China's impressive economic growth conceals inherent instability in its authoritarian politics, hiding systemic risks that threaten the regime's survival. The government's privileging of economic growth above all else and defensive posture against any challenge to its power has led to social deficits in education, public health, and environmental protection. It is then stated that China's economic growth is a function of how corrupt the Communist Party is. However, that corruption has become one of Beijing's top concerns. The rot of the party and the government's elite alliance might be ameliorated with bold political reforms; but there is some doubt about that occurring.