The Rise and Fall of the EAST: A Discussion with Professor Yasheng Huang

China’s economic outlook will determine both its own political future and the global networks that its trading partners rely on. As capital and consumption trends undergo a sea change, what should the United States and other economies expect?

[@twchau326]

The auto caption said "confusionism" rather than "Confucianism". It's funny.

[@Vishal-ih3tc]

28:17 💯

[@MrStarchild3001]

The Rise and Fall of the EAST: A Discussion with Professor Yasheng Huang Key Points: 1. The 'EAST' in the book's title refers to 4 major forces that have shaped Chinese history - Exams (the imperial civil service exam system), Autocracy, Stability, and Technology. 2. The imperial civil service exam system, established in 587 AD, had an enduring impact by systematizing autocracy and wiping out contending ideologies and schools of thought like Buddhism, Legalism, and Daoism. This lack of ideological diversity over time is a key difference from Western Europe. 3. Elements of China's current political system emulate the exam system, especially the meritocratic way officials are evaluated and scored on tangible metrics like GDP growth. So the legacy of autocracy continues. 4. Chinese economic reforms since 1978 have moderated but not demolished prevailing autocratic values. High growth and stability have increased regime legitimacy. 5. However, under Xi Jinping, politics has been assigned more importance than economics. By removing presidential term limits in 2018, the system lost an element of dynamism and flexibility. 6. China's technological and business innovation has depended heavily on globalization - foreign investors, suppliers, markets. Innovation is now at risk due to technological decoupling and economic stagnation. 7. Economic openness usually leads to gradual ideological opening. If pragmatism returns and the economy is repaired, some social and ideological flexibility will likely reemerge. 8. Nothing about China's trajectory has been inevitable. Leadership decisions, not immutable forces, largely determine outcomes. Adaptability has been a strength. 9. On the debate over distinguishing the Party from the Chinese people: Public attitudes differ - Chinese people do tend to trust government more. But we should try to widen space for pluralistic debate within China. 10. More economic openness and information flows would enable Chinese people to reassess their trust in government if meritocratic claims fail. Current propaganda is unchecked. Conclusions: 1. Chinese development depends enormously on policy choices by leaders. Shock, crisis and conflict are still possible given recent economic and political policy shifts. 2. Bilateral communication should avoid treating China as a monolith or assuming its course is foreordained. America needs a dual approach - counter security threats but build societal resilience and partnerships. 3. Instead of indiscriminate strategic rivalry, nuance is required - cooperate on shared interests, compete carefully in core industries and military domains. Talk to multiple Chinese stakeholders. 4. Persisting in Cold War-like ideological confrontation will backfire and undermine shared interests. Rebuilding economic interdependence and societal connections hedges against future conflict.

[@seanl6885]

No one will relinquish control if it means being killed as a result. Xi fully understands his dilemma. Xi is a survivor, not a saint.

[@kanwer-yf7jf]

what Xi's doing is way beyond "not relinquishing control". If he was killed by a train for stepping down, it's because he took the brakes off. that's why he is called the chief accelerator.

[@qake2021]

🤣🤣🤣FAKE info and FAKE experts😝😝😝