I will remain guarded in what I say and to whom I say it.

This is common sense, as you have said. I agree with you that in the PRC it's better to avoid taking an anti-government line on issues of contention such as the Chinese dissident being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It's their country run by their Party, and we've been invited here to teach English, not to debate sensitive issues. It's not worth getting oneself into hot water by opposing the Party Line. Besides, I think you and I are here to teach for a living and see China. As for the spying thing, let them spy on me whenever they like - I've nothing to hide. What's more, as far as curfews are concerned, they don't bother me either as I'm not a 'nignt person'. As for freedom, I'd rather have money to spend in my pocket with the freedom to go where I want and say what I want being curtailed somewhat than no money because of no job. The latter gives one the least freedom of all, even in a western democracy!