Why Viral Western Takes Still Misunderstand China’s Political Economy

Both the “engineering state” and the “mayor economy” framings obscure the critical mechanics of China’s growth machine. In recent weeks, Western audiences encountered two starkly different portraits of China’s economic model. In contrast, Keyu Jin argues that the greatest Western misconception is viewing China’s economy as a monolith run from the top down. An “Engineering State” Plagued by Waste and Abrupt Policy ShiftsThe “engineering state” narrative mistakes the appearance of rapid construction for evidence of technical efficiency. Jin’s narrative provides a comforting story for global capital, framing China’s economy in the familiar, non-threatening language of markets and competition.