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RESEARCH PAPER 06/36

19 JUNE 2006

A Political and Economic Introduction to China

“If the 20th century ended in 1989, the 21st began in 1978” Martin Jacques, The Guardian, 25 May 2006 China’s political and economic rise and what it means for the world is now a central preoccupation of analysts and policy-makers. Public awareness of China is likely to increase as the 2008 Olympics in Beijing draw near. This Research Paper is intended to act as a resource that Members of Parliament and their staff can draw upon when engaging with China’s remarkable transformation. Part I provides key facts and figures about China. Parts II and III review recent developments and future prospects by addressing four key questions. Is political authoritarianism sustainable? Can China’s development be peaceful? What are the main domestic economic challenges facing China? What is China’s impact on the world economy? Part IV summarises key aspects of UK and EU relations with China. The Paper ends with a select bibliography of key sources. The Research Paper is intended to act as a platform for a series of Library Standard Notes that will address in more depth specific issues about China that there is space here only to discuss briefly. Jon Lunn, Maria Lalic, Ben Smith and Claire Taylor INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE SECTION Ed Beale, Ed Potton, Ian Townsend and Dominic Webb ECONOMIC POLICY AND STATISTICS SECTION
HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY

Recent Library Research Papers include: List of 15 most recent RPs
06/21 06/22 06/23 06/24 Unemployment by Constituency, March 2006 Direct taxes: rates and allowances 2006-07 The Northern Ireland Bill [Bill 169 of 2005-06] Social Indicators [includes article: Social statistics at parliamentary constituency level] 06/25 Economic Indicators [includes article: Appointments to the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England] 06/26 06/27 06/28

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