Ah, yes, the model of democracy
People who actually live in China certainly think so, but what do they know. Studies show that it’s democratic as well, but I guess a western chauvinist knows best.
Though it should be noted that the perception of China as democratic by its citizens might’ve been influenced by the fact that voicing disagreement with current policy has lead to the arrest and harassement of those critiquing.
I’d argue it’s influenced far more by the fact that people see their lives continuously improve and the government acting in their interest.
I don’t really see their interest in minorities being harassed, atrocious labour regulation(like a ban of independent unions and a crackdown on labour activism), a minimum wage lower than the US’ and nonexistent environmental policy endangering the population and the global climate.
First, China’s pretty much the only place where poverty is being eliminated in any real sense:
Real wage (i.e. the wage adjusted for the prices you pay) has gone up 4x in the past 25 years, more than any other country, and social mobility is quite high compared to places like US.
On top of that, 90% of families in the country own their home giving China one of the highest home ownership rates in the world. What’s more is that 80% of these homes are owned outright, without mortgages or any other leans.
When you look at the actual facts, it’s pretty easy to see why vast majority of people support their government.
But that’s not really an argument though. There are concrete examples of China censoring what people say in regards to their homeland. That isn’t the case with the US at all.
There are concrete examples of rampant censorship in the west as well. If you think US doesn’t censor news, I have a bridge to sell you. Entire books have been written on this subject.