This is not an uncritical defense of AES, but rather an explanation as to why just because they have not achieved the socialist mode of production and distribution does not mean they are not building towards it. This also isn’t proof that they will, or even desire to, transition to the socialist mode of production and distribution, but again, simply saying that they aren’t NOW isn’t proof that they won’t later. If you wish claim that say, China does not wish to move to socialism, that is a perfectly fine opinion to hold, once backed with an argument and evidence

I agree with all of this, maybe our differences lie somewhere else. I do not blame countries or leaders or parties or whatever else for 'not pushing the socialism button', I think history plays out of material conditions.

Obviously there are material factors that explain the current conditions, I'm just not willing to call countries socialist if they don't have a socialist mode of production. Dictatorships of the proletariat - fine. Socialist experiments - fine. Actually existing Socialism? - I think that's just empirically not true and a fundamental deception.