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China

2017-11-04T05:51:37Z

AntiCommunistAction:

{{Country
|name =People's Republic of China ''Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó'' 中华人民共和国
|map =China rel01.jpg
|map2 =China location.png
|flag =Flag_of_the_PRC.png‎
|arms =Arms of PR China.png
|capital =Beijing
|capital-raw =
|government =Communist
|government-raw =
|language =Chinese (Mandarin)
|king =
|queen =
|monarch-raw =
|president =Xi Jinping
|premier =Li Keqiang
|chancellor =
|chancellor-raw =
|pm =
|pm-raw =
|area =3,704,427 sq mi
|pop =1,336,000,000 (2011)
|pop-basis =
|gdp =
|gdp-year =$47.1564 trillion (2011)
|gdp-pc =$5,432 (2011)
|currency =Yuan
|idd =
|tld =
}}
'''China''' is the world's largest country by population, with a rapidly growing economy. With thousands of years of continuous traditions, in three decades it has dramatically changed itself from a poor backward nation to a world power, and is one of the world's top economies. It has emerged as a major regional power in East Asia, averaging over 9% economic growth per year since 1978 when it introduced a market-based economic system with many elements of capitalism, to replace its old socialism. Foreign businesses have flocked to invest in China, Americans and others rush to buy its cheap factory output, Chinese exports flooded the world. It has vast reserves of dollar holdings. China is modernizing its military, has joined numerous regional and international institutions, and plays an increasingly visible role in international politics.

The nation is under control from the [[Chinese Communist Party]], which encompasses mainland China, albeit with many border disputes. The Beijing claims [[Taiwan]] as a province, but the Taipei maintains its sovereignty.

[[Hong Kong]] was transferred back to Chinese control by the [[United Kingdom]] in 1997, and [[Macau]] was handed over by [[Portugal]] in 1999. Both territories are now [[Special Administrative Region]]s and have autonomy over local affairs. However, the autonomy has been eroded in recent years, particularly after 2014 "Umbrella Revolution". Since the 1950s China has increasingly asserted brutal control over [[Tibet]].

Since China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China represents a vast market that is growing more affluent and sophisticated while remaining a low-cost base for export-oriented production. Educationally, China is forging ahead as partnerships, and exchanges with foreign universities have helped create new research opportunities for its students. China used the Summer Olympics in 2008 as a platform of propagating the so called "economic development" to the world, while it is still a Communist country in its core of the past two decades since the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre. The new leadership is committed to generating greater economic development in the interior and providing more services to those who do not live in China's coastal areas. However, China is never a true market economy, as the key resources, such as land, is not privately owned; the so-called collective ownership is still de-facto government ownership. Moreover, on the Communist Regime's Constitution, Mainland China is still officially a Communist Country. In 2015, the Communist-controlled Mainland China (or self-proclaimed People's Republic) has been denied as a market economy.

For more information on China, see [[World History Lecture Three]].

==Name==
{{language box
|s=中国
|t=中國
|l=central nation
|p=Zhōngguó
|w=Chung1-kuo2
}}
The word "China" is derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] word ''Cin'' (چین), which is from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Cīna'' (चीन).<ref name="AmHer">"[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/China?qsrc=2888 China]". ''The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language'' (2000). Boston and New York: Houghton-Mifflin.</ref> It is first recorded in 1516 in the journal of the Portuguese explorer [[Duarte Barbosa]].<ref>"China". ''Oxford English Dictionary'' (1989). ISBN 0-19-957315-8. ''[http://books.google.com.vn/books?id=edzW9fuOF-cC&pg=PA211&dq=#v=onepage&q=%22Very%20Great%20Kingdom%20of%20China%22&f=false The Book of Duarte Barbosa]'' (chapter title "The Very Great Kingdom of China"). ISBN 81-206-0451-2. In the [http://purl.pt/435/ Portuguese original], the chapter is titled "O Grande Reino da China".</ref> The journal was translated and published in England in 1555.<ref>Eden, Richard (1555). ''Decades of the New World'': {{cite book | title=Western Views of China and the Far East, Volume 1 | publisher=Asian Research Service | year=1984 | page=34 |first=Henry Allen |last=Myers}}</ref> The traditional theory, proposed in the 17th century by Martino Martini, is that ''Cīna'' is derived from "Qin" (秦), the westernmost of the Chinese kingdoms during the [[Zhou Dynasty]].<ref name="Martini">Martino, Martin, ''Novus Atlas Sinensis'', Vienna 1655, Preface, p. 2.</ref> However, the word was used earlier in [[Hindu]] scripture, including the ''Mahābhārata'' (5th century BC) and the ''Laws of Manu'' (2nd century BC). Indian writers were not aware of China until the second century AD. Earlier usage of the word presumably refers to another entity, perhaps a country near the Tibetan-Burma border.<ref>See Liu, Lydia He, ''The Clash of Empires'', p. 77 Wade, Geoff. "[http://www.sino-platonic.org/complete/spp188_yelang_china.pdf The Polity of Yelang and the Origin of the Name 'China']". ''[[Sino-Platonic Papers]]'', No. 188, May 2009, p. 20.</ref>

==People==
===Ethnic Groups===
[[File:Chinese people.jpg|right|250px]]
China officially recognizes 56 distinct ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Han Chinese, who constitute about 91.9% of the total population. The remaining 8.1% are Zhuang (16 million), Manchu (10 million), Hui (9 million), Miao (8 million), [[Uighur]] (7 million), Yi (7 million), Mongolian (5 million), Tibetan (5 million), Buyi (3 million), Korean (2 million), and other ethnic minorities.

In July 2009 large scale rioting erupted as the [[Uighur]] minority fought Chinese riot police in major cities in China's western Xinjiang province. Hundreds are dead.<ref>See [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/world/asia/07kadeer.html?ref=world Wrik Eckholm, "China Points to Another Leader in Exile," ''New York Times'' July 6, 2009]</ref> Uighurs are angry at political, cultural and religious persecution as well as the growing presence in the region of Han Chinese - China's main ethnic group. Han now predominate in the cities, and Uighurs in the countryside. This is the first major violent unrest in China in two decades.

===Language===
[[File:China Ethnic language.jpg|thumb|left|Chinese Ethnolinguistic Groups.]]
There are seven major Chinese dialects and many subdialects. [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] (or Putonghua), the predominant dialect, is spoken by over 70% of the population. It is taught in all schools and is the medium of government. About two-thirds of the Han ethnic group are native speakers of Mandarin; the rest, concentrated in south and southeast China, speak one of the six other major Chinese dialects. Non-Chinese languages spoken widely by ethnic minorities include Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and other Turkic languages (in Xinjiang), and Korean (in the northeast).

