In this year's New Year's address, Chinese leader Xi Jinping continued to portray China as being in a very favorable situation, although he acknowledged some difficulties. He highlighted significant achievements across various domains and affirmed the nation's positive trajectory.
However, multiple indicators suggest that the situation in China is far from optimistic, accompanied by a discernible weakening of Xi Jinping's authority. While economic data supports the former, the prevailing sentiment among the Chinese people signifies the latter. This view has been shaped by years of failed policies and intensified by Xi's handling of the COVID pandemic, now extending beyond economic concerns.
The shift in China's public opinion could have a significant impact on the country and the world, requiring careful observation.
Since assuming office, Xi Jinping has fervently sought to reaffirm the Communist Party's legitimacy by championing the superiority of "Socialism with Chinese characteristics" over the Western liberal democratic system. This endeavor addresses an inherent contradiction in the rationale of the Communist Party rule.
Initially founded on the promise of constructing a utopian communist society, the party's economic reforms, starting from Deng Xiaoping's era, progressively embraced capitalist elements, yielding benefits for the Chinese people but diminishing the party's leadership.
Should this trend persist, it will prompt the question of why the Communist Party remains in control when the economic system leans more towards capitalism than communism. Furthermore, the contradiction between the economic and political systems has greatly impeded China's sustained and balanced development.
Xi took upon himself........