It is true that China’s economic development is without any comparison (“Mapping the Chinese century”, March 2). However, this is an autocratic nation where there has been a crackdown on civil liberties and where there is great inequality. The question then is, how long can the present Communist leadership survive and how long can President Xi Jinping maintain his position as the supreme leader? How long can an economy based on the export of consumer durables of inferior quality withstand the pulls and pushes of a hostile international situation? India has always been a democracy and has built its polity on strong foundations. It should select its own path to development rather than follow the Chinese model.
Suresh Rangarajan,
Thiruvananthapuram