All Chinese dialects use the same written character sets. In mainland China, the [[Simplified Chinese|Simplified]] characters have been in use since 1949.

====The Pinyin System of Romanization====
On January 1, 1979, the Chinese Government officially adopted the [[Hanyu pinyin|pinyin]] system for spelling Chinese names and places in Roman letters. A system of Romanization invented by the Chinese, pinyin has long been widely used in China on street and commercial signs as well as in elementary Chinese textbooks as an aid in learning Chinese characters and for common character input systems. Variations of pinyin also are used as the written forms of several minority languages.

Pinyin has now replaced other conventional spellings in China's English-language publications. The U.S. Government also has adopted the pinyin system for all names and places in China. For example, the capital of China is now spelled "Beijing" rather than "Peking."

In 2008 the Republic of China government finally adopted the pinyin system, replaces the [[Wade-Giles]] system which is gradually pushed away by the Chinese diaspora.

==Religion==
A February 2007 survey concluded that 31% of Chinese citizens ages 16 and over, representing 300 million persons, follow some kind of religion.<ref>This is approximately three times the official figure reported by the Government in April 2005.See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108404.htm U.S. State Department "International Religious Freedom Report 2008"]</ref>

There are reportedly more than 100,000 officially recognized sites for religious activities, 300,000 officially recognized clergy, and more than 3,000 officially recognized religious organizations.
[[File:China B.jpg|left|280px]]
The Government officially recognizes five main religions: [[Buddhism]], [[Taoism]], [[Islam]], [[Catholicism]], and [[Protestantism]]. There are five state-sanctioned "Patriotic Religious Associations" (PRAs) that manage the activities of the recognized faiths. The Russian Orthodox Church operates in some regions, particularly those with large populations of Russian expatriates or with close links to Russia. Foreign residents in the country who belonged to religious faiths not officially recognized by the Government were generally permitted to practice their religions. There is very little freedom for Christians however.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25502760</ref>

It is difficult to estimate the number of Buddhists and Taoists, because they do not have congregational memberships and many practice exclusively at home.

The Government estimated that there are 16,000 Buddhist temples and monasteries, 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, more than 1,700 reincarnate lamas, and 32 Buddhist schools. Most believers, particularly ethnic Han Buddhists, practice Mahayana Buddhism, while the majority of Tibetans and ethnic Mongolians, as well as a growing number of ethnic Chinese, practice Tibetan Buddhism, a Mahayana adaptation. Some ethnic minorities in southwest Yunnan Province practice Theravada Buddhism, the dominant tradition in parts of neighboring Southeast Asia.

There are more than 25,000 Taoist priests and nuns, more than 1,500 Taoist temples, and 2 Taoist schools. Traditional folk religions (worship of local gods, heroes, and ancestors) are practiced by hundreds of millions of citizens and are often affiliated with Taoism, Buddhism, or ethnic minority cultural practices.

The government says there are twenty million Muslims. Independent estimates range as high as fifty million or more. There are more than 40,000 Islamic places of worship (more than half of which are in the XUAR), more than 45,000 imams nationwide, and 10 Islamic schools. The country has ten predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Hui, estimated to number more than ten million. The Hui are centered in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, but there are significant concentrations of Hui throughout the country, including in Gansu, Henan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Hebei Provinces, as well as in the TAR and the XUAR. Hui Muslims slightly outnumber Uighur Muslims, who live primarily in the XUAR. According to an official 2005 report, the XUAR had 23,900 mosques and 27,000 clerics at the end of 2004, but fewer than half of the mosques were authorized to hold Friday prayer and holiday services. The country also has more than one million Kazakh Muslims and thousands of Dongxiang, Kyrgyz, Salar, Tajik, Uzbek, Baoan, and Tatar Muslims.

Officials from the Three-Self Patriotic Movement/China Christian Council (TSPM/CCC), the governmental organization in charge of the Christianity Churches (officially led by the CPC), estimated that at least twenty million citizens worship in official churches. Government officials stated that there are more than 50,000 registered TSPM churches and 18 TSPM theological schools. The Pew Research Center estimates that between 50 million and 70 million Christians practice without state sanction. However, some estimates over 100million people are Christians. The World Christian Database estimates that there are more than 300 unofficial house church networks.

The Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) reports that 5.3 million persons worship in its churches and it is estimated that there are an additional 12 million or more persons who worship in unregistered Catholic churches that do not affiliate with the CPA. According to official sources, the government-sanctioned CPA has more than 70 bishops, nearly 3,000 priests and nuns, 6,000 churches and meeting places, and 12 seminaries. There are thought to be approximately 40 bishops operating "underground," some of whom are in prison or under house arrest. During the reporting period, at least three bishops were ordained with papal approval. In September 2007 the official media reported that Liu Bainian, CPA vice president, stated that the young bishops were to be selected to serve dioceses without bishops and to replace older bishops. Of the 97 dioceses in the country, 40 reportedly did not have an acting bishop in 2007, and more than 30 bishops were over 80 years of age.
===Religious discrimination===
The Government restricts legal religious practice to government-sanctioned organizations and registered religious groups and places of worship, and seeks to control the growth and scope of the activity of both registered and unregistered religious groups, including "house churches." Government authorities limit proselytism, particularly by foreigners and unregistered religious groups, but permit proselytism in state-approved religious venues and private settings. The Chinese government explicitly prohibits students and civil servants from participating in certain religious practices, even when not in school or at work.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/china-bans-ramadan-fast-muslim-northwest-103756197.html Didi Tang "China bans Ramadan fast in Muslim northwest." July 3, 2014. Associated Press.]</ref>
[[File:Great Mosque Xi an China.jpg|thumb|330px|Great Mosque of Xi'an.]]
In 2008, the Government's repression of religious freedom intensified in some areas, including in Tibetan areas and in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Unregistered Protestant religious groups in Beijing reported intensified harassment from government authorities in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Media and China-based sources reported that municipal authorities in Beijing closed some house churches or asked them to stop meeting during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. During the reporting period, officials detained and interrogated several foreigners about their religious activities and in several cases alleged that the foreigners had engaged in "illegal religious activities" and cancelled their visas. Media reported that the total number of expatriates expelled by the Government due to concerns about their religious activities exceeded one hundred. Officials in the XUAR, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and other Tibetan areas tightly controlled religious activity. The Government sought the forcible return of several Uighur Muslims living abroad, some of whom had reportedly protested restrictions on the Hajj and encouraged other Muslims to pray and fast during Ramadan. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism, including those in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and most Tibetan autonomous areas, faced more restrictions on their religious practice and ability to organize than Buddhists in other parts of the country. "Patriotic education" campaigns in the TAR and other Tibetan regions, which required monks and nuns to sign statements personally denouncing the Dalai Lama, and other new restrictions on religious freedom were major factors that led monks and nuns to mount peaceful protests at a number of monasteries on March 10, 2008. The protests and subsequent security response gave way to violence in Lhasa by March 14 and 15.
Moreover, Christians, including the Catholic, protestant Christians, are facing societal hostility generated by the government, and the Christians are facing difficulties when comes to the decision of ascension in the state enterprises, and will be arrested if evangelizing on governmental schools' campus (public schools, but with heavy involvement from the Communist party branches).

