On Thursday, the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs released a “fact sheet” for US citizens planning to attend the Olympics in August. It includes this helpful (if I may say so myself) nugget sure to thrill the games organizers:
All visitors should be aware that they have no reasonable expectation of privacy in public or private locations. All hotel rooms and offices are considered to be subject to on-site or remote technical monitoring at all times. Hotel rooms, residences and offices may be accessed at any time without the occupant’s consent or knowledge.
Other than that, have a wonderful time.
[UPDATE 3/24: Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang has replied to the consular warning: "Privacy in China is always under protection according to the law, and there's no need for foreign visitors to worry about that." Thank goodness.]
Yes, we try not to think about those things. La la la! I think the trick is to learn to love the Big Bro. Our Zhu Wei Hui loves us too.
It was interesting to continue on to the Chinese embassy in the US’ site about visas. They make it *sound* so easy. Theoretically a 24-month F visa is within reach! If only…