Those hostile to what China might stand for are not satisfied. They insist on higher “universal norms” that China has yet to accept: ideals of individual freedom, democracy and human rights protected by the rule of law. Until the nation does so, critics see China’s dramatic economic achievements as measures to strengthen an authoritarian state capitalism that keeps the regime indefinitely in power.

The West expects further progress in China to conform to what’s considered appropriate for the global future. China’s sense of itself questions the validity of these Western demands. The Chinese leaders want to find their own selection of what they need for their multinational state to be prosperous, safe and civilized. They would like to do it in their own way and at their own speed.