Any political system whether democracy, autocratic, communism etc, is only as good as those who are running the show. It's the leaders that's most important.
Western style so called liberal democracy is only a cover for what in effect is a plutocracy or even an oligarchy. This reality is hidden behind a veil with fanciful terms like freedom and human rights. The real power rests with the rich elites and they draw the red lines within which society lives in an illusion of freedom and rights. Political parties represent interest groups in societies...and these parties are subservient to money power...and serve their interests. Working class despite being in majority can never be faithfully represented in competition with money power. China knows that and does not allow political power to be lost by the working class. Once lost to the moneyed class...it will never be allowed to come back....as we can see in the West.
You are right, despite being a fan of China after witnessing its phenomenal progress and vastly improved living standards within a short period of time, i still believe in the goodness of democracy but unfortunately many of those self proclaimed democracies are not real democracies but are corrupt plutocracies
Despite being a fan of China after witnessing its phenomenal progress and vastly improved living standards within a short period of time, i still believe in the goodness of democracy but unfortunately many of those self proclaimed democracies are not real democracies but are corrupt plutocracies
Precisely. Well summed. The “democracy” term is very loosely used and often misinterpreted. This is why I referred to as under the guise of democracy. The authority must reside with the government that represents its people not serve or is influenced by the few social elites.
I am a Canadian who has lived in China for the past 20+ years. So that is 20+ years of me comparing the governance of China to the governance of Canada (and the rest of the world's democratic countries). It has become apparent to me that there are simply too many in-built flaws in the Western democratic model for it to be a viable form of government. We would need to do some serious reforming of our systems in order to weed-out the tendency to: - pursue short term goals at the expense of long-term prosperity - pursue policies in order to win elections rather than for the good of the country and its people - pursue policies in order to set Party A apart from Party B - grandstand on issues rather than pursue nuanced debates and policies - create large partisan divides within the country, damaging national and societal cohesion - create large partisan divides on policy issues, abandoning the sane middle in favour of the extreme 'left' and extreme 'right' (climate change is a perfect example of this). I could name more, but I think I made my point. China is better off creating its own systems and adapting them to their needs and experiences.
As someone who has lived in a liberal democracy and in a communist country I can say that your 6 points are so accurate and typify the deep problems with democracy 'in its current form'. The US is not really a democracy but rather a Plutocracy where the elites run the country. Democracy needs a revolution to make it a more fair and honest system. Freedom of speech is dwindling in the US and other western countries, political freedom is limited in reality (look how Trump was demonised), lobby groups control the govt and most are funded by high rollers.
if you're talking about 2 party system, it just doesn't work..... the shadow ministry always object to every policy the government is putting forth, so when the opposition wins the election, how can they continue the predecessor's work when they were the ones tearing them down? and if it's a mullti party system, the actual power lies on the 3rd or 4th party who holds the balance of power...
There is no true democracy in the world today. Democracy is flawed, and even Western philosophers from 2000 or whatever years ago find it flawed. Each country should use whatever that work for them. This talk of democracy this and that is quite boring and has no meaning now because it's just an execuse for Western societies to insert themselves in for their own benefits.
There is no true democracy in the world today. Democracy is flawed, and even Western philosophers from 2000 or whatever years ago find it flawed. Each country should use whatever that work for them.
There is no true democracy in the world today. Democracy is flawed, and even Western philosophers from 2000 or whatever years ago find it flawed. Each country should use whatever that work for them.
Yes, in a utopian world… only upon death our souls can be liberated and no longer subject to taxation and slavery imposed by the political/social elites.
Yeah, there are some benefits for the people and country without so many voting campaigns repeatedly in just few years again and again, to save lots of: time, energy, money, limited resources, and worse, a chaotic and divisive society. It is unacceptable for the most Chinese!😂
Did you see the funniest part of that interview? Wang Zhi An actually criticised the candidates for not keeping their election promises. I laughed when I heard that. What better indication is there that you’ve never lived in a liberal democracy.
True and sad. I think he will changes his mind when he stayed longer. But again, im not too sure... he seems to care about freedom* of speech etc as much as life
I have some questions for you too. I am a Chinese from a democratic country... I used to be "pro-democracy". But now I don't think democracy is necessarily good or the best system. Certainly not liberal democracy. Why should China, or any country, be a "democracy"? What is meant by "democracy"? You meant the Western definition of "liberal democracy"? Isn't democracy often antithetical to meritocracy? Isn't meritocracy preferable? Could it be that the "democracy" labelling and banner is a tool used by the US/west to instigate internal chaos in countries to the benefits of their elites? I myself work in healthcare. With regards to C0v1d, so called "democratic" countries performed very badly. Interestingly, in many democratic countries, the policies set were "authoritharian". For example, vaccine mandates. And censorship regarding opposing /views of the pandem1c. I think the Chinese never got off the idea of "mandate from heaven" . We are also more pragmatic and less idealistic. As long as it works, why should we change it? What's the use of political freedoms and democracy if that system leads to chaos, poverty and loss of personal(rather than political) freedoms ? I don't even think democracy was THE reason the West became powerful and rich. The West became rich and powerful as they were hegemonic imperial powers - they were monarchies, not liberal democracies back then. The USA was a second rate power in the West until the two world wars and the end of the Cold War. The USA became very powerful not because it is a democracy. The USA became powerful because ww1 and ww2 destroyed its European rivals. The best of Europe migrated to US. The Plaza Accord crushed Japan as an economic competitor of the US. The US-Saudi deal led to USD as the main global reserve currency. And many more ruthless policy decisions by US elites led to its greatness and wealth. Nothing to do with democracy, what more liberal democracy, at all. Liberal democracy is just a facade to blind Westerners that they do have political power and political freedom.... As a means or buffer to prevent rev0lution against their ruling elites who rule behind the scenes. Just my opinion.
I think you are very right on that. It is sad though because democracy in some people'e mind has become something of a joke. MSM and free capital flow distorted democracy too much in smaller countries etc. I think it is more important to have consistent wise leader that make good sensible decisions
I'm a Chinese Australian who grown up outside of China, I also used to think democracy means something, but now days I think it made people more tribalistic rather than more understanding. There are many different people around the world and in countries who adopted the democratic systems have very little tolerance toward other systems, in fact it is no different to the rise of Christianity and the medieval crusades. It is only in name but not in essence.
@SantoshKumar-dw3sf They can go back to China or anywhere. But the problem is, people like you will never leave them alone. You will follow them and continue to harass them and tell them to change. So I guess they will stay right here and tell you, your system isn't all that.
@@SantoshKumar-dw3sf They can go back to China or anywhere. But the problem is, people like you will never leave them alone. You will follow them and continue to harass them and tell them to change. So I guess they will stay right here and tell you, your system isn't all that.
What kind of democracy? As a Chinese, if what they mean is a Western-style democracy, then I hope the answer is *NEVER*!! China's system already works, already empowers its people, and allow its people to live a happy and fulfilling life. We have no need to have Western-style liberalism, chaos, lawlessness, crime, and disrespect for cultural norms, family values and authorities. They can keep their chaos. China should always stay true to its Confucian conservative value.
Agree with you. As a 3rd generation overseas Chinese in my seventies, I used to have very deprived relatives from China visiting in the 1980s'. Then in my subsequent visits to China thereafter, I witness how China progresses and its people prospers, the Country is well run although there are still areas that need improving. Things are improving and obviously the Government knows what it is doing and doing right, it doesn't need the West with so many of their own problems to dictate what is best.
@@Awakening_Richard You're only disappointed because you bought into the "propaganda". Take a step back and think clearly. There have been many people in history who have questioned democracy. One that stands out is by American journalist H.L Mencken. He said, "democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance". Now, with a step back, can you rationally argue this statement? Democracy always leads to an oligarchy.
Absolutely, you said all I have tried to say for all the time from the past, present, and future. Simply speaking, people are different in the world, so just be our Chinese way if we think that is good for our country and people, just like the people in other countries, especially the west; they have their own ways of choices and lifestyles ?! 🎉
"Democracy only brings regression". These are the words of Lee Kun Yew, the best nation builder ever lived. The wise should heed these words. China should never become a western liberal democracy.
Why do some people automatically assume democracy should be the end-all and be-all political solution for every culture and country? That assumption is questionable at best, and definitely "un-democratic" in its dictatorial stance.
nope; it is clearly not the best system, especially when it goes overboard or too progressive. But at the moment; it is currently one of the best system available... at least when compare to Russia where its citizens (not in the top 10%) are neither Rich nor .... Then again; if one lives in N.Korea~ perhaps not knowing the outside world/nations to run compassion can make one much more happier than living in a ever changing chaotic world :3
@@michaelwang6125 do the majority of the people of the US led collective West khow much about the other parts of the world and what are their leaders doing around the world. They always boast of the superiority of their democracy but having the majority of their ignorant public subjugated by the lies of their corrupt leaders fake news propaganda is anything but free n democratic
The basis of Western democracy is that people within a country are divided into parties with different ideologies, interests, and policies to compete against each other in a winner-take-all contest to determine who will govern the country for a period of time. Groups and institutions spend more time and resources competing against each other, rather than making long-term plans to improve their country. One party's national development plans, infrastructure projects, and policies are undone and reversed by the next party. This wastes resources and impedes progress because long-term plans cannot be implemented. The world's richest and most powerful country faces these problems: Economic inequality, inflation, stagnant real wages for the last fifty years, costly healthcare, an expensive education system, student loan debt totaling $1.7 trillion with an average balance of $38,000, poor public transportation systems, racial inequality, mass incarceration, the militarization of police, deteriorating infrastructure, housing affordability, homelessness, the opioid epidemic, and gun violence. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of their people, they meddle in other countries to spread their version of democracy. To promote their democracy, since WWII, the United States has started 201 wars, overthrew 36 foreign leaders, killed or attempted to kill 50, dropped bombs in 30 countries, interfered in 86 foreign elections, and established a staggering 800 overseas military bases. To make the world safe for democracy, the US has caused the deaths of tens of millions of people in its conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. The CIA was involved in covert operations that resulted in mass killings of communists in over 22 countries, 500,000 to 2,000,000 Indonesian civilians disappeared in 1965-1966. The Chinese military has not been involved in any war or used its weapons to kill a single person outside its territory in the last forty-four years. In China, the people cannot change their government, but they can change the government policies. In the West, the people can change their government, but they cannot change the government policies. The 'Arsenal of Democracy' produces 40 percent of the world's weapons. It is a very profitable business model in which other countries buy these weapons to fight each other. The key is maximizing profits without shedding US blood by inducing conflicts between and within countries outside the USA. One client is eager to spend AUD 368 billion to buy a few high-quality used nuclear-powered submarines. This business model's critical components are NATO, QUAD, ANZUS, Five Eyes, AUKUS, and MCC (Mutual Cross-Service Agreement).
Democracy causes division. Look at that bi partisan parties in the US. Forever fights and no important bill ever get passed. Only the bills which the rich elites slip under in the last second gets approved. That in itself cause stagnation and failure. Im gonna reverse uno what these westerners said about communism. Democracy sounds good on paper but it doesnt work.
Please be aware that the endless wars of aggression n other conflicts like sponsored insurgency, regime change etc. created by the US around the world are never about promoting democracy but to serve their own greed n selfish interests. The US is very good at hiding their crimes under the disguise of promoting freedom n democracy
Please be aware that the endless conflicts created by the US around the world is never about promoting democracy but to serve their own greed n selfish interests
The West seems to naively or ideologically think that democracy itself is the end goal. But systems should only stick around if they work, and should be abandoned or revised when they fail. Clearly there's something about the Chinese meritocratic system with a capitalistic market economy that is working. Perhaps the West should be asking when will they adopt meritocracy and a system that works for everyone, instead of the lobbying business interests and certain groups based on how many votes that can give to a politician.
From my point of view, as a non-chinese person, China already is a democracy. A non-liberal democracy. The world is so diverse, so full of contradictions. And to hope for all the countries to have exactly the same variant of governance is mind-blogging. The government should reflect not only the people, but also its culture, its geography and its values. In the past, the West came to our countries and forced "christianity" down our throats as the "salvation". Now they forced this liberal democracy in the same way. Each country, and each people has the right to seek what it's best for itself, regardless of what outsiders may think. That's what I hope for my country, that's what I hope for China.
For a govt to handle the welfare of 1.4 billion people with different ethnicity is not an easy task. Dont compare with western countries with much lower population, imagine China govt is handling 4 US countries at a time. Considering China's history, from a starving peasant population with no skills other than farming to a rich high tech industry that export to the world is a staggering achievement. As Deng Xiaoping said "to cross the river by feeling the stones". China political system has undergone changes through mistakes and continuous learning, from a marxist to semi capitalistic society. People should also appreciate and thank the previous leadership and generations of people that made enormous sacrifices and hardships during their times to help build China what it is today. Freedom is to have affordable shelter, affordable food and affordable clothing, if you go back in time to the 60s and 70s and ask people what is an ultimate Freedom to them. Lastly, learn your history and remember them so that it remind you of your root.
