China

Historical Overview

Although for centuries China led the world in the development of arts and sciences, the Twentieth Century proved a tumultuous time for the nation. Successive problems of civil unrest, famine, military conflict, and foreign occupation left the country in chaos. With the end of World War Two, then subsequent defeat of the Nationalists, a Communist Government under Mao Zedong was established in Beijing. A range of economic and social initiatives brought mixed results as the face of China changed rapidly. Only in 1978, as successor Deng Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development did real economic growth begin in earnest. By 2000, economic output had quadrupled from 1978 levels. For large numbers of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the future for young Chinese citizens today would be unrecognisable to the citizens of yesteryear.