Depends who defines Chinese, the party or other Chinese :). My impression is the party fears democracy and free speech not only because they could lose power to other Chinese, but also because they perceive that the US could install a President through media and PR campaigns.
I don't think it would happen that way, but it seems like a valid criticism given what the US government did to Latin American countries 40 years ago. I don't have any idea of how to convince China of that belief other than pointing out how weak that makes them seem.
I sometimes wonder if certain politicians and US businessmen are fine with China the way it is. As it is in its oppressed state, it is a cheap source of loyal labor. Despite growth, there are still plenty of poor people there filling manufacturing industries.
as well as bookstores in Hong Kong airport being replaced by "Chinese friendly" ones http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/artic...