As a chinese, I can safely assure you that this article is utter bullst. Typical of the kind written by western scholars without a single shred of understanding of the chinese culture. The chinese culture is one which places emphasis on the cream of the crop i.e. the top scholars, scientist etc. Politicians usually rise to power through connection or by slowly working their way up. This is completely contrary to those of the west where politicians are usually those who are the best at convincing people, not chosen because of their ability. The west worships democracy and condamns china for it single party rule, yet they set double standards when it comes to human right abuses such as guantanamo bay.