It maybe a common mistake for WestEu/NorthAm people that China is like Soviet or North Korea.

It's diametrically opposite.

At the end of the last century, PRC gov deeply felt that the so-called "fairness" would only lead to "common poverty" and sought change.

So China (now, in this century) was born.

Just like the "famous"(notorious) quote left by a Chinese leader at the end of the last century explaining why restrictions were lifted (you can say this to ANY Chinese, they will definitely think you understand China! Instead of mocking you for reading too many conspiracy theories):

Whether it's a kind cat or an evil cat, as long as it catches a mouse, it's the best cat.