The trust can get irreparably broken, though. This happened in eastern Europe, resistance was not an option so the result was widespread apathy and stagnation instead.
Czechoslovakia had the advantage of being a small country next to the EU.
China had the disadvantage of being the most populous country in the world.
In crisis, economic or otherwise, Czechoslovakia is much more likely and capable of being rescued by the international community. China will need to rely on itself if only because it is way too big for any kind of help to be substantial and meaningful.
Thus the outcome will likely be even worse than Russia, which only has around 1/10th the population of China and an impressive natural resource reserve.
There are also countries that thrived economically after the fall of socialism. Why yes, I'll gladly take an apartment in East Berlin if you're offering me one.
You’re forgetting that China had a renaissance moment under the comunist party. They may not agree with some things but are majorly backing their government. They’re in a way rational, if the communist party fell overnight they’d be in big trouble, they wouldn’t be able to self govern democratically. The problem is that the party is corrupted and has absolutely no plans to reform. It will only get more corrupted before something significant changes.
Hong Kong is China territory with semi-democracy government under "One country two system" policy. But most of the legislators are appointed by CCP or groups close to CCP. That's the reason why even facing landslide defeat in 2019 Hong Kong local elections, Chief Executive Lam doesn't budge a bit and continue to suppress protesters. Recently she refuse to close border with China which results in medical workers strike.
Taiwan is an independent country with full democracy system but not being recognized by international society because China is pushing its "One China" policy to other countries. Foreign countries or companies violate this idea would be punished economically by China(France got punished for selling Mirage 2000 to Taiwan)
Right, the revolution did not happen because his election was like opening the pressure relief valve. There can still be reconciliation in the society.
