The above quote, if accepted, suggests that, while calling itself a communist country, China is more accurately described as fascist. Many wish to emphasize the hyper-nationalism that has dominated some fascist countries such as Germany in mid 20th Century as a critical component of fascism. While there is much to be said for this interpretation, it does not invalidate the conclusion that mainland China is primarily a fascist country. Their nationalism is understated compared to, say, Nazi Germany, but quite prevalent, none-the-less.

Defined in this way, fascism is not necessarily illiberal. If the government-corporate partnership is moderated through democratic processes and the power of government is used to assure that corporations respect the rights of citizens, then it is consistent with Enlightenment principles. However, China uses the partnership to extend the autocratic powers of the government.

It is clearly not a socialist country in that private ownership of the means of production is allowed. Its safety net, which is normally comprehensive in Marxist countries, is quite poor. In other words, China can use the word, Communist, but it fails any reasonable definition of the term. If we use Franco's Spain, Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany as the models, China is most accurately called fascist.

Additionally, China's form of government tends to be autocratic, not liberal. It speaks of the rights of its citizens. However, as was clearly demonstrated at Tiananmen Square in the past and in Hong Kong more recently, minority opinions are dealt with harshly. Labeling is always tricky. However, if one wishes to indulge in it, China is properly categorized as a 'centrally planned, authoritarian, fascist country'.