"Underground" Roman Catholic clergy faced repression, in large part due to their avowed loyalty to the Vatican, which the Government accused of interfering in the country's internal affairs. The Government continued to repress groups that it designated as "cults," most of which included several Christian groups and Falun Gong.

Religious and ethnic minority groups such as Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims experienced societal discrimination not only because of their religious beliefs but also because of their status as ethnic minorities with distinct languages and cultures. After the March 2008 protests in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas there were reports of increased tensions between Tibetan Buddhists and Hui Muslims.

The [[Falun Gong]] is a self-described spiritual movement that blends aspects of Taoism, Buddhism, and the meditation techniques and physical exercises of qigong (a traditional Chinese exercise discipline), with the teachings of Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi. There are estimated to have been at least 2.1 million adherents of Falun Gong before the Government cleansed and persecute the group in 1999. Hundreds of thousands may practice Falun Gong privately, but with serious risks, and once discovered by the government agents, the practitioners will be jailed, losing jobs, and may not even attend the universities. Moreover, the practitioners will risk the risk of having their organs live-harvested by the Communist government.<ref>https://www.theepochtimes.com/new-documentary-secret-audio-recordings-of-politburo-standing-committee-members-reveal-vast-state-run-enterprise-of-live-organ-harvesting_2263247.html</ref>

==Population Policy==
[[Image:China Mex RGarciaOrtiz.jpg|right|Chinese at Mexico]]
{{main|One-child Policy}}

With a population officially just over 1.3 billion and an estimated growth rate of about 0.6%, China is very concerned about its population growth and has attempted with mixed results to implement a strict birth limitation policy. Until 2013 the government permitted one child per family, with allowance for a second child under certain circumstances (such as twins), especially in rural areas, and with guidelines looser for ethnic minorities with small populations. Enforcement varies, and relies largely on "social compensation fees" to discourage extra births. Official government policy opposed forced [[abortion]] or sterilization, but in some localities there were instances of forced [[abortion]]. The government's goal was to stabilize the population in the first half of the 21st century, and current projections are that the population would peak at around 1.6 billion by 2050. Boys are highly prized, and because screening of fetuses is done to determine gender, selective abortion has resulted in 119 boys born for every 100 girls. By 2020, 24 million men of marrying age will find themselves without wives.

2013 the government eased the One-child Policy strongly. Since then families in which at least one parent was an only child can have a second child now.<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/china-ease-1-child-policy-abolish-labor-camps</ref>

==Government==
The People's Republic of China is an totalitarian/authoritarian regime in which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) constitutionally is the base structure and source of power. Moreover, the society has been forced to run according to the motive of the Communist Party in the past decades, although not successful. Party members hold almost all top government, police, and military positions. Ultimate authority rests with the 25-member political bureau (Politburo) of the CCP and its nine-member standing committee. '''[[Xi Jinping]]''' holds the three most powerful positions as CCP general secretary, president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.

===Chinese Communist Party===
The 71 million member CCP, totalitarian in structure and ideology, continues to dominate government. Nevertheless, China's population, geographical vastness, and social diversity frustrate attempts to rule by fiat from Beijing. Core leaders are attempting to adopt several changes in order to support its own greed in power as a totalitarian state.

In periods of greater openness, the influence of people and organizations outside the formal party structure has tended to increase, particularly in the economic realm. This phenomenon is most apparent today in the rapidly developing coastal region. Nevertheless, in all important government, economic, and cultural institutions in China, party committees work to see that party and state policy guidance is followed and that non-party members do not create autonomous organizations that could challenge party rule. Party control is tight- although not being felt directly.

Theoretically, the party's highest body is the Party Congress, which traditionally meets at least once every 5 years. The 17th Party Congress is expected to take place in the fall of 2007. The primary organs of power in the Communist Party include:
*The Politburo Standing Committee, which currently consists of nine members (one seat is vacant following the June 2, 2007 death of Huang Ju);
*The Politburo, consisting of 24 full members, including the members of the Politburo Standing Committee;
*The Secretariat, the principal administrative mechanism of the CCP, headed by the General Secretary;
*The Central Military Commission;
*The Discipline Inspection Commission, which is charged with rooting out corruption and malfeasance among party cadres.
===State Structure===
[[File:Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing China.jpg|thumb|left|340px|In front of the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.]]
The Chinese Government is constructed around the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); its role is to implement party policies. The primary organs of state power are the National People's Congress (NPC), the President (the head of state), and the State Council. Members of the State Council include Premier Li Keqiang (the head of government), a variable number of vice premiers (now four), five state councilors (protocol equivalents of vice premiers but with narrower portfolios), and 22 ministers and four State Council commission directors.

Under the Communist constitution, the NPC is the highest organ of political power in Mainland China. It meets annually for about 2 weeks to review and approve major new policy directions, laws, the budget, and major personnel changes. These initiatives are presented to the NPC for consideration by the State Council after previous endorsement by the Communist Party's Central Committee. Although the NPC generally approves State Council policy and personnel recommendations, various NPC committees hold active debate in closed sessions, and changes may be made to accommodate alternate views.

When the NPC is not in session, its permanent organ, the Standing Committee, exercises state power.

{{Clear}}

===Principal Government and Party Officials===
(After Oct. 2017)
*President—Xi Jinping
*Vice President—
*Premier, State Council—Li Keqiang
*NPC Chair—Wu Bangguo
*Vice Premier—Zhang Gaoli
*Politburo Standing Committee—Xi Jinping (General Secretary), Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng
*Other Politburo Members— Ding Xuexiang, Wang Chen, Liu He, Xu Qiliang, Sun Chunlan (Arrested), Li Xi, Li Qiang, Li Hongzhong, Yang Jiechi, Zhang Youxia, Chen xi, Chen Quanguo, Zhao Leji, Guo Shengkun, Huang Kunming, Cai Qi.(alternate)
*Alternate Politburo Members—Wang Gang
*Chairman, Central Military Commission—Xi Jinping
*Foreign Minister—Yang Jiechi
*Minister of Commerce—Zhong Shan
*Minister of Finance—Jin Renqing
*Minister of Agriculture—
*Minister of Industry and Digitalization —Wang Xudong
*Governor, People's Bank of China—Zhou Xiaochuan
*Minister, State Development and Reform Commission—Ma Kai
*Ambassador to U.S.--Zhou Wenzhong
*Ambassador to UN—Wang Guangya