Democracy is a fable in actual practice. People are dreaming of "Shangri-la" if they think that having the power to elect their political leader means having the power to control the government. It DOES NOT HAPPEN . Also, having a revolving door of political leaderships every few years does NOT provide STABILITY and CONSISTENCY in the goals and aims of a country. Those who talk incessantly of democracy giving people "freedom" have no idea that their freedoms are illusory. They can make protests but how much of those are actually acted upon by the government? Right now, in the Australian State of New South Wales, the state government has a plan to turn a long established golf course into a park and has asked for public submissions. However, when asked about the many protests that have been raised in the submissions, replied that the plans for turning the course into a park "is a done deal" and no volume of protests is going to change that. Democracy? Yeah - you have the right o make as much noise as you want but nothing's going to be changed. The idea of Democracy is an IDEALISTIC one - like "the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" or "the Streets of San Francisco is lined with gold nuggets and all you have to do is get there and pick them up" - which is all an illusion. If one likes to live in a chaotic society that takes one step forward by two or three steps back, fine. Go there. It's your funeral and I ain't
@@Awakening_Richard Firstly, it depends on the State Premiers that we have - some good, some not so good. Most of them at the moment are not strong leaders. Then there is the Federal Government. The last one, Liberal Coalition was far too much a succubus of the United States where the Prime Minister may as well call himself an "American" rather than a true blue "Aussie". The present Labor Party is only a tiny bit better but is still a panderer to U.S. interests rather than this nations. Both give lip service to the public most of the time and both play the "populist" tune to get elected. Things have not changed much over the past 10 years actually as we get the usual "one step forward and two steps back" where every change of government sees a rewinding of the last government's policies,. For example, the Australian submarine defense force debacle which has led to our having to pay the French a penalty of several million dollars as we broke our contract with them and then, lumber ourselves with a $380 billion dollar debt with the Americans for nuclear powered submarines to be delivered in the future by which time, the technology would be outdated and in which we do not have any nuclear power technical expertise for maintenance nor infrastructure to handle their waste. The decision to get these highly expensive "toys" was made by the previous Liberal government with not a single debate in parliament nor getting what we taxpayers would like - and the money to pay for all those billions is being pull out of the taxpayers' pockets. Not a very 'democratic" decision, was it? I can understand military decisions to be made DURING WAR TIME but we are not at war and for such a huge financial burden to be placed on the Australian public, we, the people should have a say in it and not something made arbitrarily behind out backs. Heaven knows but we need those billions for other more pressing projects to benefit the people of this country - not pay the Americans for their war machines and keep their people employed in their war industries. So, no, things have not become any better. we need more public housing to reduce the high cost of rentals and to cater for the constantly increase in our population from the annual intake of migrants and refugees, not to mention the high intake of foreign students that our colleges and universities are screaming that they need to help fund the courses. Yet, without adequate housing, where are all those people going to live in? Public transportation isn't getting any better and the recent opening of the Sydney Roselle by-pass which is supposed to alleviate traffic congestion has turned out to be a Frankenstein's monster of a nightmare that has created more congestion and confusion than solve any problems along Victoria Street, one of the main thoroughfares into the city from the north-west through very bad planning. One wonders why we should have so many law graduates in our political offices when we really should have more STEM graduates who are able to think better. I love this country but unfortunately, we have far too many no-hopers running the place down while pretending that we have democratic rights.
But that's not really what democracy is about. At least in the sense of an actual political system. It's the political parties not the people that decides the policy and it is by design. The role of people in a democracy is to vote a party out of power if they are mismanaging the country. In a non democratic country you have to either endure the bad goverment or revolt against it to change it. Democracy ensure a relativly peacefull tranistion of power from one goverment to another.
If your definition of democracy is the right to vote then unlikely. China must remain a single party state to ensure appropriate oversight of socioeconomic matters and serve the interest of its people. Remember in China they can amend policies not party whereas it is vice versa in the democratic west.
Let it be any systems so long as there is fairness and justice. The normal citizens can have a peaceful life. Unfortunately there aren't any perfection yet. At least China is trying to attain it.
@@Awakening_Richard It's the first time I have heard of him. I see his YT channel has English subtitles so I'll check him out. I'm an American who has spent time in Asia so I can speak and read some Chinese (and Japanese). This was a very thoughtful essay on your part. Well done.
Why should it? It already enacts the will of the (majority of) people unlike any western liberal democracy where only a max of 50%of people get what they want from their governments
I live in France where many people don't feel at all in control of what the govt decides. They have the right to voice their protest but they don't feel their protest is taken into consideration. I know of more and more people who feel that voting is a waste of time, that nothing will change anyway.
So voters in USA by selecting totally opposite president do not change anything? No that is not true. There is only small problem if nation is splitted roughly to halfs, then half of people will feel their opinion is not taken seriously. But it is a problem of division, not the particular candidate nor the system. And the division is truly not caused by democracy itself. I am from post communist country and i can tell you 80% of ppl back then was very unhappy with the leadership. What would happen in china if half of the population would feel this person currently in is not their president? And what is better, to have at least half of people agree or potential of 80% of people disagree? Such big disagreement calls for permanent danger of revolutionary tendencies and accompanied by untrust and surveilance.
Thanks for the video, it is very interesting. There appears to be a growing concentration of power in China around the person of Xi Jinping. Is this a weakening of the communist party and a revolution in terms of how the government functions ? Thanks.
The idea that Chinese don't want democracy because they never had it, so they don't miss it, is a really lazy justification. All it takes is for the Chinese not being happy with the current system, for any other system to suddenly start looking really attractive. I also think the idea of the lack of desire for democracy by Chinese is not fully explored, given the argument that they want it because the current system is able to provide and things are improving. But, what if all material needs the Chinese need have been acquired, and improvement is just a normal social process, and not about lifting millions out of poverty? Will other needs start appearing in the minds of Chinese, spiritual needs, ideological and political needs?
philosophical questions, difficult to answer. I'm from Hong Kong and US educated. There was a time I thought "I know", I'm having doubt now. I'm not sure how much of that ideology seeded in me is true, how much is more US power projection tool. Thank you for watching! May we find peace forward.
I could almost say that the Chinese government system is almost the exact duplicate of the Singaporean government system. It is slowly evolving into it.
Thank you for this video. Criticism of my country does not arise from disloyalty, but rather a devotion to its improvement. The US is not a democracy, but an oligarchy. And the oligarchs are the cloudalists and the financial sector (see Varoufakis and Richard Wolff). I feel very strongly that China should not change its governing system anytime soon, maybe slowly over 100 years, and not necessarily toward so-called democracy. Lifting 800 million people out of poverty over a few decades is an amazing achievement. I do not believe that China is an agressive imperial power; that belongs to Europe, the US, and (formerly) Japan. This is just a fact of history. The US cannot improve internally - in my opinion - until it loses its hegemony; just as happened to the British Empire. And the change cannot be too fast, even for that. Your videos are inspirational. I found little on Youku of interest. Where else can I look for Chinese attitudes and policies for geopolitics? I'm sharing your videos with all who are willing to listen. Finally, do you know who is Richard Wolff (ecnomist)?
Well said my friend! That is a good point about the US not being able to change until it has lost its hegemony, very good insight! Love to listen to Richard Wolff....and David Harvey as well! Corey
A story about democracy: A farmer asked his son before he died, "Pigs complain about poor feed, cows complain about heavy work, and chickens complain about dirty nests. What should you do?". The son said, "Change to good feed, change ploughs, clean up chicken coop." The farmer shook his head and said, “No, don't do anything. Let them vote one from the pigs, the cows or the chicken to take care of them, let them think they control their destinies.” Father’s idea = American democracy (election circus) Son’s idea = Chinese democracy (get things done)
I loved the story of your family. Your father has great family and Confucian values and represent the best part of Chinese government. As a Chinese who grew up and lives in the US, I am in despair over how much this "democratic" country has deteriorated. The US government is being run by people indebted to wealthy donors and whose main business is to remain in power. Long term strategic thinking on what is best for the country does not exist at all. Infrastructure rebuilding cannot take place when everyone is plotting just to win the next election. The mainstream media tells lies all the time about the Ukraine war, Russia, and China and is dominated by short sound bites on mass shootings, bridge collapses and other accidents, and celebrity lives.
Chinese style of democracy is superior to any other Western-style democracy, any change in this course would be regrettable and devastating not only for Chinese people but for people around the world who are craving for a better life.
Love the balance that you bring to your talks. I really do think that the negativity directed onto China is unnecessary - people who live in glasshouses should keep the glass clean - otherwise they cannot see out - and should not throw stones! 😅
We've seen other pro China youtubers before, most of them foreigners who 'love' China and their life they experienced there, and also many Chinese natives who defend their native China ardently. But you're different. You come across as very thoughtful and introduce us to the existence of Chinese characters we would never know about unless you can listen to or read Chinese fluently on the social media and give us your unique perspectives which make us eager for more. In comparison, the others seem very shallow despite their best efforts to sing the praises of China, not that they're not believable, but just that they lack the depth you bring to our attention. It's a first and I'm not sure if those views are already well known if you have easy access to the Chinese language social media, but thanks for sharing that with us.
You are welcome. My sub actually took a negative hit after the release of this video, and I actually expected that. There are Chinese who only want to hear good things about ourselves, but we also need to look at the flaw if we want to improve.
@@Awakening_Richard Just like there are health professionals who are dogmatic and unwilling to face the shortcomings of our present healthcare system !!! Could also be true for lawyers or engineers !!!
Shout out to Richard, This one is AWESOME! you try to break down sophisticated political issues into pieces and lead us to find those pieces in your own family story which is served as a reflection on the interview, brilliant broh! The story happens to translate the typical Oriental philosophy of 'sacrifice' and pros&cons of democracy. tbf i told same kinda story to let some around me to understand my perspective on democracy, but to those who serves democracy as a religion, it's a waste of time, so, like stone记 told to his followers: 'There're many Chinese they are either stupid or they simply hate the fact that they got Chinese blood'.
I once heard about a saying among those familiar with the West and China: "In the West you can change the party; but you cannot change the policy. In China you cannot change the party; but you can change the policy. By the way: Not only China never had (lasting) democracy.
I think we are moving into a period of change. Who knows what will emerge on the other side, but it will probably be very different across the world. I personally doubt China will become democratic though. I will say that In the US, I genuinely wonder if democracy may fail here, and/or the country experience a political crisis threatening its survival, which was never the case until recently. I think there is a chance of it, if still fairly unlikely.
@@Awakening_Richard . Elon is right this one time, I'm afraid. Most people I know, loves to feel good about themselves. That entails unconscious self -deception, -rationalization, -justification, etc. Sometimes, if they are not self-reflective. they indulge in mental-gymnastics to live with their own conscience to continue doing what they do.
I’m glad to have listened to this discourse. I live in a western democracy and I can tell you that electoral democracy is a sham, scholars call it a soft totalitarianism where the illusion of citizens deciding their future is immediately unfulfilled once elected to power, here, freedom of speech must be assessed by existing laws on censorship and surveillance but otherwise just an empty slogan. The ability of an economy to prosper bears no relationship to democracy as we witness in Singapore where there is a pretence to democracy. China will work out what is best for them, my only gripe is that borrowing words from the West to promote is wrong- we hear often “Chinese democracy” - this is most unimaginative.
In my view, today's American-style democracy leaves only a basket of English ivy and a basket of hemlock for the people to choose from. I'm still confused about where they keep the good stuff leaving only the toxic options?
If you think about what democracy really means, you will see that through the activitiy of the CPC, China is far more Democratic than the United States. It is amazing to see how satisfied the Chinese people are.
Thank you for another insightful dialogue. I will look up "Wang Zhi'an" (thank you @T65XJ for noting his name). I find this translation and your reflections of how these views are perceived in China incredibly rare, and meaningful. Please continue filling the huge void in the English speaking media-verse. As for democracy (as is practiced in the west), "uhg", it sounds like a nice idea in the play ground, but in reality most people cant make healthy beneficial choices about how to live their own life, so how can they be trusted to choose leadership that controls the future of our civilization, based on shiny slogans, media bites and buzz phrase negative campaigns. From what I've learned about Chinas meritocracy, it appears that voting for positions is done by those with an appropriate earned and recognized merit. There have been a few decent YT explanations (Jerrys take on China is one), but I'd definitely like to learn more. And we all know how vulnerable western style democracy is to both internal and external forces with nefarious intent. The CIA and NED have shaped the recent democratic world more than Jesus and Mohamed ( my 2 cents lol). Any way, I like what your doing. This could be a great community. Keep up the great work. It is greatly appreciated.
In my opinion, the statistics of deaths from covid for the entire period: USA - 1,099,488 China - 33,680 (with this number of people) It clearly shows how “democracies” care about people.
Question is for how long can the regime keep society content in terms economic and what happens when it can't anymore? As you know, I'm not optimistic about the near future economy at global level and China depends heavily on global economic stability (or improvement).
Running a company can not be analogous to governing a country. The analogy is false. A company in the capitalistic economic system seeks to maximize profit for its investors. By that very principle, it can not be democratic because it exists to generate profit solely for the owner/investors and not to secure fair distribution of profit for all in the company. Therefore, the more money invested in the company the stronger your voice should be in the company. The governance of a country is far more complex and intricate than running a company on a much broader scale and equivalency can not exist between it and running a company.
@@megamagamanga5968 The idea that country hasn't been running by a companies is ... childish. Ps. The same way people think countries are not always at war with each other
@@megamagamanga5968 Is there no room in your world for a co operative structure for business. They are not very common but are often very successful. Capital has it's place, but is it really a good idea that it buys more votes for peoples daily activities. If you want democracy then why not in the workplace?
This is indeed a very balanced description of China. I speak as someone who is not a stranger to China and its culture. I watch political newscasts from Mainlanders and Taiwanese, keep abreast of the current geopolitical developments around the world, and have traveled widely in China.
Depending on one's understanding of what democracy requires, China may already be a democracy, while the USA never was. If democracy requires governments to act for the benefit of the majority of its citizens, then a strong argument can be made for the case I just described. The same may be said for Pres Putin's Russia contrasted to the USA. Life in both China and the Russian Federation for the majority of its citizens in the past 20 or 30 years has greatly improved, while in the USA the greater number of our citizens have experienced increasing hardship. The future bodes a continuation of these trends.
Before we ask China will become democracy, we should ask what is the definition of democracy. Western version is everyone vote every 4 years. Can Chinese accept western version? I cannot accept. My version for myself: I dont like the govt, I vote with my feet, now. I need to have skill and wealth to contribute to local economy and social well-being. If I like a place for what they offer and they like what I can offer, we have a deal.
I command Wang Zhi An's patriotic fervor! Still thinking in terms of viewing his motherland in balanced angles and hope to contribute to positive change from outside, most people who became dissident will be bitter the rest of their life!
As others have pointed out,it depends on the definition of democracy. If it’s Western ritual of meaningless beauty contests, then no emphatically. If it means having a voice of meaningful influence on future direction then yes, but will be gradually as country gets richer. As your example of your father shows; every choice has consequences, contradictions, and sacrifices. But it also generates unique opportunities, like your own existence. If your father married the rich and beautiful lady, you would not be born, and your father may not be happier. China and Chinese people have made their choice, and I think the correct choice. West may not be happy about being eclipsed, but history will judge.
