French student shocked to find cameras lining Chinese beach

(Source)

A viral TikTok video showing security cameras lining the shores of Haitang Bay in Hainan, China, has sparked a discussion about the growing presence of security cameras on Chinese beaches.

About the video: TikTok user @louiserct, identified only as 22-year-old French student Louise, posted a clip of herself relaxing on the beach lined with surveillance cameras mounted on lamp posts.

“POV: You’re at the beach in China. OF COURSE there are security cameras every 50 meters and lifeguards patrolling,” the superimposed text reads.

In the caption, she wrote: “We are at the beach in China of course we are not allowed to swim in the ocean 🤔”

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Internet users’ reaction: The video has since attracted more than 7 million views and thousands of comments, with users divided on the merits of the cameras..

“The worst dystopian nightmare,” commented one user. “Every movement is monitored.”

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“I’d rather see security cameras than see women being sexually assaulted while jogging on the beach,” one user commented. “You? I like feeling safe.

“Wow they keep people from drowning, it’s a dystopia,” wrote another.

Meanwhile, other users provided context, explaining the need for such monitoring and the possible reason why swimming is prohibited.

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“There are a lot of beaches in China where you can swim and of course there are also some where you can’t swim because it’s dangerous,” one user claimed.

“Thank you for creating a safe space for Sinophobia. Assuming you can’t read, there are clear signs indicating the water is dangerous. you can swim if you want but good luck surviving,” another pointed out.

Don’t complain: Louise, who studies at a business school near Shanghai, told Newsweek that while she was “surprised” by the number of cameras, she appreciates the “great security” they provide.

Trending on NextShark: Watch: French student shocked to find cameras lining Chinese beach

“The beach experience in China is really interesting. So many things are different from my Western culture…I think it’s important to note that I wasn’t complaining about those security cameras. China is a very strict and monitored, but it brings great security to the country which I appreciate very much,” she was quoted as saying.

Video surveillance for public safety: China has made Hainan’s shores a burgeoning tourist destination and implemented security initiatives to protect its visitors, including the deployment of security cameras. These cameras can contribute to drowning prevention and rapid response to emergency situations. The presence of surveillance technologies also serves as environmental monitoring and a deterrent against criminal activity.

Monitoring and control: The proliferation of security cameras in public places also aligns with broader surveillance and control measures in China. These cameras help authorities defend national security interests. The vast surveillance network present in public spaces such as beaches has raised concerns about the violation of privacy.

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