Beijing: China has greater development potential compared to India as the Chinese one-party system is highly effective in decision-making in contrast to India's, according to an article in a state-run Chinese daily.
"Compared with India, China has greater development potential. The Chinese system is characterised by highly effective decision-making, thus better resolving the conundrums of education and poverty," the article titled 'India's development potential often overestimated despite its unique advantages' on Global Times online said tonight.
"Moreover, China has made greater investment in scientific and technological innovation, and cultivated more high-skilled labourers and high-tech talent," it said playing down India's strength of democracy and demographic dividend.
"China has also established a favourable market economic system. A higher economic level means stronger market demand," it said.
"Many foreign media outlets have expressed optimism at the prospect of India's development and have even predicted it will prove the victor in its race with China. Some Chinese people also think that India enjoys unique advantages," it said.
There is no denying that India boasts many incomparable advantages in its rising process but these, however, do not necessarily constitute the ingredients for an Indian century, the article said.
It said there is no necessary connection between democracy and economic development. "The Philippines cloned American democracy, but its economy has long lagged behind other ASEAN member states."
The piece said: "Thailand, Ukraine, Egypt and other nations with a democratic system have not been able to ensure social stability and development. In India, economic growth is often hindered by its so-called democracy."
"With its inefficient bureaucracy, grave corruption and lack of effective regulations, India frequently witnesses violent crimes.
"All these demonstrate that good governance and rule of law, instead of Western-style democracy, will be the foundations of India's rise," it said.