Yup, can't always judge things by looking at the surface. China has its issue, but actively self-correcting. In Europe and US it is not very responsive. Thank you for watching my video again!
Americans often say, "America is a Republic not a Democracy". I first heard this from my American father-in-law in conversation with a Chinese professor at a church in Edinburgh while we were living there. It was new to me! I think what they mean by this is that it is more important to have good systems, and the rule of law, and consistency, than to let the mad people choose what they want all the time. However, most Americans are totally unaware of this subtlety. Most of the people who wish to export "Democracy" at the point of a gun are not really in the American tradition at all; they are more in the French/Russian revolutionary tradition than the American one which stressed law, continuity, and rights that are part of nature itself and are granted by heaven. We could say that the American Founders were conscious that they needed the Mandate of Heaven, and modern democratic revolutionaries are not.
Yes, America is a constitutional federal Republic. The Constitution is supposed to be the supreme law, the sovereign if you will, but America has been gutting its Republic parts for years now.
In my personal experience and observation over the years (Bosnia), when a lot of people are hyper fixated on politics and moral grandstanding it is mostly because living standards and overal social/economic mobility options are shrinking. If memory serves it was Mr. Ronald Reagan who had the beleif that if economic and social standards rise, so will the demand for more political freedoms, changes and rights and this is where I think he got it backwards.
Our Western "democracy" is a total kabuki theatre nowadays anyway, it doesn't matter who you vote in, they all have exactly the same overall agenda. Here in Finland we now have a supposedly "far right" government, but nothing has changed even slightly - they are the same rainbow climate population control warriors as all the others. Yes, in theory a radically different party could win the elections, but in practice that's never going to happen and if they gain any power they are contained so strongly that they can't change anything and totally fail so in the next election the rainbow warrior Western establishment types win again. Anyway, I've come to really appreciate your videos, very interesting perspectives that are never heard here with most political or social content on RUclips being very US centric so usually China is always just discussed as the enemy or at least as a country with a very repressive and all around bad government. That's overly simplistic and antagonistic, very interesting to hear another view. To be honest, nowadays I view the US as a much bigger issue and threat to us than China whose foreign policy seems very shrewd, rational and perhaps somewhat cold but ultimately bening compared to the US. China seems to be driving it's interests and focusing on it's own development, but not interfering in the internal affairs of other states in all sorts of devious ways like the US does. Personally I doubt I'd like living in China, but it doesn't mean I think they should change anything to fit my sensibilities.
Question may be changed to ‘Why should China become a democracy?’ To be more pragmatic, 功利，‘what’s in it for China and the Chinese for the country to become a democracy?’
Why do you think China does not have democracy? Before I moved to the US, I used to vote for NPC deputies. I think you should define democarcy in the video.
@@Awakening_Richard if you want to claim China does not have democracy, you should define democracy in a way that China does not match such definition nor meet the critieria while the democratic countries do.
It would be interesting if you explore in a video in what ways the chinese system is more democratic than the western liberal one. I mean yeah, elections, but do americans seem like they really have a choice between Reps and Dems? In what ways chinese people can actually influence in the management of their communities, that would be really interesting, I'd also love to hear your thoughts on CGTN, I really like their english content, very good docs and interesting commentators, but what do you think? I appreciate all the context you gave before going into the interview, I felt that I really learned and got so much insight from it.
The more effort CCP puts into saying something/someone is bad and/or won't work? Generally speaking, the better that thing/person is and/or will work. Tactic...not just on other nations, but most of all on China. This is their real problem with America, The West, Our Allies, etc... We were telling China these things and more. And CCP didn't like it.
I judge a nations democratic maturity by how efficiently caters to the needs of its citizens. As western democracies have shown time and again, having a vote does not necessarily increase this efficiency. BTW, your father sounds like a very reasonable man
Very poignant observation that the tightening of government control in the last decade in China as a response to the hostility from the west. issues like democracy, woman’s rights, environmental activism, minority rights are being weaponized by the west to such a degree I would the biggest threat to Chinese “democracy” (as in a more equitable distribution of political power) is ironically the west, especially given brain drain and capital flight being one of the primary concern of CCP at the moment. It’s just blatantly obvious that the west does really not care about human rights with its stance on Palestine issue, but to use it’s monopoly on “humanitarian” certification to pressure and extract from the global south, while making actual humanitarian progress in the south harder to achieve since the association between humanitarian ideals with western infiltration.
I have always hoped to see a strong, liberal, and united China, a country that would advocate for human rights in both word and deed. I think that a meritocratic society that provides for those most at risk is best achieved when all voices can be heard and when one of the government's primary functions is to protect the populace from itself. A government should be open to examination by its citizens so corruption and abuse can be exposed and eliminated. Ideally, only people of high virtue would administer the country, and the type of government would not be a factor in that outcome. Yet, that does not seem to be realistic. People who seek offices are far more ambitious than the general population. Humans are likewise flawed and are subject to biases, lack critical thinking skills, or make poor decisions. When these characteristics are applied to power, they impact us and the system. Therefore a government requires self-corrective measures. Many find it shocking to learn that China's list of rights is more extensive than that of America, much like the Soviet Union was as well. Yet, in practice, it is easy to argue that Americans enjoy more protection and more protections and rights. How this is possible lies in the enforcement of these rights. With no significant opposition to the ruling party and a lack of robust checks on its power, ambitious politicians gradually erode these rights much faster. There is no opposition to the ruling party's or the will of its figurehead. Over a period of time, the system becomes self-interested, prioritizing the party's agenda over the people's welfare. General Secretary Xi dislikes being compared to Winnie the Pooh, so many authorities censored the image to curry favor. No judge could impair them from doing so by pointing to the clear protection of speech that Chinese citizens have under Article 35. They were either powerless to enforce these protections or, more likely, beholden to the politics of the party. Contrast this to the American system in which judges that President Trump appointed had the authority to make his executive orders null. They often did. They could do this because they were insulated from party affiliation. Nothing could threaten their office, and they could not advance to another one. Once appointed, the posting is for life, and each president tends to only have the opportunity to appoint one each term. This means the ranks are filled with Republicans and Democratic candidates that stretch back 40 years. They have a clearly defined role in the three portions of government and the ability to rule upon the legality of legislation and laws but not enact them. It is not at all perfect, but it is significantly more durable than the condition of The Supreme People's Court. Power checks power. Ambition checks ambition. Oppositional parties checked those who hold office. All are subjected to the judgment of the people. I approach this issue from the perspective of a Taiwanese-born and American-raised person. Beyond what I had read, I have never experienced a system other than a liberal representative democracy. It may be the case that I am quite biased on it and misrepresent how a single-party system functions in practice. That is not my intention to do so, but just my current understanding. I have only just entered college and may be educated to the contrary of that understanding. I would love to see Taiwan reunited with the mainland one day, but I would never feel comfortable or secure with my family, who still lives there, being under the system as it currently exists. I need assurances that their welfare would be assured and protected, and I just don't see a single-party system as capable of providing that. The CCP seems good at providing good results for the economy, but not with human rights - and I am someone who deeply values those.
respect your pov. Remember your other post as well. Good to keep an open mind to alternative opinions. Thank you for watching! May we find peace forward together.
I absolutely agree about freedom of speech! as Russian i see that Russia and China are similar in this case. and I also see that without external influence from the West there will be more freedom of speech in our countries, but even now I am censored on Western social networks but not in my country... so where is the freedome?..
Actually, we keep conflating "democracy" with "liberalism". Democracy is ruling/governing for the people ; whereas liberalism is about freedom of speech and other personal freedoms that the individualistic societies are clamoring for. If we are truly measuring democracy according to its true definition, then I think China has done more for its citizens (e.g., 800 millions uplifted from extreme poverty, infrastructure, safety and security, etc.) than a lot of the western countries like the United States, because their capitalistic tendencies always wins over, which let the corporations and the elites dictate government policies, eventhough these are totally against the will of the people (e.g. no gun control policy because of NRA's influence, no universal health care in favor of the big pharmas, biggest slice of the budget for Defense because of the big defense contractors, etc).
that's some good points, China has its own big pharmas and other large corp trying to bend the rules from time to time, but seems like government still over power them. Here in US, government already lost the upper hand, or never has the upper hand
A German perspective: Excellent comment. Many of my fellow Germans have this usually unspoken imagination that (communist!) China is probably kind of like the former communist East Germany: A place where a relatively small elite manages to suppress a large majority of the population to such an extend that it must actually erect a border like a gigantic prison ("Berlin Wall" and Iron Curtain...). I travel to China since 2004, run a small company there since 2008, travel around, am in contact with many Chinese in Europe, North America and elsewhere. In 20 years, I found this view to be largely very wrong. I know Chinese who prefer to live elsewhere, and those who have done that for many years in Europe or America and then actually went back. Or who live partially here and there. This is very much possible and the free choice of the people. Please everybody remember: Humans must organize in some shape or form. Any system is a form of compromise. The Chinese largely places the well of entire society above the well of the individual. Our Western systems usually made the opposite choice. Both have advantages and disadvantages. No matter how you do it, you do it wrong (and right). One compromise might work better than another. How well they work might change over time with circumstances. When I talk to Chinese of all walks of life on the mainland, in Taiwan, overseas, .... even those who emigrated because overall the prefer the "mix" in other places, they all agree that under the leadership since WWII (or so at least in the past 40 odd years), Chinese society has know the biggest economic boom in human history, lifting many many hundreds of millions out of poverty to a very decent middle class life. I could never really understand how our Western ideologues predicted that the trade opening would automatically lead to a different system sooner or later. Sure, in Maslows pyramid, wishes like political participation and other liberties come much higher on the list. But on the other hand, why would you want to "change a running system"? In the West, elections are usually decided according to how the current economic situation looks like. As long as China continues to improve the standard of living, the agreement with the government is typically (subjectively felt by me over decades) much higher at least than in typical Western countries, where a majority is hard to find, and once elections are won, the winner's public support typically falls below 50% within the first months of the new legislature or presidency. Others will say: Yes, but the Chines population is brain washed... My take on that is that in each of the many countries I have lived, the media are much more biased/propaganda than what the local population things, yet they are less biased than what the political opponent believes about the other country. Concretely, when I started publishing about my own political views on Chinese internet, I was afraid of censorship, which was much much less than excpected. And what I read about China even in our most "quality media" is not fabricated per se, but it is still a very careful selection of the news which fit the narrative, and facts are framed in order to give readers that good feeling that is is "us, the good, vs. them, the evil people". If you take note closely, you find that we always struggle to distinguish between "the Chinese people" (victims) and "the evil CCP". Just that when in China, that distinction is much much harder. Some of my employees are in the party, but don't give a rats a.. about politics. Others are very versed and interested in world history and politics, yet not active in the party. If now you point to the dissidents, I'd just like to say that they always exist, in every society, also in modern Germany (google "Reichsbürger" on the right, or check the news from 10.5. about Tesla factory protests on the left... ). Please also note that in Germany, after the partially democratic rise to power of Hitler, our basic law today makes any party illegal who has as stated aim to change the democratic order (e.g. go back to monarchy or become communists or what ever), and which has enough backing that it might actually even achieve that goal one day. Thinking this through, it would theoretically mean that even a hypothetical clear majority of our population would not be allowed to change the order we have today. That is actually kind of akin to the situation in China, where I found the limits of what one can say and do is to not question the legitimacy of the CCP in public and rally for support for that. I think the large majorities in Europe and in China are quite happy with their systems. There are no huge migrations either way, although if people wanted to "vote with their feet", they could actually try to move. We are used to what we have, suspicious of something different. We (Germans) have seen 40 years the experiment of communism vs. market economy/democracy, and while also on that one, not everybody agrees, by and large the East Germany almost literally went bankrupt / West "won". However, if I look at Germany's development and China's in the past 20 years, I can't be so sure that history is going to repeat in the same way. We will see how Chinese opinions evolve when China increasingly becomes a "normal" country, with normal growth rates, unemployment and so on. But for now, I want to end with the question a native Chinese asked me once, who had lived and studied and worked for many years in France and the US, and is back to China today: She said: "I am no friend of the Party, but can you answer me the following question: If "Freedom" is your central core value in the West: Wouldn't that also mean that you grant us Chinese the "freedom to chose our own form of government"? I couldn't really argue with that, because the distinction between the Party and the People (see above) is way too fuzzy and the general feeling too positive to simply say: It's a pure question of suppression. It's not. Divisions (e.g. in the US of 2024) in the population seem much graver than in China 2024. To anybody interested: you can find the link to my blog on my otherwise empty RUclips channel, and there you find all links to my publications in China but also Western social media.
Thank you for such a deep and thoughtful response. You are welcome to watch my other videos and give us your thoughts on different issue. I think you can offer a balance view of things around us. Thank you so much again !
I think to provide food for 1.5 billion people, We Chinese must work collectively to ensure no starvation. Throughout chinese history, we have been facing famine many times. The hardship of seeing love ones perish in hunger is a very sad affair. I always tell my non-chinese friends that when we work for a living, we use the phase "Find Food" in cantonese instead of salary in monetary terms. The current system that china is having is remarkably the same as in ancient time, and that is the ruler must work to provide shelter and food on the table for all citizen. Because of the famine and the dissolution of the country, my grandfather left china for Malaysia in the 1900's. I'm of the 2nd generation of an oversea born chinese. Even though I have been brought up in the western way of life, but I'm still culturally chinese. I had travelled extensively in my life time and have seen how so called democracy works, it will never work in China. As long as the China system is based on meritocracy and not favoritism and utmost important in caring of the citizen well fare, China will do well. 😎
I'm from Hong Kong, so understand what you mean. It is going to be a difficult decade. I think China will be fine with strong industry, Russia as our food basket, and nuclear weapons for deterrence. Can't say the same for the rest of the world however
All countries in the West have undergone democarcy & now realize it is not working. They are resorting to autocracy, faschisim, new forms of communism. Even India is adopting communism principles. Once Modi is re-elected he will bring in draconian laws. The Chinese citizens should be thankful, grateful & appreciative of their communism, which has instilled in them to work with values, has lifted the masses out of poverty & so much more. Today, China & the Chinese are admired; eevryone is copying the chinese models of economy, infrastructure, Confucianism, Taoism & more.
