I agree with your statement that the Chinese government doesn't have "ethics" with regards to their policies, but all policies as you have pointed out, a governed by cold hard self-interest. As to the degree various governments do this - that is up for debate.
You may also dismiss my "mental gymnastics" with a wave of your hand, but the fact remains that the Communist Govt from 1979 onwards has achieved tremendous strides forward, recovering from the disastrous Maoist economics of yonder years into the position it is in now. These cannot be dismissed so easily. As I said before, we would not be having to rather lively debate if China were not a power player in the current world arena.
Whether the price paid to get to this step has been right, or worth it, is again up for debate.
I am sure that people of China will have different views, as will people from HK and the West. You can rightfully disagree with me, and I respect that.
You may also dismiss my "mental gymnastics" with a wave of your hand, but the fact remains that the Communist Govt from 1979 onwards has achieved tremendous strides forward, recovering from the disastrous Maoist economics of yonder years into the position it is in now. These cannot be dismissed so easily. As I said before, we would not be having to rather lively debate if China were not a power player in the current world arena.
Whether the price paid to get to this step has been right, or worth it, is again up for debate.
I am sure that people of China will have different views, as will people from HK and the West. You can rightfully disagree with me, and I respect that.