===Foreign Relations===
[[Image:Chinese painting.jpg|thumb|Chinese painting.]]
Since its establishment, the Communist Party is doing all it can to lure countries to stand and advocate for its position that it is the sole legitimate government of all China, including Hong Kong, Macau, and [[Taiwan]]. In the early 1970s, Beijing was recognized diplomatically by most world powers. [[Beijing]] (Pekin) assumed the China seat in the [[United Nations]] in 1971 and has since become increasingly active in multilateral organizations. Japan established diplomatic relations with China in 1972, and the United States did so in 1979. As of July 2007, the number of countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing had risen to 167, while 24 maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

After the founding of the P.R.C., China's foreign policy initially focused on solidarity with the Soviet Union and other communist countries. In 1950, the Mainland Communist Regime sent the People's Liberation Army into North Korea to help North Korea halt the UN offensive that was approaching the Yalu River. After the conclusion of the Korean conflict, China sought to balance its identification as a member of the Soviet bloc by establishing friendly relations with Pakistan and other Third World countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.

In the 1960s, Beijing competed with Moscow for political influence among communist parties and in the developing world generally. Following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and clashes in 1969 on the Sino-Soviet border, Chinese competition with the Soviet Union increasingly reflected concern over China's own strategic position.

In late 1978, the Chinese also became concerned over Vietnam's efforts to establish open control over Laos and Cambodia, though it is because of Cambodian's brutality led to invasion. In response to the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, China fought a brief border war with Vietnam (February–March 1979) with the stated purpose of "teaching Vietnam a lesson."

Chinese anxiety about Soviet strategic advances was heightened following the Soviet Union's December 1979 invasion of Afghanistan. Sharp differences between China and the Soviet Union persisted over Soviet support for Vietnam's continued occupation of Cambodia, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and Soviet troops along the Sino-Soviet border and in Mongolia—the so-called "three obstacles" to improved Sino-Soviet relations.

In the 1970s and 1980s China sought to create a secure regional and global environment for itself and to foster good relations with countries that could aid its economic development. To this end, China looked to the West for assistance with its modernization drive and for help in countering Soviet expansionism, which it characterized as the greatest threat to its national security and to world peace.
[[File:Map South Asia.jpg|left|400px]]
China maintained its consistent opposition to "superpower hegemony," focusing almost exclusively on the expansionist actions of the Soviet Union and Soviet proxies such as Vietnam and Cuba, but it also placed growing emphasis on a foreign policy independent of both the U.S. and the Soviet Union. While improving ties with the West, China continued to follow closely economic and other positions of the Third World nonaligned movement, although China was not a formal member.

In the immediate aftermath of Tiananmen crackdown in June 1989, many countries reduced their diplomatic contacts with China as well as their economic assistance programs. In response, China worked vigorously to expand its relations with foreign countries, and by late 1990, had reestablished normal relations with almost all nations. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991, China also opened diplomatic relations with the republics of the former Soviet Union.

In recent years, Chinese leaders have been regular travelers to all parts of the globe, and China has sought a higher profile in the UN through its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral organizations. Closer to home, China has made efforts to reduce tensions in Asia, hosting the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program, cultivating a more cooperative relationship with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum. China has also taken steps to improve relations with countries in South Asia, including India. Following Premier Wen's 2005 visit to India, the two sides moved to increase commercial and cultural ties, as well as to resolve longstanding border disputes. The November 2006 visit of President Hu was the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to India in 10 years.

China has likewise improved ties with Russia, with Presidents Putin and Hu exchanging visits to Beijing and Moscow in April 2006 and March 2007. A second round of Russia-China joint military exercises is scheduled for fall 2007. China has played a prominent role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional grouping that includes Russia and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Beijing has resolved many of its border and maritime disputes, notably including a November 1997 agreement with Russia that resolved almost all outstanding border issues and a 2000 agreement with Vietnam to resolve differences over their maritime border, though disagreements remain over islands in the South China Sea. Relations with Japan improved following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's October 2006 visit to Beijing, although longstanding and emotionally charged disputes over history and competing claims to portions of the East China Sea remain sources of tension.

While in many ways Sudan's primary diplomatic patron, China has played a constructive role in support of peacekeeping operations in Southern Sudan and pledged to contribute an engineering unit in support of UN operations in Darfur. China has stated publicly that it shares the international community's concern over Iran's nuclear program and has voted in support of UN sanctions resolutions on Iran. Set against this has been an effort on the part of China to maintain close ties to countries such as Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela, which are sources of oil and other resources and which welcome China's non-conditional assistance and investment.

==Political Conditions==
===Legal System===
The government's efforts to promote rule of law appeared to be advancing, but impossible under the political structure constructed around the Communist Party. After the Cultural Revolution, China's leaders aimed to develop a legal system to restrain abuses of official authority and revolutionary excesses. In 1982, the Communist's National People's Congress adopted a new state constitution that emphasized the rule of law under which even party leaders are theoretically held accountable.

Since 1979, when the drive to establish a functioning legal system began, more than 300 laws and regulations, most of them in the economic area, have been promulgated. The use of mediation committees—informed groups of citizens who resolve about 90% of China's civil disputes and some minor criminal cases at no cost to the parties—is one innovative device. There are more than 800,000 such committees in both rural and urban areas.

Legal reform became a government priority in the 1990s. Legislation designed to modernize and professionalize the nation's lawyers, judges, and prisons was enacted. The 1994 Administrative Procedure Law allows citizens to sue officials for abuse of authority or malfeasance. In addition, the criminal law and the criminal procedures laws were amended to introduce significant reforms. The criminal law amendments abolished the crime of "counter-revolutionary" activity, although many persons are still incarcerated for that crime. Criminal procedures reforms also encouraged establishment of a more transparent, adversarial trial process. The Chinese constitution and laws provide for fundamental human rights, including due process, but these are often ignored in practice. In addition to other judicial reforms, the Constitution was amended in 2004 to include the protection of individual human rights and legally-obtained private property, but it is unclear how those provisions will be implemented. Although new criminal and civil laws have provided additional safeguards to citizens, previously debated political reforms, including expanding elections to the township level, and other legal reforms, including the reform of the reeducation through labor system, have been put on hold. However, it is still impossible for certain groups to defend themselves as the legal system is constructed around the Communist Party.

==Military==
Establishment of a professional military force equipped with modern weapons and doctrine was the last of the "Four Modernizations" announced by Zhou Enlai and supported by Deng Xiaoping. In keeping with Deng's mandate to reform, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which includes the strategic nuclear forces, army, navy, and air force, has demobilized millions of men and women since 1978 and introduced modern methods in such areas as recruitment and manpower, strategy, and education and training.
[[File:China military.jpg|left]]
Following the June 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, ideological correctness was temporarily revived as the dominant theme in Chinese military affairs. Reform and modernization appear to have since resumed their position as the PLA's priority objectives.

