In general, having a bad dictator-for-life (Putin, Xi) means most of the population will suffer. The dictator keeps most of the money for himself, family, and oligarchs.

This is what Trump is trying to do, emulating Putin, Xi, and Kim Jong Un.

BUT China has definitely proved to be the exception to the rule.

Over the past few decades, China and Russia have experienced one of the most stark economic divergences in modern history.

In 1990, the Soviet Union possessed a larger, more technologically advanced industrial base and far higher per capita income than an agrarian, impoverished China. By 2026, the tables turned entirely: China’s nominal GDP reached approximately $20.6 trillion (the world’s 2nd largest), while Russia’s GDP stood at $2.5 trillion.

—meaning China’s economy is now more than eight times larger than Russia’s.

It’s obvious to everyone that China has done more to improve life for the massive population than has Russia.

Yet Russia is 1.7 times the size of USA with massive resources. Russia is a huge economic disappointment, ranking behind Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, India, France, and Italy.

I’m surprised that China’s takeover of Tibet (1950 invasion), Macau (1999), and Hong Kong (1997) have gone as well as they have. I predicted worse outcomes.

Russian invasion of Ukraine will NOT result in a better quality of life for citizens.

I’ve been boycotting China in recent years. BUT will return in 2027 for the World Gymnastics Championships.

I won’t go to Russia until Putin is gone.