A LEVEL – UNIT 3A – Theme 6a CHINA – 5 – Globalization and China

Theme 6a – Emerging Asia – China Key Question 1.1What are the main physical and demographic characteristics of the country of China? *A brief overview at the national scale of patterns of (i)climate; (ii)relief, drainage and water availability; (iii)natural resources; (iv)population distribution; (v)regional differences in levels of development. Key Question 1.2Why and how is the economy changing? *Changes in economic policies. *New industries in the changing economy. *Factors affecting the growth of new industries and the contrast between coastal areas and the interior. *Impact of the changing age structure on the economy. Key Question 1.3What are the economic and social challenges facing rural communities? *Changes in the organisation of agriculture and rural economic communities. *The effects of population policies in rural areas. *The impacts and challenges for rural areas of migration. *Social welfare services such as health and education. *Sustainable development.

Key Question 1.4What are the economic and social challenges facing urban communities? *Changes in the organisation of economic activities in urban areas. *Migration to urban areas and increasing social inequality. *Social welfare services such as health, education and housing. *Increasing rural-urban inequalities. *Sustainable development in towns and cities. Key Question 1.5What are the effects of globalisation on China? *The role of foreign firms in changing and developing the economy. *The importance of exports and the role of the WTO. *The economic and political impacts of China’s trade with the rest of the world. Key Question 1.6What are the environmental challenges and solutions facing China? *The cause and consequences of (i)soil erosion; (ii)industrial pollution; (iii)sustainable use of water resources; (iv)the need for energy supplies. *The balance between economic growth and sustainable development.

China’s main shopping streets are now very similar to those elsewhere in the world. Some Western brands and many from Hong Kong and elsewhere in the Far East are to be found.

Long gone are the denim suits which everyone wore during the Cultural Revolution. China is now a consumer society and conspicuous consumption is the order of the day.

The riches to be made in the city draw in migrant workers whose poverty contrasts with the wealth of the burgeoning middle classes.

Some Western brands are ubiquitous!

Advertising for products is now big business as well, both for foreign brands and Chinese products. Counterfeit products are widespread too.

Jobs with multinational firms carry prestige and good salaries and are highly sought after.

This places a premium on education because with such competition, firms can insist on the highest grades.

People are asserting their identity more through fashion statements.

And for those who can afford it designer gear is de rigueur.

Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. (SVW) is a joint venture company between Volkswagen Group and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) established in The company is headquartered in Anting International Auto City, northwest of Shanghai city. It has an annual production of automobiles. The joint venture is made up of equity from (as of 2008) - Volkswagen AG (40%), Volkswagen (China) Invest (10%), SAIC (50%). This a fixed-term venture for 45 years. It will run until Production started in 1985, and the current manufactured range of cars includes: VW Golf VW Polo Jin Qing (hatchback) VW Polo Jin Qu (saloon/sedan) VW Touran VW Passat VW Lavida VW Santana B2 VW Santana 3000 VW Passat Lingyu

But China is still an inward looking society, and the rest of the world does not carry a great deal of importance. After it’s near neighbours of Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, it is the USA which attracts most interest, with Europe being important for high quality brand names. Africa and Latin America are important for raw materials only.