China’s rapid ascent in the last decade as a new global economic superpower has taken many forms, and the once-despotic nature of the ruling class is now careful to tread lightly for fear of Prague spring-style rebellions erupting. This vast nation is a fascinating social and economic cauldron facing a new, young generation of well-informed and astute libertarians; Tianamen Square protests continue, but this time big business, regional and national governments are listening and adapting.

The last aforementioned word is really the key to the new emerging China – adaptation. Unlike Russia, which continues to move in a circular fashion, embracing only the economic spoils of democracy – still living in a repressive, draconian state – China, has inversely seen its citizens demand better pay, shorter work hours and a dismantling of the Maoist brainwashing that has dominated the landscape for so long; a recent story in the news highlights the fearless egalitarian approach to life that the Chinese public are now demanding. Read the rest of this entry →