Across the world, it’s a common refrain when the citizens of an authoritarian society are asked about politics and human rights, particularly by a western reporter.
“It’s complicated,” they will say in their native language, hinting that they have their own thoughts about the society, but don’t want to go on the record and jeopardize their job, their personal security.
In a way, that’s what Joe Tsai was saying in his open letter to fans last week in China. While conceding that Rockets GM Daryl Morey has a right to “freely express” his opinion, Tsai also suggested the Houston executive should have understood the dispute in Hong Kong is a “third rail” in Chinese culture for historical reasons.