Is China a Developed Country? My Answer After Living Here for 14 Years

Hey, how’s it going? 

I don't know about you, but when people back home ask me whether China is a developed country, I honestly find it quite difficult to answer.

And I say that as someone who has spent 14 years living here, across several cities.

The skyscrapers are impressive, mobile payments are everywhere, and the subway systems are modern, clean and well-maintained. But here's the thing,  when you're trying to board a subway train, people will push and shove just to get on, because the next train won't be here for the next 3 minutes.

World-class infrastructure for sure, but hmm... very different standards of public manners.

Yeah, so I'm confused.

The Futuristic China That Impresses Everyone

See, what impresses me most is how quickly China can turn an idea into something practical at scale.

Need something delivered? There's surely an app for it. Want to travel to another city? The high-speed rail network makes it remarkably easy and affortable. Shopping online is so convenient that it can completely change your expectations of what e-commerce should be.

These aren't just impressive things to see on social media. They're conveniences you experience in everyday life.

And for someone new to China, imagine  landing in Shanghai for the first time.

Step out of the airport, jump on a maglev, pay for your coffee with your phone, order food through an app, and watch delivery riders zip past on electric scooters.

Everything looks modern, efficient and incredibly convenient.

You look around and think: Wait a minute. this is not a developing country! This feels beyond developed, it is the future. 

Honestly, I understand that reaction. I've heard similar comments many times.

But if you stay long enough, I bet you'll eventually encounter another side of China, one that doesn't quite match that futuristic image.

And that's where my answer becomes complicated.

Country of Contradictions

Then there's the other side.

I've encountered something that genuinely surprised me on multiple trips, not just in rural area, but even in Beijing. Like I've been to public toilets where people simply left the cubicle door open while using it, even when doors were available.

And this isn't the only kind of behaviour you may encounter when you stay long enough. Spitting on the street, pushing and shoving in crowded places, or showing little consideration for the people around you can also leave me wondering.

I'm not saying everyone in China behaves this way. Far from it. But I genuinely wonder: how can a country be so advanced at building things, yet still have so much room to improve when it comes to basic public etiquette?

And it's not just about manners.

A food delivery rider forced to kneel by the roadside after being stopped by office security for using a restricted entrance

Food safety is another issue that comes to mind. Then there's how the less privileged people are treated. Have you ever noticed how some apartment security guards treat delivery riders? 

And perhaps that's the contradiction I'm trying to get at.

So, is China a developed country?

Infrastructurally and materially, I'd say 100% yes. But when it comes to public etiquette, empathy and social inclusiveness, hmmm I am not so sure.

Have you ever been asked the same question? And how would you answer it? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.