If commusnism doesnt work why does China have the third largest economy in the world?

Question

...and is predicted to be a future megasuperpower.

I ask this because in school we have always been told that communism only looks good on paper and yet communist china thrives.

Answer 1

China claims to be "communist". They are well aware that the system does not work after the Mao Zedang times. They function as a capitalist nation but title themsleves as "communist", to try and avoid humilation from USA.  

Answer 2

They're not strict communists like the USSR was. I don't know the particulars (dates and names), but i do know that China has changed with the times.

Answer 3

Probably because they're only communist in name.  They haven't functioned as a communist economy since the 70's.  They're more of a hybrid authoritarian capitalist society.

Answer 4

China's Government is Communist, but the Govt doesn't attempt to impose the ideals of Communism on its people. As such, the government maintains absolute power, but it doesn't use that power to make sure wealth is evenly distributed, as the Russians did. China instead has said, that to be rich is glorious.

So Chinese Communism pretty much means, make all the money you want, but don't ask for a vote in government or tell the government what you think is best. The Government will tell you what is best and you'll like it. Rich or Poor.

Answer 5

Yes, communism works in some extent, but not all, because it is claimed  as the early stage of communism by Chinese government. Communism is something that can achieve whatever it focuses on. 30 years ago, it focused on political movements that was disaster to economy/ies, but it got the political goals. now it focused on economy, it is for sure that they will get there, that is kind of desperation. Democracy sometimes is too soft and inefficient.

Answer 6

Communism doesnt work and China is a megasuperpower only because the United States is their BIGGEST customer and employer. How powerful do you think China's economy would be if the United States withdrew all its financial support in terms of importing products and outsourcing work to them?  The bottom line is Communism, Socialism, Dictatorship, and all other forms of government that do not allow FREE MARKETS to function?  Sure there is still some traces of communism in the Government but that will eventually change as the world moves toward a Global Economy.  Also consider this...when the US economy struggles the world economy struggles...if that wasnt true why is the price of gas going down...think about it.

Answer 7

The Chinese and Russians practice what has come to be called "autocratic capitalism". That is, they allow markets to function (most of the time) and derive the economic benefits that markets provide, but retain the power to suppress activities of which they do not approve. This is sort of like an alcoholic who tells you that as long as he only has one or two drinks, he'll be just fine. He's right, of course, but unlikely to limit himself.