Whilst not scoring too highly in the human rights department, the Chinese communists have done a pretty good job of developing China since the 1980s. Living standards have skyrocketed and parts of the country are approaching first world status. Compared to other countries such as Venezuela or Zimbabwe which can't even keep the lights on China doesn't seem too bad.
Rising incomes and opening up to the world has led to the population questioning the system which bought them prosperity. Will China become like Hong Kong and Taiwan or will it crush dissent and keep an iron grip as it becomes increasingly wealthy and powerful.