Thinking About ChinaOpinionChina’s Return to MaoismAs the economy falters, the CCP knows it must control everything in order to retain powerSavePrintA view shows cranes in front of the skyline of the Central Business District in Beijing on Oct. 18, 2021. Thomas Peter/ReutersJames Gorrie6/16/2022|Updated: 6/20/20220:00X 1CommentaryChina’s economy is in a serious and prolonged downward spiral.We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.Share this articleLeave a commentJames GorrieAuthorJames Gorrie is the author of the 2013 book “The China Crisis” and discusses current events and China on his YouTube Podcast, The Banana Republican. Author’s Selected ArticlesThe AI Factor Behind Trump’s Power Play on China’s Oil SuppliersJan 23, 2026Greenland Turning Red?Jan 21, 2026Trump Kicking BRICS Out of the AmericasJan 15, 2026Beijing Rethinking Its Taiwan Unification Plans for 2027Jan 12, 2026Related TopicsChinamanufacturingeconomydevelopment