Seeking Changes: Economic Development in Contemporary China

Behind the impressive statistics that it delivered since 1978, China is experiencing tremendous growing pains. Regional development within the country is uneven, and the gap in personal income is expanding. As the needs for food and energy are increasing, environmental deterioration poses real threats to food security and the general well-being of the population.
Much of the economic growth in China is fueled by export and foreign direct investment in research and development. Personal consumption has not been keeping up with GDP Without substantial changes in economic and social policies, China is unlikely to develop into a global economic power anytime soon.
A group of distinguished international scholars presents accounts of different facets of economic development in contemporary China in nine essays in this book. Recent government policies and societal behavior are set against the Chinese historical legacies on knowledge and power. Suggestions on concrete steps to accelerate the economic development are also offered from a Western perspective.