Question

•1. How did Opening-up and Reform change China? Were these changes good or bad? Why?

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•2. Did China become a global power in this period? If so, explain. If not, explain as well.  

Answer 1

Opening up and Reform occurred in China in two stages, from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. The socioeconomic changes that resulted from this had several positive implications. From the economic perspective, private sector saw an unprecedented growth, accounting for about 70% of China's GDP by 2005. From the time these reforms were introduced till 2013, the Chinese economy increased by 9.5% a year. These economic changes influenced society as well. While it lead to a great reduction in poverty, there was also a sharp increase in income inequality and disparity.

I believe that China did not become a global power during that period of time as its position as a global power (which it is today) was incremental and gradual, which took place over a span of about 30 years. When the reforms were introduced and implemented, China began to produce an immediate impact on East Asia, particularly on the economic growth of Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan. Thus China’s role during that period had a greater impact on Asia rather than the globe in general.