In an odd way, the book’s warnings had come true: as Chinese society became more capitalist, more prosperous, and more technologically advanced, many people sensed that spiritual fulfilment was elusive. They also became more comfortable with individuals who identified as LGBTQ.

These recent and powerful developments naturally tilt the balance of power in China’s direction. But on top of this natural rebalancing, China’s government is also doing everything it can to tip the scales. The Chinese government’s sweeping plan for becoming an AI superpower pledged widespread support and funding for AI research, but most of all it