Without a Change of Political System, China’s Economy Will Always Be 2nd Class

Commentary

Recent news stories have shed light on communist China’s economic struggles, with some predicting a potential “economic oblivion.”

While much attention has been given to the specifics of China’s economic challenges, the more crucial question is why this impending economic crisis is on the horizon.

The root cause lies in the totalitarian governance and its flawed understanding of the world and human nature.

Throughout history, Chinese civilization has contributed significant literary and philosophical works, as well as innovations like the wheel, compass, paper money, printing press, and gunpowder.

However, since the Maoist revolution, communist China has failed to produce substantial innovations, except for advancements in re-education camps, oppression, and population control.

Related Stories

On the contrary, communist China lacks a conducive environment for original research and creativity, resorting to imitating the work of others.

Innovation Lost

While replicating smartphone and solar panel technologies may have yielded results, the Chinese Communist Party’s suppression of original research has hindered the possibility of achieving “cutting-edge science” in China.

Deng and his successors have failed to grasp that socialism itself is the root cause of China’s economic woes, as it contradicts authentic Chinese values.

Successful economies thrive on innovation and novel solutions, a stark contrast to communism’s emphasis on collective thinking and state control that prioritize conformity over creativity.

This disparity was evident in communist China’s response to COVID-19.

During the outbreak, local innovative approaches to the crisis were stifled in deference to central authorities in Beijing, showcasing communism’s tendency to foster reliance on the state, not just economically, but intellectually as well.

This stifling of individual intellectual pursuits suppresses creative thinking essential for fostering a thriving free economy or combatting unprecedented challenges like a pandemic.

Communist China’s response to COVID-19 was limited to producing a vaccine that was costlier and less effective compared to its Western counterparts.

Compared to the Best

Communism’s fixation on technologies and material solutions overlooks the cultural “software” pivotal to the foundation of prosperous economies.

This disparity becomes evident when comparing it to the most prosperous economy today, which did not stem from a five-year plan or technical objectives.

The prosperity of the United States is not reliant on natural resources, geographic location, or any material factors; rather, it is rooted in its philosophy of human rights, individual liberties, freedom of speech, and thought.

In essence, what propelled the United States to greatness is not material resources or technical solutions but moral foundations and the freedom of individuals.

Our culture and economic success thrive on liberty, personal responsibility, independence, freedom of thought, and the affirmation of human dignity and individual rights.

It is through these principles that innovation and growth flourish, while without them, we are left with imitation, intellectual piracy, and stagnation.

In conclusion, freedom and open-mindedness foster robust economies and prosperity, whereas communism and repressed thinking breed poverty and economic collapse.

It is imperative for China’s leaders to recognize this reality sooner rather than later.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.