Lovely video yet again. Gave me great thinking points. I have never visited China but a lot of what you say about how your family grew resonates with my family. You may be right that democracy may not be the optimal path for China. What you also need to consider is that one man owning too much power could bring about it's own dangers. Just as you mentioned that Western news and social media is tainting the Chinese populations views, you need to remember that Chinese leadership views may also be doing the same thing in the opposite direction. Take Taiwan as an example. The mainland does not own it. It is the Taiwanese people who do. If the view is that the West is corrupting Taiwanese thinking westward, the Chinese leadership should use similar tactics in the opposite direction to win Taiwanese minds. Threatening and blockading them does not make them pro mainland. Risk of one man or party going rogue had played out in the Russian war in Ukraine. The number of dead Russians and Ukrainians is staggering. The cost to the world, including China, is enormous. The Russian leadership miscalculated and a 3 day war is now a 2 year plus war. That is the risk when a small set of people try to out think a billion people population. Statistically, the numbers are not in their favor. Luckily, your grandfather and father made the correct choice. What if they had made the wrong choice? That is just as likely whether they had been capitalist or communist. Appreciate the points that you are putting out as it is shaping my opinions as well. Thank you!
What makes you think a billion population thinking will have better answers and be able to work towards a consensus? Facts have already proven that intelligence and wisdom belong to the very minority of the population. The best system of governance is to be able to select this people out of the population to lead the country, not ask a billion people for their opinions.
@@skydragon23101979 It is not that I disagree. You are correct. Problem is who is going to decide who are the smart people. In the absence of a better method, may be safest to allow the billion people to decide. They may make a mistake but will get a chance to correct the mistake 4 years later. If you have unelected "smart" pe people, they typically got there by force or being born in the right family or something. And a smart person is likely to make mistakes in 4 or 8 or 12 years. Limits the chance to correct mistakes as most people don't admit they made a mistake - just double down on the mistake. A lot of accelerator and no brakes.
The idea that democracy means elections is a joke, and an insult to the actual inventors of democracy. I live in China, after living most of my life in Europe and in the US. I see no lack of democracy in China. In China, people's voices are actually heard and acted upon. If you ask ordinary Chinese people, they will tell you that they enjoy their democracy. There was actually a survey about 2 years ago by a group from Harvard, about how important was democracy for the people surveyed, and whether they feel their country has enough democracy. China came out on top, far better than any Western country. The US ranked extremely low. So, Chinese have democracy, the real one, or at least one that agrees with Chinese culture and values. They don't need and don't want the fake democracy of the Western liberal countries.
hope we can find a peaceful way forward. Yea I read that survey too, of course people blame it to be brainwash but many in China is satisfy with the government
Prosperity comes from the economic liberalism, not democracy. And of course from the American perspective economic liberalism is access for their business class. Lots of dictatorships do well under capitalism.
In my country (PT) leaving the country has been and still is nearly the only way to have a life, there has been a lot of immigration(illegal and legal) in the 60's(country was a closed dictatorship, almost north korea style) to FR and french CH for example. In the same of my family, which has the background in one of the poorest regions in the country and on a medium-poor village, my fathers generation were 6 children, 2 went to FR (1 returned to birth village), 1 stayed in the area (lives in near-by town), 2 went to nearest big city(porto) and 1 to capital. The french ones have a lot of wealth compared to the ones that stayed in the country, the one in the town was the one that got most of help from my grandfather, however supposedly he is now in decent amount of debt and my family (one of porto) is currently the worse off. (our only assets is a apartment which is in bad condition and saved money) In my generation the same also happens, however only very few did work outside PT. As is expected, the ones that did now got decent-good lives. Many of my high-school classmates that did university left the country. The situation is so bad that brasilians that come here(+-1/2 wages there compared to here) complain that in PT wages are low and expenses too high so they return to BR because life is harder here. (the ones that suck up the hardship do it because PT is a lot safer, many come here because of that) Yeeeeah, its best to split comment in 2😅, way too long now.
This is a very good discussion. Democracy is an overrated system with many flaws and there is an assumption that democracy is at an end point. I think democracy needs to evolve as it has many flaws. Many young asians have never lived in a liberal democracy and have a romantic view of it stereotyped by movie/music culture in the west. Democracy is messy and not always very efficient and leads to a lot of waste and delays in improving society. There is a false sense of freedom and if one looks at current US university protests against Israel you will see a violent Police crackdown. Democracy? Billions of dollars of US funds going to a Ukraine proxy war while infrastructure in the US is crumbling, poor people everywhere, santioning other countries instead of learning to develop relationships, record unsustainable Govt debt and an open southern border. Democracy? Look closely my friends. I look at China with great envy.
Commenting on the main topic of the video, don't care if a country is a republic or not (democracy doesn't exist for average people), what actually matters is that people's interests are represented fairly. Any political system has its advantages and disadvantages, there is nothing that is universally best or worst, life is made of compromises. Current republics have its governance perhaps a bit too short term which causes policies to focus on short term in detriment of future, something that can witness in my country were since troika and the sale of critical infra-structure(that even US has it state owned, "REN" is one of them, the electrical grid, electrical suppliers are also privately owned) to foreign companies, the government policy has been to aggressively reduce debt in detriment of the population. Its true that debt had to be reduced however a more moderate pace would perhaps be better, one of the areas that lost a lot of investment(got funding reduced a lot and only returned in +-2018-2019) was healthcare, which was/still is, one of the best in the world (and way too easy for anyone to get, expansion on this later), which can perhaps explain why PT did manage THE DISEASE so well company to many other countries in the world. Unfortunately due to that loss of investment a lot of money is wasted on paying the private sector do diagnostics and other treatments. Other "wonderful" measure to reduce a bit faster debt was to sell residency for 500k€ which a decent number of people took(not actually required to live in the country that much or even learn the language to become citizen), for those that prefer to spend less for it then one can ask a mate in the country to make a fake employment contract which provides residency and that path for citizenship. PT is a desirable country to come to get residency/citizenship because passport apparently is quite nice and makes it a lot easier to go to proper european countries. About that "too easy healthcare", its only required to get residency to get health which means for example if one needs a expensive/hard surgery done then one can just easily get a residency here to get it done for free (this happened some months ago when the presidents son or something like that in BR got his kid PT citizenship or residency from his presidential grandfather, the total expense to state was something like 5M€), immigrated people also come to PT to come to doctor, because health in europe is generally worse than here (even more in UK which is apparently a disaster) By "healthcare" what am meaning is universal, equal, free/reduced cost for high earners, not insurance based state owned. Looks like unfortunately CN doesn't have healthcare by those metrics, due to inequality a sickly person that know from shenyang can still manage to have fake health since his mother is a medium(?) grade party member.
Thank you for your respond. Chinese's healthcare system is actually decent judging by how recent it has developed. I always travel back to China and not seek doctor here in US etc. Europe of course is better but that might be diffiuclt to maintain in the coming future. You have to understand China was very poor, it takes that to develop the system. Cost me only 2 dollars to see a doctor, and I'm not even insurance covered Chinese citizen.
Will be of course biased due to my mother+uncles childhoods, in the 50-70's they didn't have access to a lot of food, with diet consisting a lot from vegetables/grain, any animal product was a single monthly event and fruit was also nearly a luxury(that part of the country doesn't have fruit consumption culture), a lot of dishes here are based on poverty. (example in my city: bean stew with rice and pork tripe, blood and bread soup. For the country itself there is also: bread and fat sausage, blood sweet sausage) ~15rmb for general doctor visit is of course affordable, however for more specialised visits and for example someone from a smaller population centre in northern provinces for example a 5k rmb expense most likely won't be that easy to cover. Europe is indeed on a real challenging economic future, notable companies in informatics sector mostly come from north america and richer asian countries.
Before I watch, to your question in the title: No. Not if China wants to stay as a country that shaped like a rooster. The key logic is that China has became too disconnected between richer coast and poorer inland. This is especially clear if you look at any conversation regarding income levels between 2 regions. Coastla city middle class people these days aren’t satisfied with even a $30k or $40 salary(which btw is around median salary of USA in 2020s), while a lot of inland people are still living off salary below 10k dollar. Cities people, being the beneficiaries of liberal economy, would likely to prefer staying liberal, which means they will vote to cut off the transfer of payment to the poorer regions which is the main thing that kept inland infrastructure projects going. This will further divides the country, and will likely spark separatist movement all over then land. This is why I am always torn on this subject. I want democracy, but there’s just no way we keep Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia under it. The risk of further spread of separatism is still high within China proper with north and south. It’s just a nightmare. Likely ends in balkanization of China.
What I write now about some terrible virus plagues in history is my pure invention and not true... American soldiers were on the run to enter the theater of Europe. French Generals met American Generals and made an offer. Let French Generals rule American soldiers. The war in the trenches is very special and you don't know nothing about it. If you don't do so, a lot of American soldiers will die and it is not necessary. The American Generals answered, this is not possible. America did not sent this Army to Europe to see them fighting under French command. So the command will be American and many of the soldiers will die because of it. But we can learn and we will learn quickly. Learning by doing. So it happened. American soldiers were only 150 days in the battles and lost 100,000 lives. How can this be explained to the people? Something else happened. All American soldiers had to be vaccinated, against any plague. So they do it until nowadays. American soldiers in France had around 20 vaccinations. This is a risk. One of these drugs, quickly produced, could be dangerous... A new type of flu was found in Spain and got the name Spanish Influenza. All these elements were combined to a tale.Most of the soldiers died because of this terrible plague. The war was ended and the soldiers went back to America. The civilians were in fear and had a lot of vaccinations. Many of them died. Why did no German soldier die because of the Spanish flu? They died, but the press was censored. you could read in the papers about 3 plagues in Germany, Cholera, Thyphus and Tuberculosis, but not about the Spanish flu . This was strange. How can be many regional papers be censored? No answer. In 1919 the Kaiser had resigned and the Weimar Republik did not exist. There was no one to censor the press. No, the press was censored. Then the Americans started calculations. They like it so much. They added the dead American soldiers to the dead American civilians and calculated the dead in Germany and all over Europe. It was 20 millions dead. What a terrible flu! Decades later they had the idea, that they calculated only the Northern half of the earth and doubled the number. Some decades before now, there was another virus infection, AIDS. This plague came from Africa, was in New York, mostly of gays, upper class. Many died of it. So they told us. The doctors gave them medicine, expensive stuff, and set the dosis higher and higher. The drugs alone were enough to kill a man. More and more deaths. So they had panic and even gave more drugs to their patients. People in Africa were poor and had no money for the drugs. Hardly an African died because of AIDS and so it is until today. Corona came from a laboratory in Wuhan and was developed as a biological weapon. This must be a terrible thing and the doctors had panic. They made some mistakes and a lot of people died. What a terrible plague! In Sweden they kept cool and behaved normal. Hardly a Swedish died because of Covid.
Democracy is just a label. Good governance is what should be aimed for
amen. Democracy is not a cult
He means American style democracy.
Any political system whether democracy, autocratic, communism etc, is only as good as those who are running the show. It's the leaders that's most important.
@@ssss8162 which is a managed democracy, an inverted totalitarianism, per the late Dr. Sheldon Wolin in his famous book "Democracy Inc."
Whether a country is a democracy or not depends on whether its people are really the masters of the country.
- - Xi Jinping.
Western style so called liberal democracy is only a cover for what in effect is a plutocracy or even an oligarchy. This reality is hidden behind a veil with fanciful terms like freedom and human rights. The real power rests with the rich elites and they draw the red lines within which society lives in an illusion of freedom and rights. Political parties represent interest groups in societies...and these parties are subservient to money power...and serve their interests. Working class despite being in majority can never be faithfully represented in competition with money power.
China knows that and does not allow political power to be lost by the working class. Once lost to the moneyed class...it will never be allowed to come back....as we can see in the West.
I think I can definitely learn something from you. Thank you for your support
You are right, despite being a fan of China after witnessing its phenomenal progress and vastly improved living standards within a short period of time, i still believe in the goodness of democracy but unfortunately many of those self proclaimed democracies are not real democracies but are corrupt plutocracies
Despite being a fan of China after witnessing its phenomenal progress and vastly improved living standards within a short period of time, i still believe in the goodness of democracy but unfortunately many of those self proclaimed democracies are not real democracies but are corrupt plutocracies
Precisely. Well summed. The “democracy” term is very loosely used and often misinterpreted. This is why I referred to as under the guise of democracy. The authority must reside with the government that represents its people not serve or is influenced by the few social elites.
there are some flaws in democracy but is very much better than communism which is deeply flawed.
I am a Canadian who has lived in China for the past 20+ years. So that is 20+ years of me comparing the governance of China to the governance of Canada (and the rest of the world's democratic countries).
It has become apparent to me that there are simply too many in-built flaws in the Western democratic model for it to be a viable form of government. We would need to do some serious reforming of our systems in order to weed-out the tendency to:
- pursue short term goals at the expense of long-term prosperity
- pursue policies in order to win elections rather than for the good of the country and its people
- pursue policies in order to set Party A apart from Party B
- grandstand on issues rather than pursue nuanced debates and policies
- create large partisan divides within the country, damaging national and societal cohesion
- create large partisan divides on policy issues, abandoning the sane middle in favour of the extreme 'left' and extreme 'right' (climate change is a perfect example of this).
I could name more, but I think I made my point. China is better off creating its own systems and adapting them to their needs and experiences.
free canadian want freedom to ....... there is no ccp ditator to force it tothe canadian
Personal experience and observation is far better than depending on those western fake news propaganda
Personal experience and observation is far better than depending on the fake news propaganda
As someone who has lived in a liberal democracy and in a communist country I can say that your 6 points are so accurate and typify the deep problems with democracy 'in its current form'. The US is not really a democracy but rather a Plutocracy where the elites run the country. Democracy needs a revolution to make it a more fair and honest system. Freedom of speech is dwindling in the US and other western countries, political freedom is limited in reality (look how Trump was demonised), lobby groups control the govt and most are funded by high rollers.
if you're talking about 2 party system, it just doesn't work..... the shadow ministry always object to every policy the government is putting forth, so when the opposition wins the election, how can they continue the predecessor's work when they were the ones tearing them down? and if it's a mullti party system, the actual power lies on the 3rd or 4th party who holds the balance of power...