The Chinese military is in the process of transforming itself from a land-based power, centered on a vast ground force, to a smaller, mobile, high-tech military eventually capable of mounting limited operations beyond its coastal borders.

China's power-projection capability is limited but has grown over recent years. China has acquired some advanced weapons systems from abroad, including Sovremmeny destroyers, SU-27 and SU-30 aircraft, and Kilo-class diesel submarines from Russia, and continued to develop domestic production capabilities, such as for the domestically-developed J-10 fighter aircraft. However, much of its air and naval forces continues to be based on 1960s-era technology. As the Defense Department's Quadrennial Defense Review, released February 2006, noted, the U.S. shares with other countries a concern about the pace, scope, and direction of China's military modernization. We view military exchanges, visits, and other forms of engagement are useful tools in promoting transparency, provided they have substance and are fully reciprocal. Regularized exchanges and contact also have the significant benefit of building confidence, reducing the possibility of accidents, and providing the lines of communication that are essential in ensuring that episodes such as the April 2001 EP-3 aircraft incident do not escalate into major crises. During their April 2006 meeting, President Bush and President Hu agreed to increase officer exchanges and to begin a strategic nuclear dialogue between STRATCOM and the Chinese military's strategic missile command. U.S. and Chinese militaries are also considering ways in which we might cooperate on disaster assistance relief. However, it should be remembered that the Military is still under the Party's control. It is not to be equated with the European and American Armed forces.

===Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Policy ===
In 1955, Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party decided to proceed with a nuclear weapons program; it was developed with Soviet assistance until 1960. After its first nuclear test in October 1964, Beijing deployed a modest but potent ballistic missile force, including land- and sea-based intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

China became a major international arms exporter during the 1980s. Beijing joined the Middle East arms control talks, which began in July 1991 to establish global guidelines for conventional arms transfers, but announced in September 1992 that it would no longer participate because of the U.S. decision to sell F-16A/B aircraft to Taiwan.

China was the first state to pledge "no first use" of nuclear weapons. It joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1984 and pledged to abstain from further atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in 1986. China acceded to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1992 and supported its indefinite and unconditional extension in 1995. In 1996, it signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and agreed to seek an international ban on the production of fissile nuclear weapons material. To date, China has not ratified the CTBT.

In 1996, China committed not to provide assistance to un-safeguarded nuclear facilities. China became a full member of the NPT Exporters (Zangger) Committee, a group that determines items subject to IAEA inspections if exported by NPT signatories. In September 1997, China issued detailed nuclear export control regulations. China began implementing regulations establishing controls over nuclear-related dual-use items in 1998. China also has committed not to engage in new nuclear cooperation with Iran (even under safeguards), and will complete existing cooperation, which is not of [[proliferation]] concern, within a relatively short period. In May 2004, with the support of the United States, China became a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Based on significant, tangible progress with China on nuclear nonproliferation, President Clinton in 1998 took steps to bring into force the 1985 U.S.-China Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation.

===Missiles===
Although it is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the multinational effort to restrict the proliferation of missiles, in March 1992 China undertook to abide by MTCR guidelines and parameters. China reaffirmed this commitment in 1994, and pledged not to transfer MTCR-class ground-to-ground missiles. In November 2000, China committed not to assist in any way the development by other countries of MTCR-class missiles. However, in August 29, 2003, the U.S. Government imposed missile proliferation sanctions lasting two years on the Chinese company China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) after determining that it was knowingly involved in the transfer of equipment and technology controlled under Category II of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex that contributed to MTCR-class missiles in a non-MTCR country.

In December 2003, the P.R.C. promulgated comprehensive new export control regulations governing exports of all categories of sensitive technologies.

==Economy ==
China's economy, based on rice and wheat farming, was generally prosperous until the 18th century. Population pressures, and failure to adopt new technology led to an impoverished nation by 1900.

After Mao's death the policy of modernization along Western lines has led to a remarkable rate of economic growth in the industrial cities, which have pulled in millions of peasants from the still poor rural areas. Slack environmental standards have led to serious pollution problems.

The modern Chinese economy has benefited from investments from Taiwan and Hong Kong. They jumped far ahead of China by 1970 in terms of technology, and in recent years have invested in mainland industries.

These two factors have changed Chinese economy, from a command economy to a more socialist state, with the Chinese economy increasingly in the hands of privately owned businesses, not state- or military-run enterprises. However, after several years the trend reversed, as it is in the start that those who are related to the political power are treated differently than the rest of the enterprises.
[[File:National Stadium, Beijing.jpg|thumb|250px|National Stadium, Beijing.]]
Since 1980 China has enjoyed the highest economic growth rates in the world. Suddenly in mid-2008, the growth rate slowed sharply from 11% a year to only 5.5%. Much of the economy was geared to exports, and building factories for exports to the United States and Japan. When the [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] hit, exports fell off and prices for industrial products like steel fell in half. Many factories were shut down. The decline has especially hit steel, cement and the construction industry. The government in November 2008 announced a $586 billion stimulus program to build roads, dams, electric grids and other infrastructure projects that are designed to supplement the international market.<ref>David Barboza, "Great Engine of China Slows ," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/business/worldbusiness/26chinasteel.html?_r=1 ''New York Times'' Nov. 25, 2008]</ref>

Since 1979, China has largely rejected socialism and embraced capitalism, while maintaining Communist party rule. Private ownership of the means of production has dramatically reduced poverty and increased wealth, especially in the cities but also in rural areas. Nationally the GDP (in 2007 prices) has exploded from 2 trillion yuan in 1980 to 25 trillion in 2007.

As late as 1980 60% of the people in rural China lives in poverty; by 2007 fewer than 5% did. Grain production has grown 300 to 500 tons per person, and rural income per person has soared from a few hundred yuan in 1980 to over 4000.<ref>See ''Economist'' Dec. 13, 2008</ref>

The reforms reformed and opened its economy. The Chinese leadership has adopted a more pragmatic perspective on many political and socioeconomic problems, and has reduced the role of ideology in economic policy. China's ongoing economic transformation has had a profound impact not only on China but on the world. The market-oriented reforms China has implemented over the past two decades have unleashed individual initiative and entrepreneurship. The result has been the largest reduction of poverty and one of the fastest increases in income levels ever seen. China today is the fourth-largest economy in the world. It has sustained average economic growth of over 9.5% for the past 26 years. In 2006 its $2.76 trillion economy was about one-fifth the size of the U.S. economy.

