Hey fam 👋 Ever wondered why China keeps ticking like clockwork? Irish economist and podcaster David McWilliams recently shared some major insights on why China’s governance model runs on internal stability over external expansion.
Centuries-Old Focus on Cohesion 🤝
McWilliams highlights that, for over 2,000 years, China’s statecraft has centered on domestic unity. Instead of conquest, the goal was "turning an empire into a nation" by building cohesion across diverse regions.
Standardization as a Superpower ✍️📚
From a unified written script to a central bureaucracy and the imperial exam system, standard tools helped manage China’s geographic and cultural diversity effectively.
Long-Term Planning Pays Off 📈
Rather than chasing quick wins, China’s leadership plans decades ahead. This mindset helped deliver a 5.0% GDP growth in 2025, pushing the total to 140.19 trillion yuan (about $20.12 trillion).
What It Means Today 🌏
McWilliams explains that even China’s global deals are forged through the lens of keeping things stable at home. "All their deals are done through the lens of making the place safe for China," making the nation a powerhouse on the world stage.
Takeaway 🎯
By focusing inward—standardizing systems, valuing harmony, and committing to long-term strategies—China’s governance model offers a fresh perspective that challenges the Western playbook.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
