Small addition: I don’t think Chinese are “not allowed to cry” in general but yeah, population under autocratic regime causes less problems for geopolitics definitely
But the main point I think is that its all relative: last 50 (1960-2010) years were rather happy for the US citizens and rather bad for Chinese, so it would be easier for Chinese to tighten their belts than for US citizens, I think thats the most important factor considering “who can hold bluff longer”
Yes this was maby a little over the topmwith crying. But you could not go outside and hold up a banner saying, the economy is bad without getting in prison or even a camp.
And chinese did have a great rise of the middle class. For this it was for a long time (in the time you mention included) the marketwonder, how a country can bi communist but econommically strong.
But it is also clear that through the political structure ever chinese citizens knows, that there is no other way to go then the way with the communist party. And as long as all power is within the party, it seems the could stem a economic crisis. But this is not something the modern chinese society was tested on. (In my heart I beleave, that chinese peoplemwill live free in the future 🙏😇)
I’m not a Chinese expert but I believe not all of them would like to live free in the modern (western) definition of this word. Also, for an average 40 year old Chinese citizen I believe his life right now is so good compared to what have been to his childhood that they would gladly stand 50% lifestyle decrease knowing that they are attacked by the US and start getting allies they never thought they would ally with
Contrary to an average 40 years old US citizen whos life is 1980s was pretty darn good compared to today
Yes defnitly they had an improved quality of live. But it is hard to tell if the communist party is able to keep power, when the opposite happens. Since most systems work well, when most people see an improvement in their live. I myself would neighter bet for or against the communist party falling apart on economic decrease. But I would personally welcome a colapse of the suppressive surveilance state in china. Independent of what kind of state they will have. Since I feel surveiled souls have less potential to flourish and shine as beautiful as free souls. And this I think all over the world.
