What does democracy look like through the eyes of a foreigner in Shanghai? Andy Boreham, a New Zealand filmmaker and columnist who's called China home for over seven years, breaks down 'democracy with Chinese characteristics' in a new video—and it’s sparking conversations worldwide.
🔍 Boreham describes the system as a 'blend of socialist principles and cultural DNA,' emphasizing its focus on long-term problem-solving over short-term political wins. Think less campaign rallies, more village committees: He highlights grassroots decision-making bodies where residents vote on local issues like park renovations or community budgets.
💡 'It’s about what works for 1.4 billion people,' says Boreham, comparing China’s approach to a 'group project' where stability and collective progress take center stage. His take? While Western media often frames democracy as a one-size-fits-all concept, China’s model prioritizes 'lifting people out of poverty' and 'keeping the lights on'—literally and metaphorically.
🌱 The video also touches on the National People’s Congress, where representatives from across the Chinese mainland debate policies ranging from tech innovation to eco-friendly initiatives. Boreham’s fresh perspective offers a crash course for globetrotters and students alike trying to decode modern China. Spoiler alert: It’s not what you see on TikTok.