In the 1980s, China tried to combine central planning with market-oriented reforms to increase productivity, living standards, and technological quality without exacerbating inflation, unemployment, and budget deficits. China pursued agricultural reforms, dismantling the commune system and introducing a household-based system that provided peasants greater decision-making in agricultural activities. The government also encouraged nonagricultural activities such as village enterprises in rural areas, and promoted more self-management for state-owned enterprises, increased competition in the marketplace, and facilitated direct contact between Chinese and foreign trading enterprises. China also relied more upon foreign financing and imports.

During the 1980s, these reforms led to average annual rates of growth of 10% in agricultural and industrial output. Rural per capita real income doubled. China became self-sufficient in grain production; rural industries accounted for 23% of agricultural output, helping absorb surplus labor in the countryside. The variety of light industrial and consumer goods increased. Reforms began in the fiscal, financial, banking, price-setting, and labor systems.

By the late 1980s, however, the economy had become overheated with increasing rates of inflation. At the end of 1988, in reaction to a surge of inflation caused by accelerated price reforms, the leadership introduced an austerity program.
[[File:Shanghai China CIA.jpg|thumb|left|280px|The Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai overlooks the Huangpu River.]]
China's economy regained momentum in the early 1990s. During a visit to southern China in early 1992, China's paramount leader at the time, Deng Xiaoping, made a series of political pronouncements designed to reinvigorate the process of economic reform. The 14th Party Congress later in the year backed Deng's renewed push for market reforms, stating that China's key task in the 1990s was to create a "socialist market economy." The 10-year development plan for the 1990s stressed continuity in the political system with bolder reform of the economic system.

China's economy grew at an average rate of 10% per year during the period 1990-2004, the highest growth rate in the world. China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 10.0% in 2003, and even faster, 10.1%, in 2004, and 9.9% in 2005 despite attempts by the government to cool the economy. China's total trade in 2006 surpassed $1.76 trillion, making China the world's third-largest trading nation after the U.S. and Germany. Such high growth is necessary if China is to generate the 15 million jobs needed annually—roughly the size of Ecuador or Cambodia—to employ new entrants into the job market.

Nevertheless, serious imbalances exist behind the spectacular trade performance, high investment flows, and high GDP growth. High numbers of non-performing loans weigh down the state-run banking system. Inefficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are still a drag on growth, despite announced efforts to sell, merge, or close the vast majority of SOEs.

Social and economic indicators have improved since reforms were launched, but rising inequality is evident between the more highly developed coastal provinces and the less developed, poorer inland regions. According to World Bank estimates, more than 152 million people in China in 2003—mostly in rural areas of the lagging inland provinces—still live in poverty, on consumption of less than U.S. $1 a day.

Following the Chinese Communist Party's Third Plenum, held in October 2003, Chinese legislators unveiled several proposed amendments to the state constitution. One of the most significant was a proposal to provide protection for private property rights. Legislators also indicated there would be a new emphasis on certain aspects of overall government economic policy, including efforts to reduce unemployment (now in the 8-10% range in urban areas), to rebalance income distribution between urban and rural regions, and to maintain economic growth while protecting the environment and improving social equity. The National People's Congress approved the amendments when it met in March 2004. The Fifth Plenum in October 2005 approved the 11th Five-Year Economic Program aimed at building a "harmonious society" through more balanced wealth distribution and improved education, medical care, and social security.

===Agriculture===
China is the world's most populous country and one of the largest producers and consumers of agricultural products. Roughly half of China's labor force is engaged in agriculture, even though only 10% of the land is suitable for cultivation and agriculture contributes only 13% of China's GDP. China's cropland area is only 75% of the U.S. total, but China still produces about 30% more crops and livestock than the U.S. because of intensive cultivation, China is among the world's largest producers of rice, corn, wheat, soybeans, vegetables, tea, and pork. Major non-food crops include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds. China hopes to further increase agricultural production through improved plant stocks, fertilizers, and technology. Incomes for Chinese farmers are stagnating, leading to an increasing wealth gap between the cities and countryside. Government policies that continue to emphasize grain self-sufficiency and the fact that farmers do not own—and cannot buy or sell—the land they work have contributed to this situation. While this was the case in China before Communism, many other countries have since embrace individual ownership while China has not. In addition, inadequate port facilities and lack of warehousing and cold storage facilities impede both domestic and international agricultural trade.

===Industry===
{{History of China (full)}}
Industry and construction account for about 46% of China's GDP. Major industries are mining and ore processing; iron; steel; aluminum; coal, machinery; textiles and apparel; armaments; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products including footwear, toys, and electronics; automobiles and other transportation equipment including rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; and telecommunications.

China has become a preferred destination for the relocation of global manufacturing facilities. Its strength as an export platform has contributed to incomes and employment in China. The state-owned sector still accounts for about 40% of GDP. In recent years, authorities have been giving greater attention to the management of state assets—both in the financial market as well as among state-owned-enterprises—and progress has been noteworthy.

===Regulatory Environment===
Though China's economy has expanded rapidly, its regulatory environment has not kept pace. Since Deng Xiaoping's open market reforms, the growth of new businesses has outpaced the government's ability to regulate them. This has created a situation where businesses, faced with mounting competition and poor oversight, will be willing to take drastic measures to increase profit margins, often at the expense of consumer safety. This issue has recently acquired more prominence, with a number of restrictions being placed on problematic Chinese exports by the U.S. The Chinese Government recognizes the severity of the problem, recently concluding that up to 20% of the country's products are substandard or tainted. However, the level of the Chinese corporate taxes is actually 60% of the annual income. Moreover, in September 2017 the Communist Regime announced that private enterprises that are over 50 employees are required to set up party branches.

===Energy===
Together with strong economic growth, China's demand for energy is surging rapidly. In 2003, China surpassed Japan to become the second-largest consumer of primary energy, after the United States. China is the world's second-largest consumer of oil, after the United States, and for 2006, China's increase in oil demand represented 38% of the world total increase in oil demand. China is also the third-largest energy producer in the world, after the United States and Russia. China's electricity consumption is expected to grow by over 4% a year through 2030, which will require more than $2 trillion in electricity infrastructure investment to meet the demand. China expects to add approximately 15,000 megawatts of generating capacity a year, with 20% of that coming from foreign suppliers.

Coal makes up the bulk of China's energy consumption (70% in 2005), and China is the largest producer and consumer of coal in the world. As China's economy continues to grow, China's coal demand is projected to rise significantly. Although coal's share of China's overall energy consumption will decrease, coal consumption will continue to rise in absolute terms. China's continued and increasing reliance on coal as a power source has contributed significantly to putting China on the path to becoming the world's largest emitter of acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide and green house gases, including carbon dioxide.

