China’s Economic Transformation and Rising Middle Class
As a China observer since 1997, when Deng Xiaoping initiated economic liberalization and political reform, I witnessed the remarkable growth of China’s middle class. In just 21 years, 350 million people had joined this socioeconomic stratum by 1998.
Simultaneously, I observed the strategic deployment of millions of young Chinese to study abroad in top Western universities, fueling the nation’s 10% annual growth while maintaining a firm, disciplined administrative grip on the evolving Chinese society.
Mexico’s Political Corruption: A Comparative Perspective
Reflecting on Mexico’s political landscape, one might question whether Morena’s success could have been achieved with a humble local operation, given its 76-year tenure in power. Morena’s self-proclaimed leftist identity invites such scrutiny, not criticism.
The recent SEMAR investigations into peculation, bribery, and fraudulent administration have led to sanctions against two high-ranking marines. The secrecy in these investigations is justified to protect the safety of those involved and their families from potential retaliation by organized crime.
SEMAR’s Anti-Corruption Measures
These investigations have exposed corruption within SEMAR, implicating high-ranking officials in collusion with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. As the government seeks to clean up its image, it risks exposing political and business connections, placing pressure on the FGR to judicialize the gathered information.
Avoid Political Harassment of García Harfuch
Omar García Harfuch, the head of Mexico’s Security and Citizen Protection, enjoys special treatment due to his role in the fight against organized crime and the support of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. Engaging García Harfuch in political succession speculation is unwise, as he understands that his future depends on the President’s satisfaction with his impeccable loyalty.
Miscellaneous Notes
The Mexican government might consider innovative financial engineering to address the agricultural crisis, as fixed guarantee prices no longer align with market realities. The U.S. farm bill allocated nearly 200 million pesos to agricultural support in 2024, raising questions about potential Mexican record-setting assistance.
In 2024, Mexico City saw 2,600 cases of land grabbing, with authorities resolving only 50 in favor of rightful owners. A crucial management principle, applicable to politics, is the importance of honesty with superiors—an act that demonstrates the highest form of loyalty.
