If by authoritarian you mean that the government has all authority, the same holds for any stable government, including the US's.

There are democratic procedures in China, even if it doesn't extend to every person. As an American you've most likely been indoctrinated to the American flavor of democracy, but even here our votes aren't all equal, as evidenced by the election of Trump despite having fewer popular votes (effectively disenfranchising some American voters).

American democracy is only as perfect or democratic as can be given the constraints in its ability to amend itself (American government was designed specifically to move slowly and prevent concentration of power). It would be fallacious to think that America has the perfect representative governing system. The end goal is to serve the people, and while the government of China may be different, given that the American model isn't perfect, it means there's room for alternative systems to potentially serve the interest of its people in a better way.

If you look at the efficacy of China's government, it's done pretty well objectively in lifting its population out of poverty. As much as US criticizes other governments, you have to realize the US openly admits its own citizens come first, which means you can't really take its criticisms seriously as in the best interest of its target.

I think the parent comment was sarcastic.

>>Iran is a Theocracy and Authoritarian

Thanks to the CIA

>>China is Authoritarian.

Yes but I would argue they are making large strides in freedom, clearly they have a LONG way to go but you have to see the changes in both the government and the culture.

Is this improvement a result of STEM leaders? Is America's decline in this area also a result of a regression in our Leaders? America used to have Inventors, Businessmen, even scientists as leaders.