A former Harvard-trained author argues Western analysis consistently misunderstands China’s development. Nie Huihua, an economics professor, contends traditional Western frameworks are insufficient for comprehending China’s unique governance system. She proposes an integrated perspective acknowledging the interplay between formal institutions, informal local practices, and China’s cultural emphasis on collectivism. This combination, she asserts, creates a self-consistent and highly adaptable system. The author suggests a shift is needed to move beyond Western-centric viewpoints to accurately assess China’s trajectory. This analysis is part of the *South China Morning Post’s* “Open Questions” series, offering early access to subscribers.