Is there a genuine democracy in this world? I would prefer the Chinese political system than the constant political waffling of USA tbh.
There is no true democracy in the world today.
Democracy is flawed, and even Western philosophers from 2000 or whatever years ago find it flawed.
Each country should use whatever that work for them.
This talk of democracy this and that is quite boring and has no meaning now because it's just an execuse for Western societies to insert themselves in for their own benefits.
There is no true democracy in the world today.
Democracy is flawed, and even Western philosophers from 2000 or whatever years ago find it flawed.
Each country should use whatever that work for them.
There is no true democracy in the world today.
Democracy is flawed, and even Western philosophers from 2000 or whatever years ago find it flawed.
Each country should use whatever that work for them.
Yes, in a utopian world… only upon death our souls can be liberated and no longer subject to taxation and slavery imposed by the political/social elites.
Yeah, there are some benefits for the people and country without so many voting campaigns repeatedly in just few years again and again, to save lots of: time, energy, money, limited resources, and worse, a chaotic and divisive society. It is unacceptable for the most Chinese!😂
Did you see the funniest part of that interview? Wang Zhi An actually criticised the candidates for not keeping their election promises. I laughed when I heard that. What better indication is there that you’ve never lived in a liberal democracy.
True and sad. I think he will changes his mind when he stayed longer. But again, im not too sure... he seems to care about freedom* of speech etc as much as life
Where can I watch the interview?
@@waterluo1853 ruclips.net/video/JPx2eQYqmGQ/видео.html
I have some questions for you too.
I am a Chinese from a democratic country... I used to be "pro-democracy". But now I don't think democracy is necessarily good or the best system. Certainly not liberal democracy.
Why should China, or any country, be a "democracy"?
What is meant by "democracy"? You meant the Western definition of "liberal democracy"?
Isn't democracy often antithetical to meritocracy? Isn't meritocracy preferable?
Could it be that the "democracy" labelling and banner is a tool used by the US/west to instigate internal chaos in countries to the benefits of their elites?
I myself work in healthcare. With regards to C0v1d, so called "democratic" countries performed very badly. Interestingly, in many democratic countries, the policies set were "authoritharian". For example, vaccine mandates. And censorship regarding opposing /views of the pandem1c.
I think the Chinese never got off the idea of "mandate from heaven" . We are also more pragmatic and less idealistic. As long as it works, why should we change it? What's the use of political freedoms and democracy if that system leads to chaos, poverty and loss of personal(rather than political) freedoms ? I don't even think democracy was THE reason the West became powerful and rich. The West became rich and powerful as they were hegemonic imperial powers - they were monarchies, not liberal democracies back then. The USA was a second rate power in the West until the two world wars and the end of the Cold War. The USA became very powerful not because it is a democracy. The USA became powerful because ww1 and ww2 destroyed its European rivals. The best of Europe migrated to US. The Plaza Accord crushed Japan as an economic competitor of the US. The US-Saudi deal led to USD as the main global reserve currency. And many more ruthless policy decisions by US elites led to its greatness and wealth. Nothing to do with democracy, what more liberal democracy, at all. Liberal democracy is just a facade to blind Westerners that they do have political power and political freedom.... As a means or buffer to prevent rev0lution against their ruling elites who rule behind the scenes.
Just my opinion.
I think you are very right on that. It is sad though because democracy in some people'e mind has become something of a joke. MSM and free capital flow distorted democracy too much in smaller countries etc. I think it is more important to have consistent wise leader that make good sensible decisions
I'm a Chinese Australian who grown up outside of China, I also used to think democracy means something, but now days I think it made people more tribalistic rather than more understanding. There are many different people around the world and in countries who adopted the democratic systems have very little tolerance toward other systems, in fact it is no different to the rise of Christianity and the medieval crusades. It is only in name but not in essence.
Then go to chaina ....
@SantoshKumar-dw3sf
They can go back to China or anywhere. But the problem is, people like you will never leave them alone. You will follow them and continue to harass them and tell them to change. So I guess they will stay right here and tell you, your system isn't all that.
@@SantoshKumar-dw3sf
They can go back to China or anywhere. But the problem is, people like you will never leave them alone. You will follow them and continue to harass them and tell them to change. So I guess they will stay right here and tell you, your system isn't all that.
What kind of democracy? As a Chinese, if what they mean is a Western-style democracy, then I hope the answer is *NEVER*!! China's system already works, already empowers its people, and allow its people to live a happy and fulfilling life. We have no need to have Western-style liberalism, chaos, lawlessness, crime, and disrespect for cultural norms, family values and authorities. They can keep their chaos. China should always stay true to its Confucian conservative value.
Same, I'm very disappointed with many western countries now. Hope they can adjust in the future
Agree with you. As a 3rd generation overseas Chinese in my seventies, I used to have very deprived relatives from China visiting in the 1980s'. Then in my subsequent visits to China thereafter, I witness how China progresses and its people prospers, the Country is well run although there are still areas that need improving. Things are improving and obviously the Government knows what it is doing and doing right, it doesn't need the West with so many of their own problems to dictate what is best.
@@wf-mz8nk thank you for sharing. Need matural respect and harmony between countries
@@Awakening_Richard You're only disappointed because you bought into the "propaganda". Take a step back and think clearly. There have been many people in history who have questioned democracy. One that stands out is by American journalist H.L Mencken. He said, "democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance". Now, with a step back, can you rationally argue this statement? Democracy always leads to an oligarchy.
Absolutely, you said all I have tried to say for all the time from the past, present, and future. Simply speaking, people are different in the world, so just be our Chinese way if we think that is good for our country and people, just like the people in other countries, especially the west; they have their own ways of choices and lifestyles ?! 🎉
"Democracy only brings regression". These are the words of Lee Kun Yew, the best nation builder ever lived. The wise should heed these words. China should never become a western liberal democracy.
Absolutely!
Why do some people automatically assume democracy should be the end-all and be-all political solution for every culture and country? That assumption is questionable at best, and definitely "un-democratic" in its dictatorial stance.
many assume that way, many come to this channel kicking and cursing ;)
nope; it is clearly not the best system, especially when it goes overboard or too progressive.
But at the moment; it is currently one of the best system available... at least when compare to Russia where its citizens (not in the top 10%) are neither Rich nor ....
Then again; if one lives in N.Korea~ perhaps not knowing the outside world/nations to run compassion can make one much more happier than living in a ever changing chaotic world :3
@@michaelwang6125 do the majority of the people of the US led collective West khow much about the other parts of the world and what are their leaders doing around the world. They always boast of the superiority of their democracy but having the majority of their ignorant public subjugated by the lies of their corrupt leaders fake news propaganda is anything but free n democratic
demoicracy has given you your way of life in the West.
@@HankSydney That is very bigoted of you to say that
The basis of Western democracy is that people within a country are divided into parties with different ideologies, interests, and policies to compete against each other in a winner-take-all contest to determine who will govern the country for a period of time. Groups and institutions spend more time and resources competing against each other, rather than making long-term plans to improve their country. One party's national development plans, infrastructure projects, and policies are undone and reversed by the next party. This wastes resources and impedes progress because long-term plans cannot be implemented.
The world's richest and most powerful country faces these problems: Economic inequality, inflation, stagnant real wages for the last fifty years, costly healthcare, an expensive education system, student loan debt totaling $1.7 trillion with an average balance of $38,000, poor public transportation systems, racial inequality, mass incarceration, the militarization of police, deteriorating infrastructure, housing affordability, homelessness, the opioid epidemic, and gun violence.
Instead of prioritizing the welfare of their people, they meddle in other countries to spread their version of democracy. To promote their democracy, since WWII, the United States has started 201 wars, overthrew 36 foreign leaders, killed or attempted to kill 50, dropped bombs in 30 countries, interfered in 86 foreign elections, and established a staggering 800 overseas military bases. To make the world safe for democracy, the US has caused the deaths of tens of millions of people in its conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. The CIA was involved in covert operations that resulted in mass killings of communists in over 22 countries, 500,000 to 2,000,000 Indonesian civilians disappeared in 1965-1966.
The Chinese military has not been involved in any war or used its weapons to kill a single person outside its territory in the last forty-four years.
In China, the people cannot change their government, but they can change the government policies. In the West, the people can change their government, but they cannot change the government policies.
The 'Arsenal of Democracy' produces 40 percent of the world's weapons. It is a very profitable business model in which other countries buy these weapons to fight each other. The key is maximizing profits without shedding US blood by inducing conflicts between and within countries outside the USA. One client is eager to spend AUD 368 billion to buy a few high-quality used nuclear-powered submarines. This business model's critical components are NATO, QUAD, ANZUS, Five Eyes, AUKUS, and MCC (Mutual Cross-Service Agreement).
well said again Mr. Wong. Were you from Hong Kong by any chance?
Democracy causes division. Look at that bi partisan parties in the US. Forever fights and no important bill ever get passed. Only the bills which the rich elites slip under in the last second gets approved. That in itself cause stagnation and failure. Im gonna reverse uno what these westerners said about communism. Democracy sounds good on paper but it doesnt work.
Please be aware that the endless wars of aggression n other conflicts like sponsored insurgency, regime change etc. created by the US around the world are never about promoting democracy but to serve their own greed n selfish interests.
The US is very good at hiding their crimes under the disguise of promoting freedom n democracy
Please be aware that the endless conflicts created by the US around the world is never about promoting democracy but to serve their own greed n selfish interests
The West seems to naively or ideologically think that democracy itself is the end goal. But systems should only stick around if they work, and should be abandoned or revised when they fail. Clearly there's something about the Chinese meritocratic system with a capitalistic market economy that is working. Perhaps the West should be asking when will they adopt meritocracy and a system that works for everyone, instead of the lobbying business interests and certain groups based on how many votes that can give to a politician.
I think the west is a bit too invested into the current system, I just hope we don't get into a bigger war.
From my point of view, as a non-chinese person, China already is a democracy. A non-liberal democracy. The world is so diverse, so full of contradictions. And to hope for all the countries to have exactly the same variant of governance is mind-blogging. The government should reflect not only the people, but also its culture, its geography and its values. In the past, the West came to our countries and forced "christianity" down our throats as the "salvation". Now they forced this liberal democracy in the same way. Each country, and each people has the right to seek what it's best for itself, regardless of what outsiders may think. That's what I hope for my country, that's what I hope for China.
Noted. May we find peace
For a govt to handle the welfare of 1.4 billion people with different ethnicity is not an easy task. Dont compare with western countries with much lower population, imagine China govt is handling 4 US countries at a time. Considering China's history, from a starving peasant population with no skills other than farming to a rich high tech industry that export to the world is a staggering achievement. As Deng Xiaoping said "to cross the river by feeling the stones". China political system has undergone changes through mistakes and continuous learning, from a marxist to semi capitalistic society. People should also appreciate and thank the previous leadership and generations of people that made enormous sacrifices and hardships during their times to help build China what it is today. Freedom is to have affordable shelter, affordable food and affordable clothing, if you go back in time to the 60s and 70s and ask people what is an ultimate Freedom to them. Lastly, learn your history and remember them so that it remind you of your root.
may there be peace. Love Singapore
Democracy is a fable in actual practice. People are dreaming of "Shangri-la" if they think that having the power to elect their political leader means having the power to control the government. It DOES NOT HAPPEN . Also, having a revolving door of political leaderships every few years does NOT provide STABILITY and CONSISTENCY in the goals and aims of a country. Those who talk incessantly of democracy giving people "freedom" have no idea that their freedoms are illusory. They can make protests but how much of those are actually acted upon by the government?
Right now, in the Australian State of New South Wales, the state government has a plan to turn a long established golf course into a park and has asked for public submissions. However, when asked about the many protests that have been raised in the submissions, replied that the plans for turning the course into a park "is a done deal" and no volume of protests is going to change that. Democracy? Yeah - you have the right o make as much noise as you want but nothing's going to be changed.
The idea of Democracy is an IDEALISTIC one - like "the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" or "the Streets of San Francisco is lined with gold nuggets and all you have to do is get there and pick them up" - which is all an illusion.
If one likes to live in a chaotic society that takes one step forward by two or three steps back, fine. Go there. It's your funeral and I ain't
Is australia that bad now? Was there 10 years ago, got my wife pregnant with first born because we were too lazy to get protection
@@Awakening_Richard Firstly, it depends on the State Premiers that we have - some good, some not so good. Most of them at the moment are not strong leaders. Then there is the Federal Government. The last one, Liberal Coalition was far too much a succubus of the United States where the Prime Minister may as well call himself an "American" rather than a true blue "Aussie". The present Labor Party is only a tiny bit better but is still a panderer to U.S. interests rather than this nations. Both give lip service to the public most of the time and both play the "populist" tune to get elected. Things have not changed much over the past 10 years actually as we get the usual "one step forward and two steps back" where every change of government sees a rewinding of the last government's policies,.
For example, the Australian submarine defense force debacle which has led to our having to pay the French a penalty of several million dollars as we broke our contract with them and then, lumber ourselves with a $380 billion dollar debt with the Americans for nuclear powered submarines to be delivered in the future by which time, the technology would be outdated and in which we do not have any nuclear power technical expertise for maintenance nor infrastructure to handle their waste. The decision to get these highly expensive "toys" was made by the previous Liberal government with not a single debate in parliament nor getting what we taxpayers would like - and the money to pay for all those billions is being pull out of the taxpayers' pockets. Not a very 'democratic" decision, was it?
I can understand military decisions to be made DURING WAR TIME but we are not at war and for such a huge financial burden to be placed on the Australian public, we, the people should have a say in it and not something made arbitrarily behind out backs. Heaven knows but we need those billions for other more pressing projects to benefit the people of this country - not pay the Americans for their war machines and keep their people employed in their war industries.
So, no, things have not become any better. we need more public housing to reduce the high cost of rentals and to cater for the constantly increase in our population from the annual intake of migrants and refugees, not to mention the high intake of foreign students that our colleges and universities are screaming that they need to help fund the courses. Yet, without adequate housing, where are all those people going to live in? Public transportation isn't getting any better and the recent opening of the Sydney Roselle by-pass which is supposed to alleviate traffic congestion has turned out to be a Frankenstein's monster of a nightmare that has created more congestion and confusion than solve any problems along Victoria Street, one of the main thoroughfares into the city from the north-west through very bad planning.
