China and India Two Giants of Asia Ch. 21 Sec. 3

Deng Xiaoping (dung show ping) –Served as leader of the People’s Republic of China from 1978 through the early 90s –Generally credited with developing China into one of the fastest growing economies in the world

Four Modernizations Emphasized agriculture, industry, science and defense –Deng’s program allowing for some features of a free market –Economic reforms in China brought a surge of growth, but with it an economic gap between rural poor and wealthy city dwellers –Other new problems include pollution and health issues such as AIDS

Political Reform China has not been as progressive in reforming their government structure for greater political freedoms Tiananmen Square Massacre –Thousands of young Chinese demonstrators pushing for democratic reforms were killed and many others arrested and tortured by government troops

Political Reform Communist party continues to jail critics and have been the subject of Human rights activism (suppression, prison labor) –Increased again with 2008 Summer Olympics coming up –Pressured to correct their many abuses Tibet’s ancient Buddhist culture

Overpopulation China has created specific laws to limit population growth –One-child policy (urban families, Rural-two) 1.3 billion

India Also has a population of over 1 billion –Largest democracy in the world –Population growth remains a serious issue Has limited the success of economic growth One-third of India lives below the poverty line

Economy Limitations: –Lack key natural resources like oil and natural gas –Green Revolution not affordable by all and many traditional methods continued Shift from command to a free-market economy in the 80s –Increase in textile and technology industries

Other reforms Mother Teresa founded groups providing aid to millions in India suffering from the effects of overpopulation India constitution banned the discrimination that exists among the caste system of India - especially with the dalits (lowers class) –Still exists Increasing political action for women’s rights