How to know what you can't openly talk about in China / Hong Kong?

Question

When I was in Hong Kong / Shenzhen, the friends I was visiting worked for a non-profit that had to be very careful about mentioning anything religious, as they could apparently lose funding from the government of China.

Are there particular topics of conversation that will get you into trouble (with authorities) that are specific to China?

Answer 1

The main ones I could think of are (can be applied to any foreign land):

• Never talk about politics & religion.
• Never talk bad about women / class / races.
• Never make negative comments on their culture, food, habits, norms.
• Never talk about the army or the police, spies and government.

Btw, I have never been to China, although have traveled other few countries as tourist, and always made a point to stick to neutral point of views while enjoying their history, culture, food and surroundings.