One wonders why we should have so many law graduates in our political offices when we really should have more STEM graduates who are able to think better. I love this country but unfortunately, we have far too many no-hopers running the place down while pretending that we have democratic rights.
But that's not really what democracy is about. At least in the sense of an actual political system. It's the political parties not the people that decides the policy and it is by design. The role of people in a democracy is to vote a party out of power if they are mismanaging the country. In a non democratic country you have to either endure the bad goverment or revolt against it to change it. Democracy ensure a relativly peacefull tranistion of power from one goverment to another.
@@user-sf1nq9uj7pAustralia is already part of the Yankee empire n all important foreign policies are decided in Washington DC and not Canberra
@@Alaryk111is the previous transfer of power in the US peaceful
If your definition of democracy is the right to vote then unlikely. China must remain a single party state to ensure appropriate oversight of socioeconomic matters and serve the interest of its people.
Remember in China they can amend policies not party whereas it is vice versa in the democratic west.
agree.
Let it be any systems so long as there is fairness and justice. The normal citizens can have a peaceful life. Unfortunately there aren't any perfection yet. At least China is trying to attain it.
agree
What a great channel this is. Hoping for much more. 🙏
thank you for your support
I believe the journalist who is being spoken about is Wang Zhi'an (王志安).
what's your view of him?
@@Awakening_Richard It's the first time I have heard of him. I see his YT channel has English subtitles so I'll check him out. I'm an American who has spent time in Asia so I can speak and read some Chinese (and Japanese). This was a very thoughtful essay on your part. Well done.
Why should it? It already enacts the will of the (majority of) people unlike any western liberal democracy where only a max of 50%of people get what they want from their governments
true. I don't see China down that path as I said in the video
I live in France where many people don't feel at all in control of what the govt decides. They have the right to voice their protest but they don't feel their protest is taken into consideration. I know of more and more people who feel that voting is a waste of time, that nothing will change anyway.
yea that's the issue eveyrone complaining about
So voters in USA by selecting totally opposite president do not change anything? No that is not true. There is only small problem if nation is splitted roughly to halfs, then half of people will feel their opinion is not taken seriously. But it is a problem of division, not the particular candidate nor the system. And the division is truly not caused by democracy itself. I am from post communist country and i can tell you 80% of ppl back then was very unhappy with the leadership. What would happen in china if half of the population would feel this person currently in is not their president? And what is better, to have at least half of people agree or potential of 80% of people disagree? Such big disagreement calls for permanent danger of revolutionary tendencies and accompanied by untrust and surveilance.
@@siloton you have a point. But like I said though, population is reasonably satisfy at this moment.
Thanks for watching. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks for the video, it is very interesting. There appears to be a growing concentration of power in China around the person of Xi Jinping. Is this a weakening of the communist party and a revolution in terms of how the government functions ? Thanks.
The idea that Chinese don't want democracy because they never had it, so they don't miss it, is a really lazy justification. All it takes is for the Chinese not being happy with the current system, for any other system to suddenly start looking really attractive.
I also think the idea of the lack of desire for democracy by Chinese is not fully explored, given the argument that they want it because the current system is able to provide and things are improving. But, what if all material needs the Chinese need have been acquired, and improvement is just a normal social process, and not about lifting millions out of poverty? Will other needs start appearing in the minds of Chinese, spiritual needs, ideological and political needs?
philosophical questions, difficult to answer. I'm from Hong Kong and US educated. There was a time I thought "I know", I'm having doubt now. I'm not sure how much of that ideology seeded in me is true, how much is more US power projection tool. Thank you for watching! May we find peace forward.
I could almost say that the Chinese government system is almost the exact duplicate of the Singaporean government system. It is slowly evolving into it.
oh yes, many say that
Thank you for this video. Criticism of my country does not arise from disloyalty, but rather a devotion to its improvement. The US is not a democracy, but an oligarchy. And the oligarchs are the cloudalists and the financial sector (see Varoufakis and Richard Wolff). I feel very strongly that China should not change its governing system anytime soon, maybe slowly over 100 years, and not necessarily toward so-called democracy. Lifting 800 million people out of poverty over a few decades is an amazing achievement. I do not believe that China is an agressive imperial power; that belongs to Europe, the US, and (formerly) Japan. This is just a fact of history.
The US cannot improve internally - in my opinion - until it loses its hegemony; just as happened to the British Empire. And the change cannot be too fast, even for that. Your videos are inspirational. I found little on Youku of interest. Where else can I look for Chinese attitudes and policies for geopolitics? I'm sharing your videos with all who are willing to listen.
Finally, do you know who is Richard Wolff (ecnomist)?
Yea I watched Richard, a bit too sharp for my taste though, hope he sounded softer.
Well said my friend!
That is a good point about the US not being able to change until it has lost its hegemony, very good insight!
Love to listen to Richard Wolff....and David Harvey as well!
Corey
This account is a gem. Glad I found you. Hope for peace and understanding for us all 🙏🏻❤✈👑
thank you for watching! may we find peace forward
A story about democracy:
A farmer asked his son before he died, "Pigs complain about poor feed, cows complain about heavy work, and chickens complain about dirty nests. What should you do?".
The son said, "Change to good feed, change ploughs, clean up chicken coop."
The farmer shook his head and said, “No, don't do anything. Let them vote one from the pigs, the cows or the chicken to take care of them, let them think they control their destinies.”
Father’s idea = American democracy (election circus)
Son’s idea = Chinese democracy (get things done)
good point
I loved the story of your family. Your father has great family and Confucian values and represent the best part of Chinese government. As a Chinese who grew up and lives in the US, I am in despair over how much this "democratic" country has deteriorated. The US government is being run by people indebted to wealthy donors and whose main business is to remain in power. Long term strategic thinking on what is best for the country does not exist at all. Infrastructure rebuilding cannot take place when everyone is plotting just to win the next election. The mainstream media tells lies all the time about the Ukraine war, Russia, and China and is dominated by short sound bites on mass shootings, bridge collapses and other accidents, and celebrity lives.
thank you for your support, may there be peace
Thank you for making these videos. It's like traveling without having to leave the room.
Thanks for watching, may we find peace forward
China is already has its own style of democracy, but not american one
true.
Nice food for thought, thanks 👍
Politics in the collective West is not for the people, it's self interest period.
"collective West" => Kremlin bot
Chinese style of democracy is superior to any other Western-style democracy, any change in this course would be regrettable and devastating not only for Chinese people but for people around the world who are craving for a better life.
there's logic to that. How we can continue to improve and adapt
Appreciate the magnanimous mindset and soul of people who were committed to uplift the community/ country graciously. They must be honoured by all.
Thanks for watching! May we find peace forward.
Love the balance that you bring to your talks. I really do think that the negativity directed onto China is unnecessary - people who live in glasshouses should keep the glass clean - otherwise they cannot see out - and should not throw stones! 😅
Thanks for watching! May we find peace
We've seen other pro China youtubers before, most of them foreigners who 'love' China and their life they experienced there, and also many Chinese natives who defend their native China ardently. But you're different. You come across as very thoughtful and introduce us to the existence of Chinese characters we would never know about unless you can listen to or read Chinese fluently on the social media and give us your unique perspectives which make us eager for more. In comparison, the others seem very shallow despite their best efforts to sing the praises of China, not that they're not believable, but just that they lack the depth you bring to our attention. It's a first and I'm not sure if those views are already well known if you have easy access to the Chinese language social media, but thanks for sharing that with us.
You are welcome. My sub actually took a negative hit after the release of this video, and I actually expected that. There are Chinese who only want to hear good things about ourselves, but we also need to look at the flaw if we want to improve.
@@Awakening_Richard Just like there are health professionals who are dogmatic and unwilling to face the shortcomings of our present healthcare system !!! Could also be true for lawyers or engineers !!!
@@Awakening_Richard I think real Chinese wants to know our own weakness and be at peace with it. If we cannot make peace, we will change it.
Shout out to Richard, This one is AWESOME! you try to break down sophisticated political issues into pieces and lead us to find those pieces in your own family story which
is served as a reflection on the interview, brilliant broh!
The story happens to translate the typical Oriental philosophy of 'sacrifice' and pros&cons of democracy.
tbf i told same kinda story to let some around me to understand my perspective on democracy, but to those who serves democracy as a religion, it's a waste of time, so, like stone记 told to his followers:
'There're many Chinese they are either stupid or they simply hate the fact that they got Chinese blood'.
thanks for watching. I agree with your point.
I once heard about a saying among those familiar with the West and China:
"In the West you can change the party; but you cannot change the policy. In China you cannot change the party; but you can change the policy.
By the way: Not only China never had (lasting) democracy.
I think we are moving into a period of change. Who knows what will emerge on the other side, but it will probably be very different across the world. I personally doubt China will become democratic though. I will say that In the US, I genuinely wonder if democracy may fail here, and/or the country experience a political crisis threatening its survival, which was never the case until recently. I think there is a chance of it, if still fairly unlikely.
I like what Elon Musk said. People care about sounding good and looking good but not doing good.
@@Awakening_Richard . Elon is right this one time, I'm afraid. Most people I know, loves to feel good about themselves. That entails unconscious self -deception, -rationalization, -justification, etc. Sometimes, if they are not self-reflective. they indulge in mental-gymnastics to live with their own conscience to continue doing what they do.
I’m glad to have listened to this discourse. I live in a western democracy and I can tell you that electoral democracy is a sham, scholars call it a soft totalitarianism where the illusion of citizens deciding their future is immediately unfulfilled once elected to power, here, freedom of speech must be assessed by existing laws on censorship and surveillance but otherwise just an empty slogan. The ability of an economy to prosper bears no relationship to democracy as we witness in Singapore where there is a pretence to democracy. China will work out what is best for them, my only gripe is that borrowing words from the West to promote is wrong- we hear often “Chinese democracy” - this is most unimaginative.
Democracy for who ? For those with a bags full of money ?
for the ching ching. Thanks for watching! May we find peace forward.
Any form of government is only as good as the people at the top. The system that produces the best leaders will produce the best societies.
very true, you are a wise man. thanks for watching. may we find peace forward
Very good quality content, thanks a lot for translating the good debate like this to English and make it easy to understand.
My pleasure! thanks for watching
In my view, today's American-style democracy leaves only a basket of English ivy and a basket of hemlock for the people to choose from.
I'm still confused about where they keep the good stuff leaving only the toxic options?
interesting way of putting it
(Democracy) - is - (Chaotic) - ✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️ - (Often) - (Vindictive) - 🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 -
may we find peace
No one wants chaos in China!! It will be catastrophic for China and the world
Excellent video, thanks, a lot of food to think 🤗🙏
Glad you enjoyed it! may we find peace forward
Give me good governance over democracy any day.
Why should it? They have the world's most successful system.
If you think about what democracy really means, you will see that through the activitiy of the CPC, China is far more Democratic than the United States. It is amazing to see how satisfied the Chinese people are.
thanks for your support
Excellent video. Good for your family… and your country!
Thanks for watching. May we find peace forward.
Please reduce the background music volume in order to stop the distraction to your program conversation! Thanks! 👍🙏
noted
Thank you for another insightful dialogue. I will look up "Wang Zhi'an" (thank you @T65XJ for noting his name). I find this translation and your reflections of how these views are perceived in China incredibly rare, and meaningful. Please continue filling the huge void in the English speaking media-verse.
As for democracy (as is practiced in the west), "uhg", it sounds like a nice idea in the play ground, but in reality most people cant make healthy beneficial choices about how to live their own life, so how can they be trusted to choose leadership that controls the future of our civilization, based on shiny slogans, media bites and buzz phrase negative campaigns. From what I've learned about Chinas meritocracy, it appears that voting for positions is done by those with an appropriate earned and recognized merit. There have been a few decent YT explanations (Jerrys take on China is one), but I'd definitely like to learn more. And we all know how vulnerable western style democracy is to both internal and external forces with nefarious intent. The CIA and NED have shaped the recent democratic world more than Jesus and Mohamed ( my 2 cents lol). Any way, I like what your doing. This could be a great community. Keep up the great work. It is greatly appreciated.
thank you for your support
J.assange and Snowden: "democracy? 🤣"
I would like to suggest The Duran to your viewing list.
watched them for 2 years.
God forbid !
In my opinion, the statistics of deaths from covid for the entire period:
USA - 1,099,488
China - 33,680 (with this number of people)
It clearly shows how “democracies” care about people.
Question is for how long can the regime keep society content in terms economic and what happens when it can't anymore? As you know, I'm not optimistic about the near future economy at global level and China depends heavily on global economic stability (or improvement).
A new system needed as even democracy not suitable for current time.
very philosophical topic to address.
Will company become democracy?
ps. Will voice of janitor equal to the CEO in the company?
you got a point
Running a company can not be analogous to governing a country. The analogy is false. A company in the capitalistic economic system seeks to maximize profit for its investors. By that very principle, it can not be democratic because it exists to generate profit solely for the owner/investors and not to secure fair distribution of profit for all in the company. Therefore, the more money invested in the company the stronger your voice should be in the company. The governance of a country is far more complex and intricate than running a company on a much broader scale and equivalency can not exist between it and running a company.
@@megamagamanga5968 very true
@@megamagamanga5968 The idea that country hasn't been running by a companies is ... childish.
Ps. The same way people think countries are not always at war with each other
@@megamagamanga5968 Is there no room in your world for a co operative structure for business. They are not very common but are often very successful. Capital has it's place, but is it really a good idea that it buys more votes for peoples daily activities. If you want democracy then why not in the workplace?
This is indeed a very balanced description of China. I speak as someone who is not a stranger to China and its culture. I watch political newscasts from Mainlanders and Taiwanese, keep abreast of the current geopolitical developments around the world, and have traveled widely in China.
thanks for watching and support
Depending on one's understanding of what democracy requires, China may already be a democracy, while the USA never was. If democracy requires governments to act for the benefit of the majority of its citizens, then a strong argument can be made for the case I just described. The same may be said for Pres Putin's Russia contrasted to the USA. Life in both China and the Russian Federation for the majority of its citizens in the past 20 or 30 years has greatly improved, while in the USA the greater number of our citizens have experienced increasing hardship. The future bodes a continuation of these trends.
