TRIGGERnometry Why is China Building a Massive Army? Dr John Lee
Jun 13, 2022
In this episode, Dr. John Lee, a political scientist at the Hudson Institute and expert on Chinese political economy, dives deep into China's military expansion and its geopolitical ambitions. He outlines how the Chinese Communist Party is leveraging authoritarian governance for rapid modernization, while juggling human rights concerns. The conversation also touches on China's response to global events like the Ukraine crisis and its assertiveness regarding Taiwan. Lee emphasizes the need for the West to adapt its strategies in light of China's growing influence.
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China's Path
- The West wrongly assumed that China would adopt Western systems as it became wealthier.
- The CCP has managed to maintain power while embracing economic growth, posing a significant threat.
CCP's Power Strategy
- The CCP has cleverly tied its future to the elites by becoming the primary source of economic opportunity.
- This has resulted in strong support for the CCP among the wealthy, unlike in the Soviet Union.
Capitalism in China
- Francis Foster recounts his surprise at China's capitalist environment, where luxury goods are readily available.
- This freedom exists as long as there's no criticism of the CCP, demonstrating their control.