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In Europe there is more talk about migrants from any part of the world, but rarely is there talk about emigration from China… Perhaps because the Chinese do not arrive helpless and have a network of contacts (?? guanxi)? But what happens when a Chinese citizen leaves his or her country with the intention of requesting political asylum?
In the past three years, what is motivating Chinese people to “escape”? The main exodus occurs to Europe, the United States and Japan. According to Idescat, there are almost 62,000 Chinese citizens in Catalonia, the fifth largest community of foreigners. Another fact: Chinese immigrants are the fastest growing group crossing from Mexico to the US along the southern border.
Today I am going to talk about the case of Ming (the name is fictitious to protect his true identity), who one day decides to leave China and go to Barcelona. But the path is never direct. What are the motivations and the route taken?
The Run ? (escape) philosophy was so successful on social media that censorship soon took up the issue. What are the reasons for this “sudden” exodus? Let’s go part of the way with Ming and perhaps discover something more about Chinese culture that we often don’t know about. Let’s rewind the movie from this interview!
When did you know you wanted to leave China? When did she go?
Towards the end of 2020, I made the decision to leave China. I left in December, first to Japan.
Did you decide it on your own or did someone or something inspire you?
I decided it on my own and these are the reasons: It is true that there are many videos on TikTok (Douyin, in China) or on YouTube describing the story of Chinese crossing the border from Mexico to the United States and also the method to achieve it. But it didn’t inspire me. I also didn’t want a too dangerous adventure. Obtaining a visa for Japan is not complicated.
What was the main reason? Because 10 years ago, China was like the El Dorado of youth (Ming is approximately 30 years old)… what were you doing in China before?
It’s not that I didn’t realize it before, but when Covid started I felt more and more oppressed, at odds with the measures and with the impossibility of expressing my opinion openly. On the other hand, social pressure on what one should do (work, earn money, get married and have children) increasingly clashed with my ideal of freedom: deciding for myself.
In Chinese society, furthermore, any criticism or complaint is inconceivable and it is something that I found increasingly difficult to accept. I was also concerned about high levels of pollution, food poisoning and the pressure of the educational system added to that of parents. From an early age, children are subjected to a pace of study and a competitive environment that is extremely stressful. Some study until 11 at night! This rhythm causes high levels of stress and depression. It is not the future I want for my children.
In China, I worked in e-commerce. But it wasn’t going well. It must be said that the arrival of Covid and the Government’s measures killed any ambition in those years and ended up suffocating us with restrictions. Many people chose to escape, giving rise to an evident exodus that began, mainly with the elite, marked by frustration and disenchantment. Therefore, after months of reflection, I decided it was time to leave China.
What route did you take and how do you survive financially?
I signed up for a language course in Japan and then went to university to study and work in the automotive sector. I also worked part time. I was very busy.
Although the conditions for obtaining a visa are very strict, it is not that complicated and I always wanted to live in Japan. Over time, I saw how Japanese society is very closed, especially towards foreigners. It is almost impossible to integrate and make friends. Furthermore, it is a very hierarchical society. Whether at university or at work, superiors enjoy a very reverential respect; You have to bend your back several times, talking to a teacher or your boss (as a sign of respect) and criticizing anything means losing your job. In the end, I found myself in a system almost worse than that of China, so I wanted to get to Europe and chose Barcelona.
The Chinese community in Barcelona is quite large. Was it of any help? We often hear about “networking”, the famous ?? (guanxi).
It’s true that I thought that life in Barcelona must be pleasant because it welcomed many Chinese and before Covid it was very popular to visit Spain during a trip to Europe. I was also motivated by the presence of the sea and mild temperatures throughout the year. But I didn’t ask anyone for help.
According to official statistics (Idescat), the foreign population of Chinese origin only represents 4.54% (fourth in 2021 and 2022, it was surpassed by Colombia in 2023). In 2000 there were 4,396 citizens of Chinese origin in Catalonia versus 63,228 in 2021. Considerable growth.
Do you talk about this openly with family or friends?
Yes, I talk openly with family and friends. Most already know that it will be very difficult for me to return to China, first because I am very critical and second because it is not in my plans. My very critical stance towards the system left me no choice but to request asylum and my file is in the process of being resolved. I have patience and, in the meantime, I feel safe, which is a lot, and I learn Spanish.
How do you feel here, in Barcelona, ??how long have you been here?
I feel very good in Barcelona. I finally have this feeling of freedom, lightness. The cost of living is very acceptable. We enjoy a pleasant temperature most of the year and the Spanish are very welcoming. I have more social protection than in China. I feel very protected. I have been in Catalonia for 11 months now and I am very grateful to the country that welcomed me.
