Hamna Obaid
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established on October 1, 1949, marking the beginning of a new era in Chinese history. Over the past 75 years, China has undergone profound transformations in its political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. From a war-torn and economically fragile state, it has emerged as a global superpower, influencing international politics and economics. Today, this most populous country of the world is one of the top leading nations in the international system. It’s language (Mandarin Chinese) has the most number of speakers (1.1 billion) in the world after English. In the national flag of PRC, the red background symbolizes the Chinese Communist Revolution while the five stars and their relationship represents the unity of Chinese people under the leadership of the CCP.
Political Evolution
The PRC’s political journey began with the consolidation of power by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under the leadership of Mao Zedong. The early years were marked by radical political campaigns such as the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) and the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), which aimed at transforming China into a socialist society but resulted in significant socio-economic disruptions and human suffering. The death of Mao Zedong in 1976 marked a turning point, leading to the rise of Deng Xiaoping, who introduced the era of “Reform and Opening-Up” in 1978. These opening-up policies and reforms shifted China from a centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented one, fostering rapid economic growth and development. These reforms also paved way for betterment of China’s global relations as US president Nixon visited China for the first time in 1970s. Subsequent leaders, including Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping, have continued to build on this foundation, each contributing to China’s unique political landscape characterized by strong central governance and gradual political reforms.
Economic Transformation
China’s economic transformation over the past 75 years is one of the most notable in modern history. The economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping led to the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), attracting foreign investment and boosting exports. China transitioned from an agrarian economy to an industrial powerhouse, becoming the world’s second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). The country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 further integrated China into the global economy, enhancing its trade relations and economic influence. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, exemplifies China’s ambition to expand its economic reach and build infrastructure networks across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Huawei (1987), Oppo (2004) and Xiaomi (2010) are some of the greatest productions of China that has contributed to the mobile sector worldwide as users of these phones exist in all the continents.
Social and Cultural Enrichment
Chinese people respect hierarchy and appreciate proper social relations, full of harmony and with minimal conflict. Families in cities tend to live in apartments, often with grandparents. Filial piety and loyalty are valued by most Chinese families. China’s socio-cultural landscape has also witnessed significant changes. The one-child policy, implemented in 1979 to control population growth, was replaced by a two-child policy in 2015 and later a three-child policy, reflecting demographic challenges such as an aging population and labor shortages. Urbanization has accelerated, with a significant portion of the population moving to cities, fostering economic opportunities and modern lifestyles. Religion in China is diverse and most Chinese people are either non-religious or practice a combination of Buddhism and Taoism with a Confucian worldview, which is collectively termed as Chinese folk religion.
Newspapers such as Red Flag and People’s Daily keep the citizens updated about domestic and international affairs. The two primary news agencies are Xinhua News Agency and the China News Service. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and until the 1980s, almost all media outlets in mainland China have been state-run. Privately owned media outlets only began to emerge at the onset of the Chinese economic reform, although state media continue to hold significant market share.
Culturally, China has experienced a renaissance, with a renewed interest in traditional Chinese culture, arts, and heritage. At the same time, globalization has introduced diverse cultural influences, resulting in a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The government has also emphasized the promotion of “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” to maintain cultural identity while embracing modernization. Establishment of “Confucius Institutes” in different countries have paved way for projection of its soft power. Chinese dramas are also a beneficial source of public diplomacy that connects the global audiences with Chinese culture and lifestyle. The Highest Military Award is August First Medal in China. On 13th September, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to award national medals and national honorary titles to 15 individuals on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
International Relations
China’s rise as a global power has significantly altered the international order. Initially maintaining a relatively isolated foreign policy, China has gradually adopted a more assertive stance on the global stage. Its involvement in international organizations such as the United Nations, the G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) reflects its growing diplomatic clout. The South China Sea disputes, the Taiwan issue, and trade tensions with the United States are pivotal aspects of China’s contemporary foreign policy challenges. Despite these, China continues to pursue a foreign policy aimed at fostering economic partnerships and expanding its influence through initiatives like the BRI and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The 75-year journey of the People’s Republic of China is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision. From the founding years to its current status as a global superpower, China’s transformation has been profound. China’s political structure remained firm as communism yet it’s shift of economic system to capitalism has proved to be remarkable and as it navigates the complexities of the 21st century, China continues to shape and be shaped by the global order, making its future trajectory a subject of keen interest and importance to the world. Recently, the president Xi Jinping highlighted the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China as one that marked a period of extraordinary progress and transformation. Under the leadership of the CPC, the country has experienced unprecedented development across various sectors. The achievements in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, population control, and environmental protection are notable examples of China’s progress. Indeed, this rising superpower’s dedication to its global partnerships is evident in its approach to international relations.
Author is M. Phil student of IR at FJWU