China terms itself as a country having 'socialism with Chinese characteristics', it has all but dropped communism as a means of economic and social control because communism did not work. Hence it has tilted towards a more free market economy. It is certainly not a liberal country nor is its government liberal. The power still rests with one party and they still control all aspects of life.

Instead of using communism as a means of exerting control the government here uses nationalism. If you look at the wording in newspaper articles where China feels threatened by outside powers then they will appeal to the Chinese people by playing on the feelings that the motherland has been insulted or that it is threatened.

Living and working here I see the Chinese are firmly grasping the idea that making money is not wrong. They are inately business minded. They drive hard bargains and prefer a win loose situation rather than a win win situation. They also take a long term view of business and will plan carefully. Westerners tend to take a short term view and added to which trying to understand the Chinese thinking and culture is not easy.

The standard of living has risen for many Chinese, however at the same time many are also getting poorer as the economic benefit is not evenly spread throughout the country. There are huge differences between the city and the countryside. This has resulted in riots in many parts of China. In many ways the government cannot afford to be liberal as a strong hand is needed to prevent China from fragmenting or descending into social chaos.

There are many rich Chinese here and there is a growing middle class who aspire to make more money to raise their standard of living further, send their children overseas to be educated and to make sure they have the wherewithal to retire comfortably. Communism could never give them that so yes they have grasped capitalism but at the same time allow a one party rule.

That one party rule maintains a firm grip because if it fails to deliver then the prospects of social upheaval would mean a challenge to that one party rule. In the past when the Chinese decided they had had enough of an emporer thern they would 'remove the mandate of heaven' and depose him. This is a country of conundrums, particularly now.