“the shutdown could only happen in a democratic country with a resilient economy and responsive political representation.”
I feel just as wistful as the Chinese; gosh I wish that was our country, too.
Read Chines history. Due to her political culture it cycles itself no matter who was in charge. First Emperors in the Dynasty ruled with strong central control and inflexibility of law. It is called legalism. You steal, you die, no exception and no matter the circumstances. Once the Dynasty established full control and long term stability sets in, strict controls loosen because the Emperor wants to have more time for leisure or concentrate on what he deems important. Then authority is delegated to regional governors. Chinese Dynasties all fall from crop failure or disastrous wars that empty the Imperial Treasury. Official pay is cut and rampant corruption of officials rise till the people rebel and a new Dynasty is established. The Communist follow this cycle. First strong central government thru Mao followed by Gang of Four. PM Deng who transitioned China from Communism to Capitalism still believes in strong central control. China is prospering compared to the past but not fully stable to the point where Bejing may delegate authority to the provincial governors. Communist Dynasty in China is in early midpoint of typical Chinese government cycles.