As a Westerner, I think a lot of this sentiment comes from how far advanced China is in comparison to our own societies. I am forced to essentially step over homeless people on my way to class while China has eliminated absolute poverty. I am ostracized for studying principles of Marxist economics while China has built the most successful economy of the century based upon them. When pressed, I always acknowledge that China has a long way to go. I don't think the work culture is sustainable, I don't always agree with their foreign policy, and social dynamics can be reactionary. However, I would never lead with those criticisms because I'm not Chinese and I live in the most corrupt, capitalist country on earth. It's much more important for my own community to be exposed to the juxtaposition between active Capitalism and Socialism, and for me that involves sharing China's successes without constantly qualifying that my support is critical.

I do not glorify China, but I'm sure it comes across that way when I am defending China and their successes against a lib. There's just so much shit and propaganda to overcome. Of course China has its flaws, and that's why people full all across China participate in the CPC.

There is a tendency to deem revolution as impossible in the West, and rest all hope for the future on China. Regardless of whether China is blazing the trail towards Communism or not, this is an excuse for apathy and inaction. It is a form of de-politicization.

why weren't you more specific about the ways that china is imperfect? i agree, of course, but one can be a strong supporter of something without needing to glorify it.

We honestly need more criticism of China. China does a lot of things right, but simply handwaving the unsavory things about the Chinese government doesn't make us better. In fact, in a few cases it makes us hypocrites (e.g. selling arms to Israel and Saudi Arabia).

And before anyone comes for me, criticism isn't chauvanism. We can understand why China does something from their point of view and still acknowledge the harm it does.

China does indeed do things for which it deserves criticism, for instance not going far enough with its climate goals, failing to completely bust the trafficking of endangered animals and plants, allowing 996 schemes to exists, and continuing to cooperate with rogue governments like the USA, Brazil, or Israel. It is by no means a perfect country, and though its current economic situation explains some of these unsavory policies, other problems still may be caused by neglect or blatant corruption. We do need to criticise China.

However, if you live or work in China, then it is your duty to do so, much more than it is ours. It is both a lot easier and more meaningful to call the kettle black if you don't live in the pot.

Thanks for saying this, I totally agree though it's a bit harder for me to have such a strong stance on the topic because I don't research China nor do I live there so my knowledge is just from visiting there often the past few decades

Can I ask what you see that's over-glorifying or over-idealising?

For me, I see people way overestimating the quality of life in China overall, underestimating how poor the rural regions are, and underestimate how good the West has it in many areas (work/career life for highly educated/skilled workers, cost/availability of many goods and services, etc.)