Fact Sheet: China

General

China has, for almost a century now, played a dynamic, most times vocal, role in the world’s political theater. As one of the few Communist states in the world, it has at once divorced itself from the Western world’s capitalist machinations while, especially in recent years, strengthening trade and foreign relations for profit’s sake.

CHINA’S POPULATION GROWTH (Units: Millions)

Year	Total Population	Male	Female	Han Nationality	Minority	Town		Country
1953	582.6	301.79	280.81	547.28	35.32	77.26	505.34
1964	691.22	354.79	336.43	651.3	39.92	94.55	596.67
1982	1003.91	515.28	488.63	936.67	67.24	61.06	797.6
1990	1130.51	581.82	548.69	1039.19	91.32	84.92	834.37

Recent events have helped bring down the great walls surrounding this nation. In July 2001, the International Olympic Committee awarded Beijing the 2008 Summer Games, despite criticism of China’s human right’s practices and its environmental record. That same year, China was admitted into the World Trade Organization, ending a 15-year debate over whether the country was entitled to the full trading rights of capitalist countries.

United Nations statistics show that the country, in only 20 years, has decreased its infant mortality rate significantly while simultaneously increasing its per day calorie consumption and agricultural production index.

Foreign Relations

China’s diplomatic relations with foreign nations have been relatively stable over the last decade. In a speech to 96^th Inter-Parliamentary Conference in 1996, Premier Li Peng said, “China has unswervingly pursued an independent foreign policy of peace. The basic objectives of the policy center on safeguarding national independence and state sovereignty, and creating an international environment favorable to its reform, opening and modernization efforts, as well as maintaining world peace and promoting common development.” That policy attitude can be seen in today’s debate over whether the United States should invade Iraq – China is a strong opponent of such a move, especially without UN security backing.

CHINA’S FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

Between 1978 and 1995, China attracted more than $175 billion in foreign investments:

· 50% in ordinary processing industries with a concentration on labor

· 30% in tourism and real estate

· 10% in power, oil and other basic industries

· 1.8% in telecommunications

· 1.5% in agriculture

CHINA’S IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

Unit: $US billion	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Total	165.53	195.7	236.73	280.85	289.9	325.06
Exports	84.94	91.74	121.04	148.77	151.1	182.7
Imports	80.59	103.96	115.69	132.08	138.8	142.36

Source: China National Statistic Bureau

China has had a strong diplomatic relationship with the European Union for nearly a decade. In 1998, the E.U. European Commission and China adopted a joint policy statement, “Building a Comprehensive partnership with China,” which hoped to:

· Increase China’s integration into the international community by enhancing political dialogue.

· Support the development of an open society.

· Integrate China into the world economy by giving it a greater role in the trading system.

· Enhance the European Union’s image in China.

Taiwan Conflict

China has drawn sharp criticism from the Western world – and even threats of retaliation from the United States – over its repeated promises to reincorporate Taiwan (the Republic of China) under its rule.

The conflict has strained relations with the United States leaders, who believe Taiwan should remain an independent, non-Communist state.

Neighbors: Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia

Japan: China established diplomatic relations with Japan in 1972; today, more than 20 years later, China imports $55.3 billion worth of textile products and machinery into Japan annually. Additionally, Japan supports China’s open and reform policies and their promotion of cooperative foreign relations.

The Koreas: China has a unique, and potentially beneficial, relationship with North Korea. Relations between the two countries are largely congenial – China offers aid to North Korea in return for a one-of-a-kind friendship. South Korea does provide some stimulus in the region but is very much aligned with United States foreign policy and, therefore, many times takes diplomatic stances contrary to China’s.

Southeast Asia: China has taken steps recently to strengthen partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian States.

References:

Institute of China Studies, Heidelberg University

CIA World Factbook

Chinese Foreign Policy Net

China’s Embassy in America

Governments on the Web