[tmule]

Am seeing a lot of pushback against this take. There are two things to keep in mind: 1. On execution: The track record of the Chinese political establish in bringing hundreds of millions of Chinese out of poverty is arguably the greatest political achievement of the last four decades. Their track record here gives them legitimacy as a national-interest optimizing function (despite admittedly terrible human rights abuses for minorities). The contrast with, for example, the neocon-military-industrial complex that jumps from one failed international adventure to the next is astounding! 2. On planning: They’ve demonstrated a phenomenal understanding of key issues that the nation currently faces and expects to face, and has prioritized them appropriately — often using Western failures and failure modes as data points to inform their strategy. The contrast with the constant bickering in American politics is astounding. How can America succeed if there’s no general agreement even about what the problems are?

[calsy]

It's a great political achievement bringing people out of crushing poverty and starvation caused entirely by the last authoritarian in charge? 'Hey maybe we shouldn't turn all our farms into factories', its simplicity is what makes it so brilliant I guess. It's an achievement to starve millions to death then decide to give them something to eat and a job.