I would argue that China has implemented a one-party fascist system, as the major ideal of communism is the economic side. They have embraced capitalism, be it under the shadow of the authoritarian government, it is capitalism none the less....
From my understanding, this is different then communist states such as Cuba and North Korea, as the large majority of their means of production are still 100% state owned.
The Soviet Union only briefly played with the idea of communism before committing to a single party socialist Republic. Modern day Russia is an autocratic dictatorship hiding in a Trenchcoat with "democracy" written on it.
China is again, a one party state which is, in truth, a Republic. China's historical dances with "communism" are rather similar to that of the USSR wherein an offshoot of marxist-leninism was implemented, modified and then used, ultimately landing closer... Again to a socialist Republic and now being effectively an autocratic dictatorship hiding in a Trenchcoat... Etc. Etc.
Neither country in myopinion ever reached the illusory "true communism". Maybe the west is right and it's a failed ideology, maybe "it just hasn't had the right leader yet" but ultimately, I believe most political ideologies have good bits that we can take notes on to improve the lives of others.
I apologize for any historical or political inaccuracies, wrote this with knowledge from the best of my memory while on the toilet at work
From what you've said, it looks like communism has a historical tendency to become an authoritarian dictatorship, in turn redefining what 'communism' means to most people?
I won't say you're wrong, after all, what do I know, I'm not a politician.
But the point of my comment is that the two countries which are most touted as examples of "communisms failings" were never really communist in the first place, regardless of what they labelled themselves as, they were single party socialist Republics. Both failed to eliminate class divides, neither had the workers control the means of production as they were still pawns of the government, failed to eliminate parties altogether, etc. Etc.
I think authoritarian states typically get mislabeled very easily within modern times, especially by themselves. Some precedent I believe should exist for what I would loosely call "Stalinist" Communism, as that is what has been the most historical application of the term. But the modern Chinese state I believe would make Mao, Lenin, and even Stalin roll around in their graves by being considered Communist, and we should call a spade a spade. China is a fascist country now.
I agree with the majority of what you are saying, but stating either the USSR or China had a foundation as a republic I would say is a gross mischaracterization, as supreme power within these states were held by the "communist" party, and not the people. Authoritarian regiems may play at calling themselves republics or democracies, but this should never be given credence.
Thank you for the correction! I agree it's far more accurate to call them authoritatian/autocratic regimes both now and then which is what I was trying to indicate by saying they were single party republics, but I suppose one should say what they mean and mean what they say.
I'd trust communists more to define what it is. Even nazis used the word socialism, so it's understandable that Soviet Union and China would follow the practice. We wouldn't believe a used car salesperson selling a Lada as a Lamborghini
Let’s use racism to describe racists? Seems reasonable
I knew you’d use the “other countries have nukes too” statement. Well, other countries aren’t as hostile as China is, except North Korea, but are you going to tell me it doesn’t get the China treatment? Lol. Israel is basically an extension of NATO at this point, Pakistan isn’t viewed favourably at all and India isn’t particularly hostile
Why do you feel the need to defend China? They could have put any powerful country in there really, but there aren't many left when you have NATO and Russia already
Do we count EEZ encroachments in the Pacific? Only reason why China isn't as militarily adventurous as Russia right now, is because they know they're not ready yet. Not really yellow scare nonsense when China itself (Republic of) is concerned about this.
It would be a bit more serious if the territories they claimed were Japanese, but they're not. China's not going to pick that fight, because they know they won't win. China has picked regions guarded by nations that have ships such as these guarding their territories.