Part 5/6:
While the immediate goal appears to be consolidating control, the long-term implications could be detrimental for China’s aspirations in the global knowledge economy. The restriction of intellectual freedom and the stifling of originality threaten to undermine the country’s ability to innovate at the pace needed to stay competitive with other technological powers.
A Costly Trade-off
Ultimately, the strategy of enforcing obedience over promoting creativity carries significant costs. As the country isolates itself from the open exchange of ideas and discourages independent thought, it risks losing its edge in science, technology, and innovation — all critical components for sustained economic growth and global influence.