I disagree. Historically we are talking about blip. And it showes that they predicted Deng`s reformes, so if that was true, there is no reason not to believe other half of their assestment.
There are plenty of other research you can look up.
Also, almost every empire in the world collapsed into chaos, and did not transition peacefully. If they do not have a strong backer (like USA for British empire), and if they do not have strong middle class ready to support government you have anarchy. Name me one multiethnic state that survived. This all collapsed: Soviet Union, Chehoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Austro-hungary, Ottoman empire, British empire, French empire (Algiers)... Sometimes even shared language and history are not enough.
China has been divided between North and South for Millenias. Mandarin and Cantonese are different languages. I would like to hear any evidence that chinese people would freely except todays imperial bureaucracy system if you have some.