rigor

cross-posted from: https://lemmygrad.ml/post/4045522

(Never cross posted before, if this is incorrect/wrong/breaks any rules mods please delete or let me know and I'll delete, I just thought this might be interesting and wanted some discussion)

Some thoughts and points I've noticed in/about China:

1. Everything you hear from Global North media is wrong or misleading. Perhaps there are a few exceptions, but if you ever come to China you will find all the media narratives are false or misleading.
2. You should always try to keep in mind the diversity, size, and expansive history of China when trying to analyze or understand it. China has 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, the land mass is slightly larger than all the US (any articles that say China is smaller are using the CIA world factbook which counts certain maritime zones for the US but not China), and China/Chinese culture has a history of some 5,000 years. (Liberal analysis is already unreliable, but also ignores just about all of this)
3. On the topic of ehthic minorities, they enjoy quite a bit of support for their culture and socioeconomic status. Minorities with significant presence in provinces (e.g.: Xinjiang) and smaller administrative divisions will have special “autonomous” statuts. They have special provisions, for example ID cards will be written in Simplified Chinese and the language of the ethnic group. Minorities also have preferential treatment (similar to affirmative action) for university entrance. Moreover there are special universities for “nationalities” (ethnic minorities) such as the well reputed Minzu University in Beijing.
4. Global North economic indicators like GDP per capita don’t measure the level of development well. While people work hard throughout the country, they also have a good quality of life and opportunities. This includes smaller cities which according to Global North statistics would be much poorer, and should have access to less services. (Also everywhere is extremely safe, both from petty and violent crime)
5. Political sentiment is complicated, it’s not overwhelmingly negative, but there is differently a divergence and a plurality of opinions. In the countryside you will find many homes, including new ones, with large portraits of Mao. Shanghai on the other hand is very liberal. However the party has generally good support and no real political opposition internally.
6. The party is ingrained into society. Many young people aspire to join the party, which is a competitive process. Institutions such as universities have official party committees, which jolw much of the power. Likewise, most companies also have a party presence and oversight.
7. Despite developing rapidly, China is very large and still has some regions and areas in need of development. The party is aware of this and has is doing and exemplary job. Young people are encouraged to go to the countryside to volunteer and work. Many young officials are sent to work in such areas. There is a reason why a majority of the reduction in poverty globally is thanks to China.
8. Global North, particularly American cultural hegemony has influence still. It’s is waning, but is certainly a challenge and is one of the key issues to address. While the youth has political education, it seems to not be particularly effective. The party should probably try it’s best to present attractive and engaging counter narratives. This has had success on geopolitical issues, such as Russia/Ukraine where most people have an ML or ML adjacent position. However, it remains to be developed for economic and social issues. “Western” economics is taught uncritically in many institutions.
9. Relatedly, many people are pessimistic at times about China’s future economic trajectory and growth. This may be because of the Western influence in economic understanding. I believe China’s economy has good potential, as long as the party keeps steering the market and SOE well, as they have done. Also, China is fundamentally restructuring it’s economy to become green, which is at the expense of some areas/cities, e.g.: those that produce coal. That being said it is for the overall good of the economy and society. Moreover, the greening of China was pioneered by comrade Xi, which is a position he has held long before it was mainstream or popular in China or the West.

Sorry for any typos. I'd welcome discussion and to hear others thoughts.

Some thoughts and points I've noticed in/about China:

