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Q: which country in the 'west" is the most similar with china?
I think China is such a unique kettle of fish that you can't really compare it to anywhere else very easily.
Regarding core values and some cultural similarities, I've met eastern Europeans (Serbians/Ukrainians) who share similar views on family and gender roles, but that's as far as I got.
angelina8:
My culture is similar to Serbian culture, I second your opinion. Plus guanxi, superstition... You can't cut your nails in the evening, a newborn cannot leave the house until it's 40 days old ( it was born outside of the house anyway!).
This is a huge stretch anyway you look at it. I vote "no country".
China is the country that all other countries compare to - when the other countries mess up.
"Oh. We are as bad as China..."
TedDBayer:
But didn't you make 4 cents for the 4 thumbs up? Check the rule book.
China is most like that place in George Orwell's 1984. Nowhere else I can think of that remotely compares. A place designed in fiction and lives in fiction. That's the best I can do.
Rin:
I read that soon after coming to China, I thought my god, this guy is totally writing about China!
Nothing is similar to China. China is the best country on the planet. 
TedDBayer:
Thankyou, comrade. Do you know where I can get an authentic Communist hat? I only have a fake hat.
TedDBayer:
I want an authentic fake hat then. something previous worn, maybe by Mao, that would be really great.
I think the US is the most similar to it, in fact it's completely opposite to CH so US is like the western version of China. It's big, it's got a lot of diversity of people, it has major influence over the rest of its continent (and the broader world), most the population is interior workers but it's culturally/economically/politically dominated by the coastal people, etc.
Also when I talk with people from other Asian countries, they often say Chinese are uncouth, uneducated, think they're the center of the world, bully others around, think they're superior to the rest of the world, and really should be put in their place. I hear the exact same thing about Americans among people like many Europeans, S Americans, etc.
Also they're apparently big foes, I sense a lot of inferiority against the US among patriotic Chinese, and typical nationalistic Americans such as Fox News watchers have a similarly suspicious view of China. That alone confirms that they've got a lot in common (besides being in different galaxies), otherwise there wouldn't be the rivalry.
IrvineWelsh:
I think you are spot on with your observations.
I too have been thinking more and more along similar lines lately. I think the United States history education is pretty much a whitewash. There is almost a complete removal of who, why and when the country was really founded. Theories that, in my view. are completely absurd are propagated as untouchable truths- 'manifest destiny' comes to mind. Chinese seem to be educated along very similar lines.
The patriotism is also quite similar. I only found out recently that a lot of American schools also have a flag raising ceremony. I was astounded and disgusted.
Don't get me wrong; I appreciate many aspects of American culture and enjoy the company of many of her citizens but I think some negative aspects are very similar to the downsides of Chinese culture!
sam239:
Thanks for the input, I had that impression before coming here and find it more confirmed. All the thumbs down from trolls had me feeling discouraged.
ohChina:
I often feel discouraged on this sites too. It really makes me wonder what kind of people are on here. They are "selective" about facts and don't want to hear any different voice.
China is unique. Nothing in the west compares, North Korea is closet comparable country, kind of like a 1980ies China
most like the scandanavia countries, Clean air, crystal blue unpolluted waters and a slow relaxed pace of life 
RachelDiD:
To say nothing of all the well-mannered, well-educated people.
Most "western" countries are developed, with strong political and economic foundations.
China does not compare, because it is far from developed, and has virtually no stability in it's it's economic or political structure.
Shurely shome mishtake?
There is nowhere like China, it's the bestest most wonderfullest country in the whole wide world!
The Balkans are similar in some things...Thats why i don't complain much....
