China, with its 1.3 billion inhabitants, the most populous country in the world, is an authoritarian state. He has been managed since 1949 by the Communist Party. The highest positions occupied Hu Jintao, he was elected in 2008 and is General Secretary of the Communist Party, state president and chairman of the Central Military Commission. The People's Republic is subject lately a strong change. Long the country was governed strictly communist, was prohibited from taking private property, and there was a planned economy. Now, a socialist market economy is sought. Since 2004, private property is enshrined in the Constitution. Representatives from companies, unions and farmers are becoming increasingly influential in the Communist Party. To promote the democratization are placed in internal party elections, several candidates. Although the country is ruled centrally that have economically prosperous coastal provinces have considerable power. Despite this progress, freedom in China remains restricted. Thus, the formation of organizations is prohibited, which are not subordinate to the party. Religion is controlled so as not to jeopardize the stability of the country because of riot fanatical sects. In addition, China is heavily monitored and censored the Internet.
The economic situation in China
Long the economic policy was characterized by the introduction of a planned economy after the Soviet model. The economic situation in the recent decades, however, to constant change. 1979, two special economic zones were established, were tested in which economic reforms. These SEZs were followed then more and more. Deng Xiaoping advocated in 1992 the socialist market economy. Since the state-owned enterprises had to identify increased losses, the State became more attracted back from them. Today, the People's Republic is an economic power and one of the largest export nations in the world. Foreign trade is developing rapidly, with foreign companies are allowed to invest in China. The main trading partners are the United States, Japan and Korea. Current discussions are underway to expand the industrial development of the cities in China. There are built roads, railways and airports and invests in the development of energy, water and electricity. In addition, the health insurance and pensions should be extended. With the rapid growth but also increased environmental pollution. Meanwhile, there is worldwide in major Chinese cities, the worst air pollution - what is increasingly perceived by the government.
For Informations in German, please click here.
Further informations in French can be found here.
Additional informations in Spanish can be found here.