The rise of China: Communist or capitalist?
- Date: Saturday 24th October
- Time: 15:30 - 17:15
- Speaker: Fred Weston
China has risen rapidly to become a major global power. It now represents a serious challenge to US imperialism, which only 20 years ago claimed hegemony over world capitalism. The result has been an ever-deepening trade war between the two countries, which has escalated in recent months with the tussle over Huawei and Tik Tok.
Some argue that China’s ascent and development is a vindication of communism, presenting the potential for a new economic model.
But, in reality, China’s rise is being accomplished with all the same brutal capitalist methods used by every imperialist power in history: exploitation of the working class at home and abroad; repression against the Uighurs and Hong Kongers; and profit-seeking policies that are exacerbating the contradictions of the capitalist system worldwide.
In this session, Fred Weston – editor of marxist.com – discusses what attitude Marxists should take to the Beijing regime, and outlines the future perspectives for China, its working class, and the coming Chinese revolution.
Recommended reading: China – the approaching storm
Recommended watching: Hong Kong protests – what do they represent?