What Does It Mean to Be an Elite in China Today?

In The Power Elite, American sociologist C. Wright Mills defines elites as individuals who hold positions of significant power and influence, shaping critical decisions and advising those in direct control. He emphasizes that “history is not … shaped by a series of small decisions, none of which are thought out” and views decision-making as “an attempt to delimit the social areas within which that process, whatever its character, goes on.” For Mills, the elite class is defined by their influence and leadership within dominant hierarchies.

However, I believe that Mills’ definition is incomplete. Instead, for me, elites are the dominant class not only with influence but also with willpower. This added element of “willpower” brings greater relevance to the concept, capturing the dynamic, self-actualizing nature of elites in real-world society.

In China, the cultivation of elites is crucial yet often overlooked. This neglect has serious consequences, as a society needs its competent elite class to provide guidance, much like an army needs generals. Without this leadership, success becomes defined by material wealth, fostering a transactional, money-driven culture prone to corruption.

Elites are essential in Chinese society, which differs significantly from the U.S. in its structural form. China has a pyramidal social structure, where a small elite leads a large, stable population. This creates a system highly reliant on elite leadership. In contrast, the U.S. has a more balanced, rectangular structure, with comparatively less pronounced divisions between elites and citizens, allowing for greater social mobility. Consequently, China’s structure is more dependent on elites, and without their guidance, social issues are more likely to arise.

Wealth alone does not grant elite status. In Chinese society, the ultra-wealthy, such as real estate mogul Hui Ka Yan or Alibaba’s Jack Ma, do not typically hold true elite status, as anything purchasable with money cannot be elite by definition. The wealthy are often mistaken for elites due to their financial power, yet they remain ordinary individuals supported by the true elite class’s leadership and vision.

Fame, too, is often conflated with significance in Chinese society. However, public recognition alone does not equate to elite status. In the face of fundamental social order and institutional norms, personal visibility holds limited significance. The tendency in China to equate prominence with importance is largely a byproduct of a transitional period marked by a certain degree of social instability, which has given rise to an “attention-seeking” culture. In reality, elites are not merely the privileged; true elites wield genuine influence that extends beyond mere status or position.

The outdated notion of “bloodline” as a determinant of elite status should be rejected. While family conditions of certain privileged families may influence upbringing, modern Chinese elites are defined by merit and resilience, not inherited privilege. Even children of high-ranking officials can fall from grace, as seen in China’s anti-corruption campaigns, which demonstrate that elite status is open and evolving.

Furthermore, intellectuals, particularly those in academia, do not automatically qualify as elites. Academic expertise does not equate to the cultural perspective, ethical commitment, or leadership required to be part of the elite class. True elites make meaningful contributions to society, grounded in public values, and not simply in technical knowledge or personal fame.

What sets elites apart is their ideological resilience and moral clarity. They remain committed to their principles, undistracted by popular praise or material gain. The “new-generation elite” is characterized by intellectual engagement, strategic thinking, and a long-term perspective. They prioritize personal development over wealth or fame and are deeply attuned to political and cultural shifts. While they may not possess advanced academic degrees, their life experiences and commitment to principle define their status as elites. They embody resilience, integrity, and a transformative vision for society.

In contemporary China, rapid urbanization and a shift toward a more fluid social structure have created a moment of uncertainty. With over 600 million people migrating to urban centers, the social order is in flux, and in some sense, this has become the “ruralization” of Chinese urban centers.

In such times, the need for clear leadership from a new generation of elites becomes especially crucial, signaling a potential cultural and intellectual renaissance.

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The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Index evaluates the performance of the 11 nations currently offering operational Citizenship By Investment (CBI) programs: St Kitts and Nevis (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia (St. Lucia), Antigua & Barbuda, Nauru, Vanuatu, Türkiye (Turkey), São Tomé and Príncipe, Jordan, and Egypt.