1. Everything you hear from Global North media is wrong or misleading. Perhaps there are a few exceptions, but if you ever come to China you will find all the media narratives are false or misleading.
2. You should always try to keep in mind the diversity, size, and expansive history of China when trying to analyze or understand it. China has 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, the land mass is slightly larger than all the US (any articles that say China is smaller are using the CIA world factbook which counts certain maritime zones for the US but not China), and China/Chinese culture has a history of some 5,000 years. (Liberal analysis is already unreliable, but also ignores just about all of this)
3. On the topic of ehthic minorities, they enjoy quite a bit of support for their culture and socioeconomic status. Minorities with significant presence in provinces (e.g.: Xinjiang) and smaller administrative divisions will have special “autonomous” statuts. They have special provisions, for example ID cards will be written in Simplified Chinese and the language of the ethnic group. Minorities also have preferential treatment (similar to affirmative action) for university entrance. Moreover there are special universities for “nationalities” (ethnic minorities) such as the well reputed Minzu University in Beijing.
4. Global North economic indicators like GDP per capita don’t measure the level of development well. While people work hard throughout the country, they also have a good quality of life and opportunities. This includes smaller cities which according to Global North statistics would be much poorer, and should have access to less services. (Also everywhere is extremely safe, both from petty and violent crime)
5. Political sentiment is complicated, it’s not overwhelmingly negative, but there is differently a divergence and a plurality of opinions. In the countryside you will find many homes, including new ones, with large portraits of Mao. Shanghai on the other hand is very liberal. However the party has generally good support and no real political opposition internally.
6. The party is ingrained into society. Many young people aspire to join the party, which is a competitive process. Institutions such as universities have official party committees, which jolw much of the power. Likewise, most companies also have a party presence and oversight.
7. Despite developing rapidly, China is very large and still has some regions and areas in need of development. The party is aware of this and has is doing and exemplary job. Young people are encouraged to go to the countryside to volunteer and work. Many young officials are sent to work in such areas. There is a reason why a majority of the reduction in poverty globally is thanks to China.
8. Global North, particularly American cultural hegemony has influence still. It’s is waning, but is certainly a challenge and is one of the key issues to address. While the youth has political education, it seems to not be particularly effective. The party should probably try it’s best to present attractive and engaging counter narratives. This has had success on geopolitical issues, such as Russia/Ukraine where most people have an ML or ML adjacent position. However, it remains to be developed for economic and social issues. “Western” economics is taught uncritically in many institutions.
9. Relatedly, many people are pessimistic at times about China’s future economic trajectory and growth. This may be because of the Western influence in economic understanding. I believe China’s economy has good potential, as long as the party keeps steering the market and SOE well, as they have done. Also, China is fundamentally restructuring it’s economy to become green, which is at the expense of some areas/cities, e.g.: those that produce coal. That being said it is for the overall good of the economy and society. Moreover, the greening of China was pioneered by comrade Xi, which is a position he has held long before it was mainstream or popular in China or the West.

Sorry for any typos. I'd welcome discussion and to hear others thoughts.

Archive link: https://archive.ph/19l1e

Note that

1. Western companies have good expectations about China's economy
2. Bourgeois economics does capture the whole picture, even then China is doing well,
3. Keep in mind the are stats from JP Morgan not the Chinese government
4. While libs say China is collapsing, it is growing at more than 5%, while the US stagnates and Europe is clearly in recession

Also, a visualization by GT of US aid: https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2023/2023-10-24/1ec6c7fe-ed2f-4acf-9dcb-80c1797961f0.jpeg

Interesting to see how this will go. Often the US visits China. Also, note how, despite everything, China keeps trying diplomacy and peace. Meanwhile the US is fixated on war. War in Ukrane, Palestine, and eventually China; if the US has its way that is.

A humble leader.

Anecdotaly, I can confirm through an acquaintance who met him, Xi is very humble and friendly. He was described as much taller and thin than he appears in photos. When talking to him, my acquaintance said Xi conversed like one might with an old friend.

Some good Xi quotes from the article:

"You have read a lot of books, but there is much 'water' in the knowledge you learned. You need to squeeze out the 'water' by testing the knowledge in practice and in interaction with the masses."

"[A]im high while keeping your feet firmly on the ground"

This is likely insignificant, yet gives some hope. Japan may yet refrain from becoming a pawn, as it would surely be obliterated in a conflict with China. Unfortunately, this is probably but a squabble over blame for imperial incompetence.

Cup half full: either Japan is incompetent or ths US was and is trying to pin the blame on Japan, which will push them away. It could also be a pretext to warn Japan it can be dropped military in an attempt to draw them in, a sort of threat or loyalty test. Either way, imperial disunity favors multipolarity and AES.

Wholesome solidarity; hope this improves your day.

Huge implications for urban planning, also these sorts of developments in tech and adoption/application nageate declining populations. In fact, this sort of automation will probably be the core of the 4th industrial revolution.