Chinese police started the tradition of having tea with their subjects in 2008, when Liu Xiaobo wrote the Charter 08 and invited thousands of Chinese to sign it.
Those who signed it were soon invited by the police to have tea. Liu himself was arrested and sentenced to 11 years in jail. In 2010, Liu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2017, he died of terminal cancer while serving the term.
That is how this tradition started. If you have time, here is a tea conversation with the police in 2009 (in five parts).
“Why did you accept the interview?”
“Why?” I opened my eyes wide. “I have the right to accept an interview!”
It seems quite menacing to me.
Now, 13 years later, the tea with police has been so popularized that many people have claimed to have done that over the years. It seems to me the police takes it more like an outreach program. Here is a very recent one.
(rough translation) a briefing on the chat over tea
m (man): Do I need to record this?
p (police): No need. Just simple chat for a bit of information.
m: Please ask.
p: Are you a party member?
m: Yes.
p: Where did you work before retirement?
m: (reported his company name)
p: Did you participate in signing the “Russia-Ukraine” affair?
m: Yes.
p: How did you do that?
m: In Weixin group
p: The name of the group?
m: The group is often blocked, and name changes all the time, I don’t know how to say it.
p: Can you let me see the posts in the group?
m: No, this could harm others, I can’t let you see.
p: The signatures are all from your university alumni?
m: No, it is a joint signature from four universities.
p: The groups is a big one with four universities?
m: No, just alumni from my university.
p: How do you sign?
m: There is an anti-war open letter, I think it represent my voice, so I signed it on my own.
It continues…
p: This is a very complex matter. It involves national interest, political factors, etc. We should keep pace with our country, in order to solve it.
m: I can not agree. No national interest or political factors can be used as reason to start a war. People die in a war. Human lives are more important than any interests. National interests and political interests should be obtained by peaceful means. Any war is inhumane.
When Russia says NATO threatens them, then go fight NATO. Why did you invade Ukraine?
You had issues with someone on the street, but you instead beat up your next door neighbour, is this right?
Our country still has not taken a stand, so I can not let you see the group information.
We should oppose war just for humanity.
p: Yes, it is perfectly right to oppose war for humanity.
We just want to collect information, we have no hostility, and we don’t lean towards either side.
This is really not a big deal, please don’t misunderstand us. Also, don’t let others take advantages of your kindness. We hope you are always on the side of the country and the party.
The tea was all drunk in a very friendly atmosphere.
BTW, do you know that the annual two Sessions of the NPC & CPPCC National Committee are being held in Beijing right now? I don’t even know what it is. But many people are talking about it. So, I guess it is a big thing.
And then dear supreme leader popped up at the meetings.
Someone on twitter said that when he posted this photo in a Wechat group, group members were shocked and thought whoever chose to publish it will be sent to to re-education camp. Because the dear supreme leader should always be the center of the attention.