China and ethno-nationalism

Is China (People's Republic) a communist state? Defining "communism" is not an easy task: communists, and left-wingers generally, usually engage in hair-splitting debate on what is and what is not (real) Marxism / communism / socialism. However the recent economic policies and socio-economic structures in China cannot be categorized as communist by any stretch of the imagination. If, though, "communism" means oppressive, undemoractic, one-party rule, then China is indeed "communist".

Every regime seeks to bolster its claim to legitimacy one way or another. It's easier in a democracy: you elect the people who govern you, and you can get rid of them in elections if you don't like what they have done (or not done). It's more difficult with others. It could take the shape of a theocracy, where the legitimacy of the state is dependent on the strength and the absolute veracity of a religion. So-called communist states may be seen as following the religion of Marxism(-Leninism-Stalinism-Maoism), but more likely they justified their system of governance by claiming that they are doing good for the lot of the people, rather like the enlightened despots of the detested ancien regime.

Perhaps China is a variant of enlightened despot, whose legitimacy depends on delivering economic development: shut up about politics, but you will become richer. Unlike Russia, which descended into economic turmoil for much of the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet political and economic structures, China managed to surge ahead economically. The regime was and is oppressive, but at least, there had been no tough and nasty years. There was food on the table, and better opportunity for many.

Another method by which (unpopular) governments bolster their position is appealing to nationalism. Broadly there are two types of nationalism: civic or state nationalism which is based on the sense of belonging to a state, and ethnic nationalism which is based on the sense of belonging to the same people (race). Civic nationalism reaquires a state which commands the loyalty of the inhabitants, usually by fostering participatory democracy, good governance and rule of law (among others). Ethnic nationalism does not require a state, and sometimes it is a force that tries to bring down the existing state in which an ethnic group feels ostracized or unfairly treated by the government which relies on the support of other ethnic group(s).

There has been a tendency of ethnic nationalism in China. Initially, it probably was not Han ethno-nationalism, but the minorities who feel threatened by the encroachment of Han culture and people, like with the Tibetans and the Uighurs. Chinese authorities' repression of minorities has strengthened the resentment among the minorities.

The Chinese government, concerned with its territorial integrity, and uncertain economic outlook, may be tempted to use Han ethno-nationalism as one of their pillars of state policy. If that happens, the tensions will inevitably rise, and the outer regions of China will become increasingly volatile.