Is Your Password Safe in Hong Kong? │China's "Superpower" Bid Lacks Two Things │That One Time I Got Caught Smuggling

After a few personal updates from these past couple of days since returning to Malaysia, I begin by talking about the new Hong Kong security law that empowers gov’t to search phones and other devices, and why this isn’t quite the big deal as some want to make it seem. Also, I talk about Canada’s search of my phone. (7:54). Next, we take a few minutes for a fascinating look at global gasoline prices (22:05). Then, we look at the REALITY of China’s energy consumption (Hint: its not as Green as it seems)(26:50). Another well-written article from India provides a helpful take on the two things China lacks as it attempts to grow into a world superpower (32:19). Next to last, we work through an eye-opening take by a Chinese writer for a Japanese newspaper, comparing China’s current economic state to Japan’s back before the real-estate bubble burst 30+ years ago (38:50). Last but not least, while looking briefly at this week’s Pray for China cities, I tell the story of the one and only time I was caught red-handed smuggling Christian literature from Hong Kong into China (47:04).    Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide in exile, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day.  Feel free to write anytime: [email protected]. All my books, substack, patreon, and everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us!   The Autobiography of John G. Paton (JohnGPaton.com) Borden of Yale: The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Unbeaten: Arrested, Interrogated, and Deported from China (Unbeaten.vip)   China may have all the attributes of a superpower—but it lacks two things https://www.theweek.in/columns/prasannan/2026/03/21/china-a-sleeping-kumbhakarna.html China’s housing crisis is worse than it seems https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/07/06/world/chinas-housing-crisis-is-worse-than-it-seems/   Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-mar-29-apr-4-2026   Thank you for listening! Subscribe + leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! If you’d like to support our China ministry, that, and everything else can be found @ PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, so let's ask the Lord for more!