Ch. 7: China
Warm Up 1/10/14 Which country is bigger, China or the US? Which country is more urban, China or the US? Which country extends farther south? Which country extends farther north? Who is the current leader of China?
What is Communism? Economic System Seeks to create a classless, moneyless, stateless social order This obviously has not been accomplished by any of the “communist” countries Accomplished through the common ownership of the means of production rather than private ownership of free enterprise economies
China’s History China’s history dates back to 400,000 BC Opium War-War over trade routes for Britain, India, through Hong Kong 1856-Second Opium War—Beginning of modern Chinese history, British, French, and Russian presence in China, Britain claims Hong Kong 1894-Sino-Japanese war over control of Korea, first Chinese loss to an Asian opponent
China’s History 1900 Boxer Rebellion—opposed foreign imperialism and Christianity 1921 Communist Party established in China 1949 Founding of the People’s Republic of China 1958 Great Leap Forward—Mao Zedong wants to move China forward, agricultural collectivization 1966 Cultural Revolution—enforced communism by removing capitalist, traditional and cultural elements from Chinese Society 1972 Nixon visits China—ended 25 years of separation
China’s History 1979 One Child Policy 1980 SEZs—Special Economic Zones 1989 Tiananmen Square Uprisings— Prodemocracy uprising 1991 McDonalds comes to Beijing 1998 Great Firewall of China 2003 SARS Outbreak 2008 Beijing Olympics
Recent Chinese-American Relations US and Japan became allies post WWII US and South Korea become allies in the 1950s Korean War US has played a role in protecting Taiwan US involvement in Vietnam War Tibet Question 2000-US has the highest trade deficit with China
The Pacific Rim Initially, Pacific Rim economy led by Japan—the “safe story” Now China is the emerging leader Quickly buying and using natural resources Largest trading partner of Japan and South Korea (both of which would have been inconceivable years ago) Operates in countries we do not (Myanmar, North Korea) Less human rights/environmental restrictions
So could there be a future Cold War with China? Causative Factors China’s expansive past/imperialistic present Communist government Poor human rights record China’s demographics Rising nationalism Competition for raw materials (oil) Relations with Japan, Taiwan, and North Korea Mitigating Factors China does not seek to export communism Secular society Shares US concerns regarding terrorism Opens its doors to economic development Has begun to settle some economic disputes with neighbors
Differences and How to Avoid Differences between US/Soviet Union Cold War and US/China: – Intercultural vs. Intracultural How to avoid a cold war? – Deepen our connections—trade, science, culture and education
China Crash Course 6ts 6ts