Question

Question 7) Why are the Chinese skeptical about democracy?

Answer 1

In late 19th century democracy was introduced in China. For over a century, the controversy about its meaning and implementation has been one of the main political battlegrounds in Chinese politics. Modern Chinese leaders say they are running a "socialist democracy" in which China's Communist Party is a central body working in the interest of the people. What political parties may run is approved by the Communist Party.

Across different media outlets around the world, China is sometimes portrayed across various terms such as oppressive, authoritarian, soft authoritarian, a supervisory state, or a dictatorship. The Democracy Index, created by the Economist Intelligence Unit, gives China a 3.1 out of 10 and classifies it as authoritarian in government. It's time for the US to turn towards a new approach to shaping China's political future: explaining that democracy provides tangible benefits like sustainable growth, prosperity, and personal security even for top officials of the Communist Party. This performance-based claim would echo many of China's economic and political leaders, and may have an ability to influence Xi Jinping's thought and his fellow top officials.

Implicitly, Chinese political elites recognize that democracies include protection of property and of individuals. When Bo was dismissed, Chongqing's former chief of police, Wang Lijun, turned not to the Chinese Ministry of Justice but to the Chengdu U.S. consulate. Many Chinese leaders outsource their personal security by sending members of their families to study and live in the United States It has to work for the most strong of China's for democracy to work for China. There's no other way forward.