Being an isolated China worried leaders in the 1970s, so China began to send out signals that they were willing to form ties with the West. China first opened its doors to the West in 1971, when then premiere Zhou Enlai invited an American table tennis team to tour China. It was the first visit by an American group to china since 1949. Economic reform soon took over as moderates took control of the country after the death of Mao, in 1976. Since 1978 the Chinese economy has grown at amazing rates. China like all Communist countries faced the question of how centralized the economy should be. Their answer was decentralization of the economy while retaining central political control. As we saw in Russia, this is a difficult balancing act to accomplish. The easy changes came in the form of breaking up Collectivized farms, and opening “Special Economic Zones” that allowed private and foreign investors around Hong Kong. As a substantial middle class forms in China, Beijing’s rulers as is there a middle way between capitalism and communism, between a controlled and free-market economy?
Questions to Consider:
- Is there a middle way between a capitalist and communist economy?
- How did Deng use capitalistic ideas to reform economic policies in China?
| How Hong Kong and Taiwan Connect to China
|
|
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Taiwan |
| 1997 the British ceded control of Hong Kong to mainland china | Destination of Chiang Kai-Shek after being exiled from Mainland China |
| “One Country, Two Systems” Hong Kong is subject to Chinese rule, but enjoys a high degree of autonomy. | Claims to be “Republic of China” as opposed to the communist PRC. |
| The city is still one where people can openly talk politics, speak against the government and choose legislature | China has made its claim to Taiwan and wants it back under its control; Taiwan does not agree. |
| In competition with Shanghai as an international shipping and financial center | One point of view is that Taiwan should stand up and defy China; the opposite point of view is that Taiwan should try to reconcile its differences with its giant neighbor |
Determine whether the topic refers to Hong Kong or Taiwan.
Review Questions
Deng Xiaoping set economic goals known as the _____________________.
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Four Modernizations
The Four Modernizations called for progress in the areas of _________, _________, ________, and _______ and _________.
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agriculture, industry, defense, science, technology