China’s model of democracy

Power to the people and national consensus are possible

     In today’s commentary, I provide the written version of an interview of me by Global Times reporter Liu Zixuan, published in Global Times on November 6, 2022.  In the interview, I maintain that the Chinese model of democracy is an excellent example of a sustainable political framework, and the basis for critical reflection for the West. 

     Global Times was established in 1993, as a part of China’s campaign to compete with overseas media.  The English language version of the publication was established in 2009.  The Global Times is owned by the People’s Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China.

Liu: What has impressed you the most regarding China's changes and achievements over the past 10 years?

McKelvey: China since 2012 has reduced rural-urban inequality, eliminated absolute poverty, has had important advances with respect to the protection of environment, and has reduced corruption. These achievements are recognized by international scholars who are able t…