We have the idea in this country that all totalitarian regimes are oppressive monsters that can force their citizens to do pretty much what the rulers want.

Any dissent is crushed and the dissenters themselves are packed off to prison or, worse, stood up against a wall and made to face a firing squad.

Traditionally, someone facing a cadre of armed soldiers is offered a last cigarette.

Well, in communist China these days everyone gets a cigarette. But there is no firing squad. And that cigarette is far from their last.

Since being awarded the Olym...

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