lain: Well considering that this is the only point not previously, soundly and totally refuted; I guess I'll pick it up.:think: Ummm....The reason China still "thrives" is because it carried out vast market reforms beginning in the late 70's with the decollectivization of their agricultural base and allowing foreign investment. These reforms continued into the 90's with the privatization of various industries and in turn allowing them to contract/sell outside of the nation. Price controls were relaxed as well as protectionist policies and other regulations.
:nono: What China is now; is by no means "Communist" but rather a sort of wierd blend of socialist and market economies. The reason why so many people like yourself still consider them "Communist" is because to you, Communist is synonymous with Totalitarian.
If you ask me, the "ism" which they are most alligned with is Fascism.
The Soviet Union collapsed because when they saw the same handwriting on the wall that China did they doubled down on their system rather than instituting reforms...By the time they realized that reforms were unquestionably necessary it was much too late.
The Russians were stubborn the Chinese were not. You know what "stubborn" is right? Like when people correct your erroneous notions on all fronts yet you continue to cling to them anyway. Remember; that while tenacity is a virtue; stubborness is a fault...The trick is knowing the difference between the two. :juggle:
