China's Model of Development

Event Details

Caibo Wang, a Chinese professor, discusses the recent developments in Chinese domestic politics. Dividing her lecture in to four parts, Wang first discusses the economic changes in China. The first step in economic reform was agrarian de-collectivization, then the encouragement of private enterprises, decentralization of economic control, the establishment of special economic zones, and last price liberalization. Next Wang explains the social impacts of economic reform on Chinese society. She argues that the primary impact has been a vast improvement in living standards, improved education, changes in social values, and a reorganization of the social structure. Then Wang turns to political developments in China where she stresses the great improvement in individual liberties for Chinese citizens. She concludes her lecture by touching on the problems China faces and their possible solutions. Wang identifies inflation and corruption as the two key destabilizing factors in China today. She posits that a stronger legal framework may smooth the road ahead. During the questioning session Wang addresses economic reform, decentralization of power, wages, birth rates, and wealth stratification.