Thank u for your efforts to your own summing up n share. It's beneficial n civilized.
It's my pleasure
Point to any democracy that has performed half as good on behalf of its citizens as China?
good point. thank you for watching! may we find peace forward
Before we ask China will become democracy, we should ask what is the definition of democracy. Western version is everyone vote every 4 years. Can Chinese accept western version? I cannot accept.
My version for myself: I dont like the govt, I vote with my feet, now. I need to have skill and wealth to contribute to local economy and social well-being. If I like a place for what they offer and they like what I can offer, we have a deal.
good point, hope we solve issues
I command Wang Zhi An's patriotic fervor! Still thinking in terms of viewing his motherland in balanced angles and hope to contribute to positive change from outside, most people who became dissident will be bitter the rest of their life!
I think he need more experience abroad to get the full picture
As others have pointed out,it depends on the definition of democracy. If it’s Western ritual of meaningless beauty contests, then no emphatically. If it means having a voice of meaningful influence on future direction then yes, but will be gradually as country gets richer.
As your example of your father shows; every choice has consequences, contradictions, and sacrifices. But it also generates unique opportunities, like your own existence. If your father married the rich and beautiful lady, you would not be born, and your father may not be happier.
China and Chinese people have made their choice, and I think the correct choice. West may not be happy about being eclipsed, but history will judge.
Yup, can't always judge things by looking at the surface. China has its issue, but actively self-correcting. In Europe and US it is not very responsive. Thank you for watching my video again!
Americans often say, "America is a Republic not a Democracy". I first heard this from my American father-in-law in conversation with a Chinese professor at a church in Edinburgh while we were living there. It was new to me! I think what they mean by this is that it is more important to have good systems, and the rule of law, and consistency, than to let the mad people choose what they want all the time. However, most Americans are totally unaware of this subtlety. Most of the people who wish to export "Democracy" at the point of a gun are not really in the American tradition at all; they are more in the French/Russian revolutionary tradition than the American one which stressed law, continuity, and rights that are part of nature itself and are granted by heaven. We could say that the American Founders were conscious that they needed the Mandate of Heaven, and modern democratic revolutionaries are not.
interesting view, thank you for your reply!
Yes, America is a constitutional federal Republic. The Constitution is supposed to be the supreme law, the sovereign if you will, but America has been gutting its Republic parts for years now.
In my personal experience and observation over the years (Bosnia), when a lot of people are hyper fixated on politics and moral grandstanding it is mostly because living standards and overal social/economic mobility options are shrinking.
If memory serves it was Mr. Ronald Reagan who had the beleif that if economic and social standards rise, so will the demand for more political freedoms, changes and rights and this is where I think he got it backwards.
something to think about. Thanks for watching! May we find peace forward.
@@Awakening_RichardI appreciate your effort sir, if I can help let me know. May Brotherhood and unity flourish.
Our Western "democracy" is a total kabuki theatre nowadays anyway, it doesn't matter who you vote in, they all have exactly the same overall agenda. Here in Finland we now have a supposedly "far right" government, but nothing has changed even slightly - they are the same rainbow climate population control warriors as all the others.
Yes, in theory a radically different party could win the elections, but in practice that's never going to happen and if they gain any power they are contained so strongly that they can't change anything and totally fail so in the next election the rainbow warrior Western establishment types win again.
Anyway, I've come to really appreciate your videos, very interesting perspectives that are never heard here with most political or social content on RUclips being very US centric so usually China is always just discussed as the enemy or at least as a country with a very repressive and all around bad government. That's overly simplistic and antagonistic, very interesting to hear another view. To be honest, nowadays I view the US as a much bigger issue and threat to us than China whose foreign policy seems very shrewd, rational and perhaps somewhat cold but ultimately bening compared to the US. China seems to be driving it's interests and focusing on it's own development, but not interfering in the internal affairs of other states in all sorts of devious ways like the US does.
Personally I doubt I'd like living in China, but it doesn't mean I think they should change anything to fit my sensibilities.
Question may be changed to ‘Why should China become a democracy?’ To be more pragmatic, 功利，‘what’s in it for China and the Chinese for the country to become a democracy?’
good. I will change the thumbnail tomorrow
Why do you think China does not have democracy? Before I moved to the US, I used to vote for NPC deputies. I think you should define democarcy in the video.
Do you have a recommendation?
@@Awakening_Richard if you want to claim China does not have democracy, you should define democracy in a way that China does not match such definition nor meet the critieria while the democratic countries do.
It would be interesting if you explore in a video in what ways the chinese system is more democratic than the western liberal one. I mean yeah, elections, but do americans seem like they really have a choice between Reps and Dems?
In what ways chinese people can actually influence in the management of their communities, that would be really interesting, I'd also love to hear your thoughts on CGTN, I really like their english content, very good docs and interesting commentators, but what do you think?
I appreciate all the context you gave before going into the interview, I felt that I really learned and got so much insight from it.
I'm going to make another video next week on democracy. Thanks for watching! May we find peace.
Interesting. I agree to a large degree. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
The more effort CCP puts into saying something/someone is bad and/or won't work? Generally speaking, the better that thing/person is and/or will work. Tactic...not just on other nations, but most of all on China. This is their real problem with America, The West, Our Allies, etc...
We were telling China these things and more. And CCP didn't like it.
you have a point. Thank you for watching! May we find peace forward.
China is no where perfect but much better than the U.S.
Let's try to keep the world safe.
I judge a nations democratic maturity by how efficiently caters to the needs of its citizens. As western democracies have shown time and again, having a vote does not necessarily increase this efficiency.
BTW, your father sounds like a very reasonable man
feels more just like a ritual sometimes.
yep, its the fundamentals, you can call the company/business what ever you want
Very poignant observation that the tightening of government control in the last decade in China as a response to the hostility from the west. issues like democracy, woman’s rights, environmental activism, minority rights are being weaponized by the west to such a degree I would the biggest threat to Chinese “democracy” (as in a more equitable distribution of political power) is ironically the west, especially given brain drain and capital flight being one of the primary concern of CCP at the moment. It’s just blatantly obvious that the west does really not care about human rights with its stance on Palestine issue, but to use it’s monopoly on “humanitarian” certification to pressure and extract from the global south, while making actual humanitarian progress in the south harder to achieve since the association between humanitarian ideals with western infiltration.
I think you are absolutely right
I have always hoped to see a strong, liberal, and united China, a country that would advocate for human rights in both word and deed. I think that a meritocratic society that provides for those most at risk is best achieved when all voices can be heard and when one of the government's primary functions is to protect the populace from itself. A government should be open to examination by its citizens so corruption and abuse can be exposed and eliminated. Ideally, only people of high virtue would administer the country, and the type of government would not be a factor in that outcome. Yet, that does not seem to be realistic. People who seek offices are far more ambitious than the general population. Humans are likewise flawed and are subject to biases, lack critical thinking skills, or make poor decisions. When these characteristics are applied to power, they impact us and the system. Therefore a government requires self-corrective measures.
Many find it shocking to learn that China's list of rights is more extensive than that of America, much like the Soviet Union was as well. Yet, in practice, it is easy to argue that Americans enjoy more protection and more protections and rights. How this is possible lies in the enforcement of these rights. With no significant opposition to the ruling party and a lack of robust checks on its power, ambitious politicians gradually erode these rights much faster. There is no opposition to the ruling party's or the will of its figurehead. Over a period of time, the system becomes self-interested, prioritizing the party's agenda over the people's welfare. General Secretary Xi dislikes being compared to Winnie the Pooh, so many authorities censored the image to curry favor. No judge could impair them from doing so by pointing to the clear protection of speech that Chinese citizens have under Article 35. They were either powerless to enforce these protections or, more likely, beholden to the politics of the party.
Contrast this to the American system in which judges that President Trump appointed had the authority to make his executive orders null. They often did. They could do this because they were insulated from party affiliation. Nothing could threaten their office, and they could not advance to another one. Once appointed, the posting is for life, and each president tends to only have the opportunity to appoint one each term. This means the ranks are filled with Republicans and Democratic candidates that stretch back 40 years. They have a clearly defined role in the three portions of government and the ability to rule upon the legality of legislation and laws but not enact them. It is not at all perfect, but it is significantly more durable than the condition of The Supreme People's Court. Power checks power. Ambition checks ambition. Oppositional parties checked those who hold office. All are subjected to the judgment of the people.
I approach this issue from the perspective of a Taiwanese-born and American-raised person. Beyond what I had read, I have never experienced a system other than a liberal representative democracy. It may be the case that I am quite biased on it and misrepresent how a single-party system functions in practice. That is not my intention to do so, but just my current understanding. I have only just entered college and may be educated to the contrary of that understanding. I would love to see Taiwan reunited with the mainland one day, but I would never feel comfortable or secure with my family, who still lives there, being under the system as it currently exists. I need assurances that their welfare would be assured and protected, and I just don't see a single-party system as capable of providing that. The CCP seems good at providing good results for the economy, but not with human rights - and I am someone who deeply values those.
respect your pov. Remember your other post as well. Good to keep an open mind to alternative opinions. Thank you for watching! May we find peace forward together.
No need for Democrats or Republicans or LDP or DPP.
What country is the role model for democracy? Definitely not the USA. EU? The Nordics?
Your father was honourable and filial 😊
Thank you for watching! May we find peace forward.
I absolutely agree about freedom of speech! as Russian i see that Russia and China are similar in this case. and I also see that without external influence from the West there will be more freedom of speech in our countries, but even now I am censored on Western social networks but not in my country... so where is the freedome?..
good point. hanks for watching! May we find peace forward.
China has best democratic system in the world that it should be studied and learn from the Chinese democratic system .
hope we find peace forward
When people talk about the Chinese government and it's lack of democracy I point them at the EU because it's quite similar
haha, interesting comparison
Actually, we keep conflating "democracy" with "liberalism". Democracy is ruling/governing for the people ; whereas liberalism is about freedom of speech and other personal freedoms that the individualistic societies are clamoring for. If we are truly measuring democracy according to its true definition, then I think China has done more for its citizens (e.g., 800 millions uplifted from extreme poverty, infrastructure, safety and security, etc.) than a lot of the western countries like the United States, because their capitalistic tendencies always wins over, which let the corporations and the elites dictate government policies, eventhough these are totally against the will of the people (e.g. no gun control policy because of NRA's influence, no universal health care in favor of the big pharmas, biggest slice of the budget for Defense because of the big defense contractors, etc).
that's some good points, China has its own big pharmas and other large corp trying to bend the rules from time to time, but seems like government still over power them. Here in US, government already lost the upper hand, or never has the upper hand
A German perspective: Excellent comment. Many of my fellow Germans have this usually unspoken imagination that (communist!) China is probably kind of like the former communist East Germany: A place where a relatively small elite manages to suppress a large majority of the population to such an extend that it must actually erect a border like a gigantic prison ("Berlin Wall" and Iron Curtain...).
I travel to China since 2004, run a small company there since 2008, travel around, am in contact with many Chinese in Europe, North America and elsewhere. In 20 years, I found this view to be largely very wrong. I know Chinese who prefer to live elsewhere, and those who have done that for many years in Europe or America and then actually went back. Or who live partially here and there. This is very much possible and the free choice of the people.
Please everybody remember: Humans must organize in some shape or form. Any system is a form of compromise. The Chinese largely places the well of entire society above the well of the individual. Our Western systems usually made the opposite choice. Both have advantages and disadvantages. No matter how you do it, you do it wrong (and right). One compromise might work better than another. How well they work might change over time with circumstances.
When I talk to Chinese of all walks of life on the mainland, in Taiwan, overseas, .... even those who emigrated because overall the prefer the "mix" in other places, they all agree that under the leadership since WWII (or so at least in the past 40 odd years), Chinese society has know the biggest economic boom in human history, lifting many many hundreds of millions out of poverty to a very decent middle class life.
I could never really understand how our Western ideologues predicted that the trade opening would automatically lead to a different system sooner or later. Sure, in Maslows pyramid, wishes like political participation and other liberties come much higher on the list. But on the other hand, why would you want to "change a running system"? In the West, elections are usually decided according to how the current economic situation looks like. As long as China continues to improve the standard of living, the agreement with the government is typically (subjectively felt by me over decades) much higher at least than in typical Western countries, where a majority is hard to find, and once elections are won, the winner's public support typically falls below 50% within the first months of the new legislature or presidency.
Others will say: Yes, but the Chines population is brain washed... My take on that is that in each of the many countries I have lived, the media are much more biased/propaganda than what the local population things, yet they are less biased than what the political opponent believes about the other country. Concretely, when I started publishing about my own political views on Chinese internet, I was afraid of censorship, which was much much less than excpected. And what I read about China even in our most "quality media" is not fabricated per se, but it is still a very careful selection of the news which fit the narrative, and facts are framed in order to give readers that good feeling that is is "us, the good, vs. them, the evil people".
If you take note closely, you find that we always struggle to distinguish between "the Chinese people" (victims) and "the evil CCP". Just that when in China, that distinction is much much harder. Some of my employees are in the party, but don't give a rats a.. about politics. Others are very versed and interested in world history and politics, yet not active in the party.
If now you point to the dissidents, I'd just like to say that they always exist, in every society, also in modern Germany (google "Reichsbürger" on the right, or check the news from 10.5. about Tesla factory protests on the left... ).
Please also note that in Germany, after the partially democratic rise to power of Hitler, our basic law today makes any party illegal who has as stated aim to change the democratic order (e.g. go back to monarchy or become communists or what ever), and which has enough backing that it might actually even achieve that goal one day.
Thinking this through, it would theoretically mean that even a hypothetical clear majority of our population would not be allowed to change the order we have today. That is actually kind of akin to the situation in China, where I found the limits of what one can say and do is to not question the legitimacy of the CCP in public and rally for support for that.
I think the large majorities in Europe and in China are quite happy with their systems. There are no huge migrations either way, although if people wanted to "vote with their feet", they could actually try to move.
