Comment by Matl

> Fundamentally, the Chinese model of governance does not protect the individual. For all its faults, the US model is based upon the idea of individual liberty

Look, am not here to defend the Chinese model but I find it interesting how convinced you seem that individualism is the right model for everyone.

While I would generally agree with you, I have spoken to many from poorer countries who say that they prefer to trade some individualism for a steady hand of economic development and lifting the population from poverty. That is the Chinese model.

These people would argue that they can reclaim more and more individual freedom as the country gets richer and more self confident.

I am not saying they are right, but looking at a nominal democracy like India and a nominal autocracy like China, I know which government works better as far as raising the living standards of its population and it's not the Indian one.

My hope is that China will continue to liberalize on its own. Forcing it will likely only reverse the gains.

Individualism also leads to the sort of healthcare system the US had or Skid Row. So it's not all roses.