The 11th Five-Year Program, announced in 2005, calls for greater energy conservation measures, including development of renewable energy sources and increased attention to environmental protection. Moving away from coal towards cleaner energy sources including oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power is an important component of China's development program. China has abundant hydroelectric resources; the Three Gorges Dam, for example, will have a total capacity of 18 gigawatts when fully on-line (projected for 2009). In addition, the share of electricity generated by nuclear power is projected to grow from 1% in 2000 to 5% in 2030. China's renewable energy law, which went into effect in 2006, calls for 10% of its energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Since 1993, China has been a net importer of oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Net imports are expected to rise to 3.5 million barrels per day by 2010. China is interested in diversifying the sources of its oil imports and has invested in oil fields around the world. Beijing also plans to increase China's natural gas production, which currently accounts for only 3% of China's total energy consumption. Analysts expect China's consumption of natural gas to more than double by 2010.

In May 2004, then-Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) that launched the U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue. The Dialogue has strengthened energy-related interactions between China and the United States, the world's two largest energy consumers. The U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue builds upon the two countries' existing cooperative ventures in high energy nuclear physics, fossil energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy and energy information exchanges. The NDRC and the Department of Energy also exchange views and expertise on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies, and we convene an annual Oil and Gas Industry Forum with China.

===Environment===
[[Image:Tianmenshan mountain.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Tian Shan, Gong Yuan, or Sky Mountain park, literally, is a world heritage site.]]
One of the serious negative consequences of China's rapid industrial development has been increased pollution and degradation of natural resources. China is widely expected to surpass the United States as the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases sometime in 2007 or 2008. A World Health Organization report on air quality in 272 cities worldwide concluded that seven of the world's 10 most polluted cities were in China. According to China's own evaluation, two-thirds of the 338 cities for which air-quality data are available are considered polluted—two-thirds of them moderately or severely so. Respiratory and heart diseases related to air pollution are the leading cause of death in China. Almost all of the nation's rivers are considered polluted to some degree, and half of the population lacks access to clean water. By some estimates, every day approximately 300 million residents drink contaminated water. Ninety percent of urban water bodies are severely polluted. Water scarcity also is an issue; for example, severe water scarcity in Northern China is a serious threat to sustained economic growth and the government has begun working on a project for a large-scale diversion of water from the Yangtze River to northern cities, including Beijing and Tianjin. Acid rain falls on 30% of the country. Various studies estimate pollution costs the Chinese economy 7%-10% of GDP each year.

China's leaders are increasingly paying attention to the country's severe environmental problems. In 1998, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) was officially upgraded to a ministry-level agency, reflecting the growing importance the Chinese Government places on environmental protection. In recent years, China has strengthened its environmental legislation and made some progress in stemming environmental deterioration. In 2005, China joined the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development, which brings industries and governments together to implement strategies that reduce pollution and address climate change. During the 10th Five-Year Plan, China plans to reduce total emissions by 10%. Beijing in particular is investing heavily in pollution control as part of its campaign to host a successful Olympiad in 2008. Some cities have seen improvement in air quality in recent years.

China is an active participant in climate change talks and other multilateral environmental negotiations, taking environmental challenges seriously but pushing for the developed world to help developing countries to a greater extent. It is a signatory to the Basel Convention governing the transport and disposal of hazardous waste and the Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and other major environmental agreements.

The question of environmental impacts associated with the Three Gorges Dam project has generated controversy among environmentalists inside and outside China. Critics claim that erosion and silting of the Yangtze River threaten several endangered species, while Chinese officials say the dam will help prevent devastating floods and generate clean hydroelectric power that will enable the region to lower its dependence on coal, thus lessening air pollution.

The United States and China are members of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP). The APP is a public-private partnership of six nations—Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States—committed to explore new mechanisms to meet national pollution reduction, energy security and climate change goals in ways that reduce poverty and promote economic development. APP members have undertaken cooperative activities involving deployment of clean technology in partner countries in eight areas: cleaner fossil energy, renewable energy and distributed generation, power generation and transmission, steel, aluminum, cement, coal mining, and buildings and appliances.

The United States and China have been engaged in an active program of bilateral environmental cooperation since the mid-1990s, with an emphasis on clean energy technology and the design of effective environmental policy. While both governments view this cooperation positively, China has often compared the U.S. program, which lacks a foreign assistance component, with those of Japan and several European Union (EU) countries that include generous levels of aid.

===Science and Technology===
Science and technology have always preoccupied China's leaders; indeed, China's political leadership comes almost exclusively from technical backgrounds and has a high regard for science. Deng called it "the first productive force." Distortions in the economy and society created by party rule have severely hurt Chinese science, according to some Chinese science policy experts. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, modeled on the Soviet system, puts much of China's greatest scientific talent in a large, under-funded apparatus that remains largely isolated from industry, although the reforms of the past decade have begun to address this problem.

Chinese science strategists see China's greatest opportunities in newly emerging fields such as biotechnology and computers, where there is still a chance for China to become a significant player. Most Chinese students who went abroad have not returned, but they have built a dense network of trans-Pacific contacts that will greatly facilitate U.S.-China scientific cooperation in coming years. The U.S. space program is often held up as the standard of scientific modernity in China. China's small but growing space program, which successfully completed their second manned orbit in October 2005, is a focus of national pride.

The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement remains the framework for bilateral cooperation in this field. A 5-year agreement to extend the Science and Technology Agreement was signed in April 2006. The Agreement is among the longest-standing U.S.-China accords, and includes over eleven U.S. Federal agencies and numerous branches that participate in cooperative exchanges under the S&T Agreement and its nearly 60 protocols, memoranda of understanding, agreements and annexes. The Agreement covers cooperation in areas such as marine conservation, renewable energy, and health. Biennial Joint Commission Meetings on Science and Technology bring together policymakers from both sides to coordinate joint science and technology cooperation. Executive Secretaries meetings are held biennially to implement specific cooperation programs. Japan and the European Union also have high-profile science and technology cooperative relationships with China.
====Internet====
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has criticized Chinese censorship and restrictions on the Intrernet, and China is pushing back since the Communist Party considers Internet control essential if it is to keep power and avoid elections. The government has denied suggestions by Google that a major, sophisticated assault on Google in late 2009 was sponsored by the government. The attack targeted email accounts used by dissidents, the weak point in China's political dictatorship. Google is threatening to ignore the censorship policies demanded by the government, and perhaps leave the country. The Communist Party promotes Internet use for commerce, but heavily censors content it deems pornographic, anti-social or politically subversive and blocks many foreign news and social media sites, including Twitter Facebook, and YouTube.

