What is the prognosis for democracy in China?

The prognosis for democracy in China is indeed complex, shaped by historical, political, and social factors. The assertion that democracy has vanished under a one-party communist state captures the current reality of China's political environment. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) maintains strict control over political expression, suppressing dissent and curtailing the formation of independent political movements or parties.

China's system of governance is characterized by a lack of competitive elections and limited political pluralism, which reinforces the dominance of the CCP. Despite some economic reforms and the emergence of a vibrant civil society in certain areas, the overarching political framework does not support the development of democratic institutions or practices. Campaigns against corruption, for instance, while attempting to instill public trust in the government, often serve to strengthen the party's grip on power rather than pave the way for democratic reforms.

In this context, the other options present an optimistic or nuanced view that does not align with the current landscape of political freedom in China. Thus, the characterization of democracy as vanished under the current one-party system accurately reflects the challenges and realities faced by those advocating for democratic change in the country.