English: Logo of the People’s Daily 中文: 人民日报题字 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an interesting op-ed article in China‘s People’s Daily. It proudly reports that of the 47 countries categorized as having low levels human development in 1990, China is the only one that edged into the high level as of 2014, citing the United Nations Development Programme in its recently-released China National Human Development Report 2016.

Source: Commentary: World can learn from China’s experience of inclusive growth – People’s Daily Online

Inclusive growth is a commendable goal but it’s a challenging concept. In the West, since the 2008 financial crisis, many working and middle class families have struggled for economic security, unable to find secure work, with high levels of debt and rising medical bills. Meanwhile, the top 1% have gone from strength to strength.

However, despite China’s claims, it’s still far from an equal society and meritocracy.

Perhaps, the solution is to look at the trend of human development over say a five year period?

Any thoughts?