The high rises, the source of western Chinese propaganda, while these get boosted around on social media, these buildings are simply not up to standard. Besides the few well designed ones located in Shanghai and Guangzhou, most high-rises in China look extremely ugly and simply clutter the country's skyline. For example, in every decently sized city in China, there are bound to be a few tall buildings that fill the city center. Oftentimes, they are a significant contrast from the beautiful high-rises of Dubai, New York, and Tokyo. They are usually homogenous and shape and stature, painted with dull colours, extremely compact, giving a depressing feel as if a cloud constantly stands over the city, in contrast with the open vibe many other modernized places provide. 

The private homes are the hidden side of China that western influencers who have only been in the airport and downtowns do not know about. Oftentimes, the buildings are old, 6 stories tall, with chipped walls and drainage systems that do not work. The bathrooms are smelly, and the neighborhoods are often not well maintained as the grass is dead and the roads are littered with trash. Motor vehicles are loud and living conditions are terrible with limited sunlight and view of the outside world. These conditions are what the majority of the well-off “middle class” Chinese families live in, not to mention the poor or rural family homes. In those areas, the condition is no different from a slum in any other part of the developing world. Search up a picture of the Delhi slums and the Chinese ones are no different in poorer rural regions, even though the country is supposedly advanced beyond belief now compared to India. 

The public roads are the area of infrastructure that the government has invested in, and where credit is due, they are pretty good. However, like with the high-rises, the problem lies in the fact that only the road from the airport from the best Hilton town is like that, and the rest of the nation’s roads are in shambles. They are often cracked, dirty with trash, and compact with cars excreting deadly fumes into the air. Again, they are no different from a random Mexican highway, far from being developed.

Japan:
Japan's transformation into a global economic and technological powerhouse is often referred to as the "Japanese Miracle." Following its devastating defeat in World War II, Japan was left in ruins, but the country quickly embarked on an ambitious reconstruction effort. With significant help from U.S. investments and economic policies such as the Dodge Plan, Japan established a robust industrial sector. Companies like Toyota, Sony, and Honda emerged as global leaders in manufacturing and innovation. The government's commitment to infrastructure development, education, and efficient urban planning led to the rise of modern cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Today, Japan is synonymous with cutting-edge technology, high-speed rail systems, and a thriving economy that balances tradition with modernization.

Singapore:
Singapore’s rise from a small, resource-scarce island to one of the most developed nations in the world is nothing short of remarkable. When Singapore gained independence in 1965, it faced severe economic challenges, high unemployment, and social unrest. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the country adopted a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to economic development. By prioritizing education, attracting foreign investment, and developing a world-class financial sector, Singapore quickly became an economic hub of Southeast Asia. The city-state boasts a state-of-the-art transportation system, strict environmental regulations, and a high standard of living. Today, it is considered one of the cleanest, safest, and most efficient urban environments in the world.

UAE:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) serves as an extraordinary example of rapid modernization fueled by strategic vision and oil wealth. In the mid-20th century, the UAE was primarily a desert region with small fishing and trading communities. However, the discovery of oil in the 1950s transformed the country’s fortunes. The government, particularly under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reinvested oil revenues into infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become global hubs for business, tourism, and luxury living. With ambitious projects such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Expo 2020, the UAE has redefined modern urban development. Additionally, the country has diversified its economy beyond oil, investing in technology, renewable energy, and finance to ensure long-term sustainability.