2. 1 (B) China’s Role in Asia

3. 2 (C) Towards the 21st Century

4. 3 The policy of ‘reform and opening’ led to rapid economic growth in China. China has become one of the economic powers in the world. Shanghai is a major financial centre in China.

5. 4 In 2001, China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO, 世界貿易組織 ) in order to facilitate international trade. Signing ceremony on China’s accession to the WTO http://www.wto.org/

6. 5 China’s entry into the WTO would lead to the further opening of China. It would bring more business opportunities to other countries. Many foreign enterprises have set up their branches in China in order to benefit from China’s entry into the WTO.

7. 6 China’s rapid economic growth and huge population have attracted many foreign banks and insurance companies to make investments in China. Foreign enterprises in China

8. 7 (1) Providing Investment Opportunities Many foreign companies have invested in China since the introduction of the Open Door Policy in 1978. Foreign enterprises in China

9. 8 (2) Providing Markets Foreign enterprises in China  China’s huge population and rising purchasing power provides a large market for foreign goods.  China imports a large amount of goods and raw materials from foreign countries.

10. 9 (3) Promoting Interregional Cooperation China has maintained close relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN, 東南亞國家聯盟 ) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC, 亞太經合組織 ). China’s participation in ASEAN and APEC

11. 10 China-ASEAN Relations 1996 1997 agreed to establish their partnership based on ‘friendship, trust, dialogue and cooperation’ the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC, 東盟 — 中國聯合合作委員會 ) was established to strengthen their cooperation

12. 11 (4) Stabilizing Regional Economic Development China’s contributions in alleviating the Asian Financial Crisis (1997)  not to depreciate the Rmb in order to stabilize the economic situation in Asia  provided loans to other Asian countries affected by the crisis

13. 12 5. Guarantee of stability in Asia-Pacific Rim An important peace keeping force in Asia Helped maintain the balance of power within The region through cooperation with others END