Meaning: The quote by Steve Forbes touches on an important aspect of the current political landscape in China - the erosion of the Chinese government's ideological legitimacy. This notion refers to the government's perceived right to govern based on the alignment of its actions and policies with an accepted set of beliefs or values. In the case of China, the historical underpinning of the Communist Party's rule has been closely tied to the ideologies of Marx and Mao. However, as Forbes suggests, the contemporary Chinese government is facing challenges in maintaining its ideological legitimacy and is increasingly relying on force to uphold its authority.

The concept of ideological legitimacy has deep roots in political theory and governance. It posits that a government's right to rule is based on its adherence to a set of accepted beliefs, values, or ideologies. In the case of China, the Communist Party has traditionally drawn its legitimacy from the revolutionary ideologies of Karl Marx and Mao Zedong, which provided the intellectual and moral justification for its rule. These ideologies were used to justify the Party's monopoly on power and its control over all aspects of Chinese society.

However, in recent years, the Chinese government has faced growing challenges to its ideological legitimacy. Economic reforms and the opening up of the country to global markets have led to a significant shift in the social and economic landscape of China. As a result, the traditional socialist ideologies of Marx and Mao have been increasingly at odds with the realities of a rapidly changing society. The Chinese government's attempts to reconcile its authoritarian rule with the demands of a modern, globally integrated economy have led to a growing disconnect between its actions and the ideological principles it claims to uphold.

Furthermore, the Chinese government's crackdown on dissent and its tightening grip on civil liberties have raised questions about its commitment to the ideals of social justice and equality espoused by Marx and Mao. The use of force to maintain control, particularly in regions such as Xinjiang and Tibet, has further undermined the government's claim to ideological legitimacy. Instead of drawing strength from the ideological foundations of Marxism and Maoism, the government has increasingly relied on authoritarian measures to quell dissent and maintain its rule.

Steve Forbes' quote highlights the growing contradiction between the Chinese government's authoritarian practices and its diminishing ideological legitimacy. The Party's efforts to suppress dissent and maintain control through force signify a departure from the principles of Marxism and Maoism, which were originally intended to empower the masses and establish a more equitable society. As a result, the Chinese government's legitimacy is increasingly being called into question, both domestically and internationally.

In conclusion, the erosion of the Chinese government's ideological legitimacy, as noted by Steve Forbes, is a significant development that reflects the evolving nature of governance in China. The disconnect between the government's actions and the principles of Marxism and Maoism has created a legitimacy crisis, leading the government to rely more heavily on coercive measures to maintain its rule. This trend has important implications for the future of China's political and social stability, as well as its standing in the global community.