We are used to what we have, suspicious of something different. We (Germans) have seen 40 years the experiment of communism vs. market economy/democracy, and while also on that one, not everybody agrees, by and large the East Germany almost literally went bankrupt / West "won". However, if I look at Germany's development and China's in the past 20 years, I can't be so sure that history is going to repeat in the same way.
We will see how Chinese opinions evolve when China increasingly becomes a "normal" country, with normal growth rates, unemployment and so on. But for now, I want to end with the question a native Chinese asked me once, who had lived and studied and worked for many years in France and the US, and is back to China today:
She said: "I am no friend of the Party, but can you answer me the following question: If "Freedom" is your central core value in the West: Wouldn't that also mean that you grant us Chinese the "freedom to chose our own form of government"?
I couldn't really argue with that, because the distinction between the Party and the People (see above) is way too fuzzy and the general feeling too positive to simply say: It's a pure question of suppression. It's not. Divisions (e.g. in the US of 2024) in the population seem much graver than in China 2024.
To anybody interested: you can find the link to my blog on my otherwise empty RUclips channel, and there you find all links to my publications in China but also Western social media.
Thank you for such a deep and thoughtful response. You are welcome to watch my other videos and give us your thoughts on different issue. I think you can offer a balance view of things around us. Thank you so much again !
I think to provide food for 1.5 billion people, We Chinese must work collectively to ensure no starvation. Throughout chinese history, we have been facing famine many times. The hardship of seeing love ones perish in hunger is a very sad affair. I always tell my non-chinese friends that when we work for a living, we use the phase "Find Food" in cantonese instead of salary in monetary terms. The current system that china is having is remarkably the same as in ancient time, and that is the ruler must work to provide shelter and food on the table for all citizen. Because of the famine and the dissolution of the country, my grandfather left china for Malaysia in the 1900's. I'm of the 2nd generation of an oversea born chinese. Even though I have been brought up in the western way of life, but I'm still culturally chinese. I had travelled extensively in my life time and have seen how so called democracy works, it will never work in China. As long as the China system is based on meritocracy and not favoritism and utmost important in caring of the citizen well fare, China will do well. 😎
I'm from Hong Kong, so understand what you mean. It is going to be a difficult decade. I think China will be fine with strong industry, Russia as our food basket, and nuclear weapons for deterrence. Can't say the same for the rest of the world however
All countries in the West have undergone democarcy & now realize it is not working. They are resorting to autocracy, faschisim, new forms of communism. Even India is adopting communism principles. Once Modi is re-elected he will bring in draconian laws.
The Chinese citizens should be thankful, grateful & appreciative of their communism, which has instilled in them to work with values, has lifted the masses out of poverty & so much more.
Today, China & the Chinese are admired; eevryone is copying the chinese models of economy, infrastructure, Confucianism, Taoism & more.
thank you for your response. may there be peace
Lovely video yet again. Gave me great thinking points. I have never visited China but a lot of what you say about how your family grew resonates with my family. You may be right that democracy may not be the optimal path for China. What you also need to consider is that one man owning too much power could bring about it's own dangers. Just as you mentioned that Western news and social media is tainting the Chinese populations views, you need to remember that Chinese leadership views may also be doing the same thing in the opposite direction. Take Taiwan as an example. The mainland does not own it. It is the Taiwanese people who do. If the view is that the West is corrupting Taiwanese thinking westward, the Chinese leadership should use similar tactics in the opposite direction to win Taiwanese minds. Threatening and blockading them does not make them pro mainland. Risk of one man or party going rogue had played out in the Russian war in Ukraine. The number of dead Russians and Ukrainians is staggering. The cost to the world, including China, is enormous. The Russian leadership miscalculated and a 3 day war is now a 2 year plus war. That is the risk when a small set of people try to out think a billion people population. Statistically, the numbers are not in their favor. Luckily, your grandfather and father made the correct choice. What if they had made the wrong choice? That is just as likely whether they had been capitalist or communist. Appreciate the points that you are putting out as it is shaping my opinions as well. Thank you!
maybe i should make a video on taiwan. thank you for your support!
What makes you think a billion population thinking will have better answers and be able to work towards a consensus? Facts have already proven that intelligence and wisdom belong to the very minority of the population. The best system of governance is to be able to select this people out of the population to lead the country, not ask a billion people for their opinions.
@@skydragon23101979 It is not that I disagree. You are correct. Problem is who is going to decide who are the smart people. In the absence of a better method, may be safest to allow the billion people to decide. They may make a mistake but will get a chance to correct the mistake 4 years later. If you have unelected "smart" pe
people, they typically got there by force or being born in the right family or something. And a smart person is likely to make mistakes in 4 or 8 or 12 years. Limits the chance to correct mistakes as most people don't admit they made a mistake - just double down on the mistake. A lot of accelerator and no brakes.
Seeing the views of Chinese people whom are not politicly charged views is nice. So not most Chinese people want a revaluation.
Most are conformable for now, that might change in the future, never know
You need a free market system to have prosperity, but free market system works best with democracy vs dictatorship or single party system.
i think US is the biggest entity that is against free market, sanctioning and kicking out whoever that is out competing it.
The idea that democracy means elections is a joke, and an insult to the actual inventors of democracy. I live in China, after living most of my life in Europe and in the US. I see no lack of democracy in China. In China, people's voices are actually heard and acted upon. If you ask ordinary Chinese people, they will tell you that they enjoy their democracy. There was actually a survey about 2 years ago by a group from Harvard, about how important was democracy for the people surveyed, and whether they feel their country has enough democracy. China came out on top, far better than any Western country. The US ranked extremely low. So, Chinese have democracy, the real one, or at least one that agrees with Chinese culture and values. They don't need and don't want the fake democracy of the Western liberal countries.
hope we can find a peaceful way forward. Yea I read that survey too, of course people blame it to be brainwash but many in China is satisfy with the government
Prosperity comes from the economic liberalism, not democracy. And of course from the American perspective economic liberalism is access for their business class. Lots of dictatorships do well under capitalism.
very true. that's a solid point. Thanks for watching! May we find peace forward.
In my country (PT) leaving the country has been and still is nearly the only way to have a life, there has been a lot of immigration(illegal and legal) in the 60's(country was a closed dictatorship, almost north korea style) to FR and french CH for example.
In the same of my family, which has the background in one of the poorest regions in the country and on a medium-poor village, my fathers generation were 6 children, 2 went to FR (1 returned to birth village), 1 stayed in the area (lives in near-by town), 2 went to nearest big city(porto) and 1 to capital. The french ones have a lot of wealth compared to the ones that stayed in the country, the one in the town was the one that got most of help from my grandfather, however supposedly he is now in decent amount of debt and my family (one of porto) is currently the worse off. (our only assets is a apartment which is in bad condition and saved money)
In my generation the same also happens, however only very few did work outside PT. As is expected, the ones that did now got decent-good lives. Many of my high-school classmates that did university left the country. The situation is so bad that brasilians that come here(+-1/2 wages there compared to here) complain that in PT wages are low and expenses too high so they return to BR because life is harder here. (the ones that suck up the hardship do it because PT is a lot safer, many come here because of that)
Yeeeeah, its best to split comment in 2😅, way too long now.
This is a very good discussion. Democracy is an overrated system with many flaws and there is an assumption that democracy is at an end point. I think democracy needs to evolve as it has many flaws. Many young asians have never lived in a liberal democracy and have a romantic view of it stereotyped by movie/music culture in the west. Democracy is messy and not always very efficient and leads to a lot of waste and delays in improving society. There is a false sense of freedom and if one looks at current US university protests against Israel you will see a violent Police crackdown. Democracy? Billions of dollars of US funds going to a Ukraine proxy war while infrastructure in the US is crumbling, poor people everywhere, santioning other countries instead of learning to develop relationships, record unsustainable Govt debt and an open southern border. Democracy? Look closely my friends. I look at China with great envy.
Commenting on the main topic of the video, don't care if a country is a republic or not (democracy doesn't exist for average people), what actually matters is that people's interests are represented fairly. Any political system has its advantages and disadvantages, there is nothing that is universally best or worst, life is made of compromises.
Current republics have its governance perhaps a bit too short term which causes policies to focus on short term in detriment of future, something that can witness in my country were since troika and the sale of critical infra-structure(that even US has it state owned, "REN" is one of them, the electrical grid, electrical suppliers are also privately owned) to foreign companies, the government policy has been to aggressively reduce debt in detriment of the population. Its true that debt had to be reduced however a more moderate pace would perhaps be better, one of the areas that lost a lot of investment(got funding reduced a lot and only returned in +-2018-2019) was healthcare, which was/still is, one of the best in the world (and way too easy for anyone to get, expansion on this later), which can perhaps explain why PT did manage THE DISEASE so well company to many other countries in the world. Unfortunately due to that loss of investment a lot of money is wasted on paying the private sector do diagnostics and other treatments.
Other "wonderful" measure to reduce a bit faster debt was to sell residency for 500k€ which a decent number of people took(not actually required to live in the country that much or even learn the language to become citizen), for those that prefer to spend less for it then one can ask a mate in the country to make a fake employment contract which provides residency and that path for citizenship.
PT is a desirable country to come to get residency/citizenship because passport apparently is quite nice and makes it a lot easier to go to proper european countries. About that "too easy healthcare", its only required to get residency to get health which means for example if one needs a expensive/hard surgery done then one can just easily get a residency here to get it done for free (this happened some months ago when the presidents son or something like that in BR got his kid PT citizenship or residency from his presidential grandfather, the total expense to state was something like 5M€), immigrated people also come to PT to come to doctor, because health in europe is generally worse than here (even more in UK which is apparently a disaster)
By "healthcare" what am meaning is universal, equal, free/reduced cost for high earners, not insurance based state owned.
Looks like unfortunately CN doesn't have healthcare by those metrics, due to inequality a sickly person that know from shenyang can still manage to have fake health since his mother is a medium(?) grade party member.
Thank you for your respond. Chinese's healthcare system is actually decent judging by how recent it has developed. I always travel back to China and not seek doctor here in US etc. Europe of course is better but that might be diffiuclt to maintain in the coming future. You have to understand China was very poor, it takes that to develop the system. Cost me only 2 dollars to see a doctor, and I'm not even insurance covered Chinese citizen.
Will be of course biased due to my mother+uncles childhoods, in the 50-70's they didn't have access to a lot of food, with diet consisting a lot from vegetables/grain, any animal product was a single monthly event and fruit was also nearly a luxury(that part of the country doesn't have fruit consumption culture), a lot of dishes here are based on poverty. (example in my city: bean stew with rice and pork tripe, blood and bread soup. For the country itself there is also: bread and fat sausage, blood sweet sausage)
~15rmb for general doctor visit is of course affordable, however for more specialised visits and for example someone from a smaller population centre in northern provinces for example a 5k rmb expense most likely won't be that easy to cover.
Europe is indeed on a real challenging economic future, notable companies in informatics sector mostly come from north america and richer asian countries.
Before I watch, to your question in the title:
No. Not if China wants to stay as a country that shaped like a rooster.
The key logic is that China has became too disconnected between richer coast and poorer inland. This is especially clear if you look at any conversation regarding income levels between 2 regions.
Coastla city middle class people these days aren’t satisfied with even a $30k or $40 salary(which btw is around median salary of USA in 2020s), while a lot of inland people are still living off salary below 10k dollar.
Cities people, being the beneficiaries of liberal economy, would likely to prefer staying liberal, which means they will vote to cut off the transfer of payment to the poorer regions which is the main thing that kept inland infrastructure projects going.
This will further divides the country, and will likely spark separatist movement all over then land.
This is why I am always torn on this subject. I want democracy, but there’s just no way we keep Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia under it. The risk of further spread of separatism is still high within China proper with north and south.
It’s just a nightmare. Likely ends in balkanization of China.
agree. Thanks for watching!
Already has become. In 1949. Its called a revolution.
What I write now about some terrible virus plagues in history is my pure invention and not true...
American soldiers were on the run to enter the theater of Europe. French Generals met American Generals and made an offer. Let French Generals rule American soldiers. The war in the trenches is very special and you don't know nothing about it. If you don't do so, a lot of American soldiers will die and it is not necessary.
The American Generals answered, this is not possible. America did not sent this Army to Europe to see them fighting under French command. So the command will be American and many of the soldiers will die because of it. But we can learn and we will learn quickly. Learning by doing.
So it happened. American soldiers were only 150 days in the battles and lost 100,000 lives. How can this be explained to the people?
Something else happened. All American soldiers had to be vaccinated, against any plague. So they do it until nowadays. American soldiers in France had around 20 vaccinations. This is a risk. One of these drugs, quickly produced, could be dangerous...
A new type of flu was found in Spain and got the name Spanish Influenza. All these elements were combined to a tale.Most of the soldiers died because of this terrible plague.
The war was ended and the soldiers went back to America. The civilians were in fear and had a lot of vaccinations. Many of them died.
Why did no German soldier die because of the Spanish flu? They died, but the press was censored. you could read in the papers about 3 plagues in Germany, Cholera, Thyphus and Tuberculosis, but not about the Spanish flu . This was strange. How can be many regional papers be censored? No answer. In 1919 the Kaiser had resigned and the Weimar Republik did not exist. There was no one to censor the press. No, the press was censored.
Then the Americans started calculations. They like it so much. They added the dead American soldiers to the dead American civilians and calculated the dead in Germany and all over Europe. It was 20 millions dead. What a terrible flu!
Decades later they had the idea, that they calculated only the Northern half of the earth and doubled the number.
Some decades before now, there was another virus infection, AIDS. This plague came from Africa, was in New York, mostly of gays, upper class. Many died of it. So they told us.
The doctors gave them medicine, expensive stuff, and set the dosis higher and higher. The drugs alone were enough to kill a man. More and more deaths. So they had panic and even gave more drugs to their patients.
People in Africa were poor and had no money for the drugs. Hardly an African died because of AIDS and so it is until today.
Corona came from a laboratory in Wuhan and was developed as a biological weapon. This must be a terrible thing and the doctors had panic. They made some mistakes and a lot of people died. What a terrible plague!
In Sweden they kept cool and behaved normal. Hardly a Swedish died because of Covid.
thanks for your story!
It is already a peoples democracy,
There's beauty in the system for sure