As the United States and other western countries scramble to tackle the growing number of COVID-19 cases, medical professionals and leaders are looking to China. The coronavirus started there, but now the country is seeing a decrease in transmissions and deaths, so leaders here are wondering: How did China beat the coronavirus?
The video below from George Thompson breaks it down in short order and proves that the Chinese technique is not something that could happen in the United States or any western nation. It’s a fascinating look at how a totalitarian government — which we often look down upon for the citizens’ lack of personal freedom — can use that power to save their residents.
If you want more background on Thompson and the making of his video, scroll down. Otherwise, hit “play” and take it in. He’s created a very thought-provoking breakdown.
Who Is George Thompson?
“I left modernity on a quest to sort my life out,” Thompson writes on his YouTube page. “Deep in China, an ancient practice and badass Master changed everything…”
Thompson is from the United Kingdom, living in China and studying Tai Chi. He has a girlfriend who is from China and she’s featured in the video. Many of the videos on his YouTube page are about his journey, Chinese culture, and the things he’s learning on his journey. This video is interesting because it straddles life in both worlds.
For example, he states on the video post page, “China is beating the Corona Virus – how have they done it? This video shares the extreme measures taken in China. 3 observations from life under lockdown… I can’t share my full opinions in this video. CCP if you’re reading this, I’m just an English dude who likes Tai Chi with a camera. I’m making observations that are known in China, nothing more.”
He says something similar in the video, and it’s very telling: It shows how much of one’s personal freedom isn’t their own. So, what helped China beat the coronavirus is the very thing Thompson is fearing for his and his loved ones’ safety by posting this video. While it does give us an answer to the question, it also leaves even more up for discussion.

How Did China Beat Coronavirus — Sources
1984 by George Orwell (Parentology gets a commission if you purchase the book through this link.)
George Thompson YouTube page
The Chinese doctor who tried to warn others about coronavirus
‘Hero who told the truth’: Chinese rage over coronavirus death of whistleblower doctor
Will China Become a Free Country After the Coronavirus?