Topic 15 - Economic Reform and Opening: Framework and Controversies

Question 1

What is gradualism? Why was it used in China?

Answer 1

A policy of gradual reform rather than sudden change or revolution. Chinese reform took the gradualist path simply because the Communist party’s priority had always been to preserve and strengthen its power.

Question 2

What is Regional Decentralised Authoritarianism?

Answer 2

RDA is a political system remained highly centralized in terms of personnel appointment but highly decentralized in terms of delegation of economic policies and resource allocation. Chinese provinces or regions often remained economically autonomous and self-contained.

Question 3

In what decade did the private sector gain formal recognition?

Answer 3

The 1990s

Question 4

What were the examples of Gradualism in China?

Answer 4

The 5 and 10 year plans

Question 5

What was the first post-Mao reform?

Answer 5

1978-1984:
The reform first began in agriculture: decollectivizing agriculture and emphasizing thehousehold-responsibility system – divided the land of thePeople’s Communesinto private plots

Question 6

When was RDA in effect in China?

Answer 6

1984-1993

Question 7

Which reform largely strengthened the state fiscal capacity?

Answer 7

The 1994 Tax Distribution Reform

Question 8

What 21st Century reforms were there?

Answer 8

• Elimination of agricultural taxes for farmers
• More balanced development between the coastal regions and the hinterlands
• Enforcing minimum wage in cities