The Chinese government is in the process of perfecting the surveillance state. The combination of cameras and AI looks like something out of “1984.” Does it mean China is becoming a totalitarian state?
Not exactly. In a genuinely totalitarian state, there is no sphere for private behavior; everything, be it art or science or entertainment, must actively advance the interests of the state or be crushed. If you’re not completely and wholeheartedly committed to the state, you are an enemy.
The Chinese state is not like that. It does not tolerate opposition, but it leaves lots of space for activity that is politically neutral. This is particularly true in the economic sphere.
In short, a totalitarian state demands the engagement of its citizens. The CCP is exactly the opposite. It wants the Chinese people to get on with their lives and be productive without asking too many questions. The surveillance state is designed to punish deviance, not to generate support.