on their classification and the threats they are associated with.
The Leninist State and Surveillance
Leninist states, like China, are particularly adaptive to surveillance states due to their hierarchical and well-organized party structures, control over a significant portion of the economy, and ability to leverage resources and influence. China's surveillance state aligns with the Leninist framework, allowing for comprehensive and effective surveillance, both within the general population and among the elites.
I think a powerful surveillance apparatus will continue to be a major obstacle to the development of democratic forces, but it will not be the decisive factor.
Minxin Pei
Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu
Minxin Pei is the Tom and Margot Pritzker ’72 Professor of Government and George R. Roberts Fellow at Claremont McKenna College. His most recent book is The Sentinel State: Surveillance and the Survival of Dictatorship in China.