As China shows, liberal capitalism is not the only path
China has disproved one of the post-Cold War era’s most confident assumptions: that the Western model is the only route to modernity
Much of the Western debate about China begins with a category error. “Communism” is often treated as synonymous with a monolithic command economy, limited private enterprise and bureaucratic control over every commercial decision. Modern China does not fit that model.
The state has not sought to replace markets. It allows competition and entrepreneurship, but within political boundaries. It also retains control over strategic assets and channels capital towards long-term priorities: infrastructure, technology, employment and social stability. That combination looks contradictory only if one assumes capitalism and public purpose must be in conflict.