If China had become a democratic country 70 years ago, would China be richer or poorer than it is currently?
Political System comparison
Democracy is a political back door. China without so-called democracy system prevented the US from interfering China’s politics via this back door. This can be evidenced by HK riot because Hong Kong is a half opened back door.
Now, China has certain degree of democracy in central government. It is not one man ruling. While what I can see in current US politics is that Trump actual has a lot more individual power than XI in China. Trump can route pass Congress, issue EO on his own will. So, a dictator was elected to be the president of the US, vs non democratically formed government with certain level of democracy within governing power. Do we see one better than another?
Take a look at the following Government approval rate
Chinese government, formed without democracy with 84% approval rate as to 33% approval rate formed under democracy system in the US.
Now, you tell me which government is actually representing the majority of its people.
Economic & Political comparison
Take a look at China and Taiwan. CCP won the war and ruled mainland for 70 years. KMT lost and rule Taiwan for the same period of time.
Both places are now consider to be rich.
China can decide for their own policies. The US try to stop China from technology development. China can say NO. So, China is a bad boy to the US.
Taiwan’s policies were under influence of the US and has no political freedom to develop their technology, especially military technology. Any development in military have to get permission from the US. The attempt of developing nuke got banned by the US. Taiwan becomes the GOOD BOY of the US.
We are watching 2 live examples side by side. You can compare anything from political freedom, national development, economy, military, technology etc.
So, Taiwan is the outcome of your assumption.
For a country, it is not just money. A country also need political freedom – dinity, full self administration right – sovereignty, etc. The current political system allows China from bending to hegemonic. If China becomes democratic 70 years ago, we don’t have 5G yet as at 10/2019. And, the US has no rival on earth.