Here are some logical thinking for you.
China is not ruled by a dictator, like North Korea, the power within CCP itself is institutionalized. But yes, there is no opposition, the current goverment rules without challenge, that is a fact and this is what makes China unique, what edge does China have over countries like India and Brazil? they are all seen as true democracies by the west, right? they both have vast land resource and population, is it because Chinese just work harder? maybe.
In the US, corporations and wall street have a heavy influence on politics, some even argue they control the capital hill. People like Robert Gates and GWB has a personal stake in policy making. In China, it's the exact opposite, businesses has to follow the government and sometimes has the right connection in order to profit, politicians don't try to please the business man, it's vice versa. The CCP is like the republican party, unions has no power in China, very little social benefits, very little health care, very little retirement funds. they are also like the democrats, regulated financial sectors, state owned banks, public transport, postal, telecom, all crucial so the government can't be taken hostage by corporations. They do not have a set of ideals like the US political parties, they just do what's best for the country. In the end, its effective, efficient, in areas like defense and economy. They don't have to worry about criticism from the opposition and effectively implement regulations.They are more likely to achieve a long term strategic target that won't be effected by regime change.
But there are so many success stories of democracy!!! The U.S being the biggest one, Along with Western Europe. If you look trough history, the only successful democracies has always had wealth before democracy, not the other way around. Look and GWB's second term in white house, it's almost like he had a four year vacation, he makes so many jokes he thinks himself as a pop star. Look at Obama, republicans vote him down no matter right or wrong, just to get him out of the office.
Many Chinese goes aboard to seek a better opportunity, majority's first choice is the USA. Is that because they are in need of freedom? The majority of US immigrants are Mexicans, do they not get freedom from their democratic government?
The CCP certainly does use propaganda, I think that is just to counter the western propaganda that is forced upon the Chinese people. What the west want in China is instability and Chaos, democracy conveniently provides both.
If you had to choose between a roof for your family and the first amendment, what is your choice??? Right! YOU DONT HAVE TO!
You know tens of thousand of Chinese couldn't find a job in China for some reason. They come to the US for political asylum, say to the judge's face that they were tortured, prosecuted for being Christian, Falungon and etc... they get an instant green card. Due to their asylum / refugee status, they can also bring their whole family over and claim social benefit at will, without worrying about anything. (every other type of green card is either sponsored by a US citizen or US company, thus the card can get very few if any social benefit.) How many of them do you think are for real? My best guess is 1 out of 50000. It's the SPOKEN truth among the Chinese community. Thousands of Chinese lawyers makes a living out of doing this. Homeland and Justice must be stupid right?? LOL? All this is just so the speaker of white house can say "Get your human rights problems solved! Look, so many Chinese seeks asylum here. It must be bad!! We have a million sworn statements!!" Do you think this is propaganda? paid by your tax money and your jobs!! and you are not gonna hear about this from CNN.