In his general assessment of Chinese research in philosophy of science and STS studies, Professor Li Xia characterizes recent developments as "substantial progress." I cannot bring myself to agree. Since I suspect that we share a similar perspective on the current scene, I am puzzled by the optimistic generalization Li has offered. After all, Li is the author of many blistering criticisms of current state policy; in bold newspaper articles he has not hesitated to confront scholars he sees as shameless (Li 2009, 2010a, 2010b). Could this apparent change of heart mean that Li wants to avoid offending certain people and institutions in mainland China?
