Red moon rising

The looming prospect of a scienctific superpower yet dominant and rule-breaking China alarms Western politicians. Once China import Mr.Democracy and Mr.Science to reverse a century of decline. By constrast, Mr.Democracy is lost and China is hurtling up the rankings of scientific development as the Party enhances its stranglehold on politics. That is intimidating. Aimd the rivalry bewtween China and America, many Western politicians fear that China will succeed.

However, in scientific research, chauvinism is a handicap. Science thrives on collabration and exchange, rather on sceret solitude and isolation.

In one word, Mr.XI faces a tough choice: being content with lagging behind or gives scientists the freedom they need and risk the concequences of leading the country away from his big blueprint.