4. China The People’s Republic of ChinaFacts China is the world’s most populous nation. (1.3 Billion) China is the world’s second largest economy Has the world’s largest standing army and is second in military spending. China is a nuclear power and a permanent member of the U.N. security council

5. History China has a written history that may go back to over 3,000 years ago. Pottery has been found in China that may be over 20,000 years old. China has a history of civil unrest and political repression. (the world’s bloodiest civil war in the 1860’s and the burning of books during the Qin dynasty.)

6. What did China ever do for me? Gunpowder The Compass Papermaking Domesticated millet, rice and soybeans The toothbrush Detailed records of astronomy.

8. How it works The Communist Party of China selects its leadership through the Politburo The Politburo rules through influencing the National Congress The National Congress approves decisions of the Politburo. President XI Jinping leader of China (as of March 14 th, 2013) Premier LI Yuanchao

9. Delegates are elected from China’s regions once every five years The Congress meets once a year to vote on laws It is possible for the Congress to reject a proposal but this is rare. About 70% of China’s Congress are members of the Communist party.

10. The real power in China lies with the 150 member standing committee. These members are elected by the Congress and they meet once very few months. The Congress also elects The President, Speakers and the head of the Supreme Court.

11. Economic system How are they a capitalist economy? Private ownership of property allowed Defined economic classes Corporations (starbucks, Mcdonalds, Sands gaming corp)exist in China Investment of capital into the free market. How are they a command economy? Massive public works projects are being built by the government. (Three gorges dam, Beijing Olympic stadium.)

12. Issues effecting China Demand for energy- Second largest consumer of oil, biggest producer of coal. Unemployment Human rights- Tibetans, Muslim Ughir religious/ethnic minority, Falun Gung spiritual movement. Foreign policy- Taiwan (considered by China to be the 23 rd province, but operating as an independent nation.) China is not a military ally of North Korea and is increasingly becoming more and more estranged from their government.