===Poor Medical care===
Mainland China, like most Communist regimes, gives low priority to medicine and medical care. Mainland China only spends 1% of GDP on health care, ranking #156 out of 196 nations surveys by the World Health Organization. Many people rely on traditional practitioners, having more faith in acupuncture than modern science. In any case few have the opportunity to receive modern drugs or treatment with advanced devices. The local clinic has only a thermometer and stethoscope for instrumentation, and very few modern drugs. Only one in six medical personnel have a college degree, and those degrees are not high quality. The ordinary people want more medical care but that hardly matters, for in a dictatorship violence matters, but not public opinion.<ref>Gordon Fairclaugh, "In China, Rx for Ailing Health System," ''Wall Street Journal,'' Oct. 15, 2009</ref>

===Trade===
China's merchandise exports totaled $969.3 billion and imports totaled $791.8 billion in 2006. Its global trade surplus surged from $32 billion in 2004 to $177.5 billion in 2006. China's primary trading partners include Japan, the EU, the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. According to U.S. statistics, China had a trade surplus with the U.S. of $232.6 billion in 2006.

China has taken important steps to open its foreign trading system and integrate itself into the world trading system. In November 1991, China joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, which promotes free trade and cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, and technology spheres. China served as APEC chair in 2001, and Shanghai hosted the annual APEC leaders meeting in October of that year.

China formally joined the WTO in December 2001. As part of this far-reaching trade liberalization agreement, China agreed to lower tariffs and abolish market impediments. Chinese and foreign businessmen, for example, gained the right to import and export on their own, and to sell their products without going through a government middleman. By 2005, average tariff rates on key U.S. agricultural exports dropped from 31% to 14% and on industrial products from 25% to 9%. The agreement also opens up new opportunities for U.S. providers of services like banking, insurance, and telecommunications. China has made significant progress implementing its WTO commitments, but serious concerns remain, particularly in the realm of intellectual property rights protection.

While accession does not guarantee smaller trade deficits, full implementation of all WTO commitments would further open China's markets to—and help level the playing field for—U.S. exports. China is now one of the most important markets for U.S. exports: in 2006, U.S. exports to China totaled $55.2 billion, almost triple the $19 billion when China joined the WTO in 2001 and up 32% over 2005. U.S. agricultural exports have increased dramatically, making China our fourth-largest agricultural export market (after Canada, Japan, and Mexico). Over the same period (2001-2006), U.S. imports from China have risen from $102 billion to $287.8 billion.

Export growth continues to be a major driver of China's rapid economic growth. To increase exports, China has pursued policies such as fostering the rapid development of foreign-invested factories, which assemble imported components into consumer goods for export, and liberalizing trading rights. In its eleventh Five-Year Program, adopted in 2005, China placed greater emphasis on developing a consumer demand-driven economy to sustain economic growth and address global imbalances.

The United States is one of China's primary suppliers of power generating equipment, aircraft and parts, computers and industrial machinery, raw materials, and chemical and agricultural products. However, U.S. exporters continue to have concerns about fair market access due to strict testing and standards requirements for some imported products. In addition, a lack of transparency in the regulatory process makes it difficult for businesses to plan for changes in the domestic market structure. The April 11, 2006 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) produced agreements on key U.S. trade concerns ranging from market access to U.S. beef, medical devices, and telecommunications; to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including, significantly, software. The JCCT also produced an agreement to establish a U.S.-China High Technology and Strategic Trade Working Group to review export control cooperation and facilitate high technology trade.

===Foreign Investment===
China's investment climate has changed dramatically in 24 years of reform. In the early 1980s, China restricted foreign investments to export-oriented operations and required foreign investors to form joint-venture partnerships with Chinese firms. Foreign direct investment (FDI) grew quickly during the 1980s, but stalled in late 1989 in the aftermath of Tiananmen. In response, the government introduced legislation and regulations designed to encourage foreigners to invest in high-priority sectors and regions. Since the early 1990s, China has allowed foreign investors to manufacture and sell a wide range of goods on the domestic market, and authorized the establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises, now the preferred form of FDI. However, the Chinese Government's emphasis on guiding FDI into manufacturing has led to market saturation in some industries, while leaving China's services sectors underdeveloped. China is now one of the leading recipients of FDI in the world, receiving almost $80 billion in 2005 according to World Bank statistics.

As part of its WTO accession, China undertook to eliminate certain trade-related investment measures and to open up specified sectors that had previously been closed to foreign investment. New laws, regulations, and administrative measures to implement these commitments are being issued. Major remaining barriers to foreign investment include opaque and inconsistently enforced laws and regulations and the lack of a rules-based legal infrastructure.

Opening to the outside remains central to China's development. Foreign-invested enterprises produce about half of China's exports, and China continues to attract large investment inflows. Foreign exchange reserves were $1.1 trillion at the end of 2006, and have now surpassed those of Japan, making China's foreign exchange reserves the largest in the world.
===Higher education===
Despite fears that China may be outpacing the United States in turning out engineers, the number of college students in China who study engineering is on the decline, according to ''Global Times'', a Chinese party-controlled newspaper. Fewer than one in 10 college graduates in 2009 majored in engineering. Instead, students are turning to economics, finance, and management, which pay more and carry more social status. "Engineering usually makes people think of factories, while factories often give people an impression of hard work, low wages, and layoffs," the newspaper quoted one professor as saying.

Although there are some considerable effort of developing the universities, the Communist regime are still having issues with academic freedoms, which means that some improvements will made, but the overall environment will not changed.

The exodus of Chinese undergraduate and graduate students continues; as 180,000 left in 2008, about 25% percent more than in 2007, as more families were able to pay overseas tuition. For every four students who left in the past decade, only one returned; those with American PhDs in science or engineering the least likely to return. The intellectual vitality, quality of science, pay scales and political climate is much more attractive in the West. Those who return to China risk being shunned as "foreigners".<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/world/asia/07scholar.html?hp Sharon LaFraniera, "Fighting Trend, China Is Luring Scientists Home," ''New York Times'' Jan. 6. 2010]</ref>Now the exodus are enlarged into high-school students and even primary school students.
===The Chinese in Africa===
China has been spending huge amounts of money and time buying influence in various African countries.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2011/0217/China-s-latest-trade-visit-to-Africa-reveals-a-different-approach-to-business]</ref> China has given 45 Afriacn countries $115 billion, a figure which is growing at 44% every year. Africa has many desirable resources such as [[diamonds]], [[oil]], and rare earth metals such as [[Indium]] which is used to make the touch screens for new high-tech devices such as [[Apple]]'s [[iPad]]<ref>[http://blogs.indium.com/blog/an-interview-with-the-professor/assembled-cost-of-an-ipad]</ref> and [[iPhone]], often under [[sweat shop]] conditions.

China's aim in Africa seems to be to buy up the emerging markets of the developing nations there. China has a big population, but does not have many of the resources (see above) that they will need to improve themselves. When countries go through [[industrialization]] they need to use a lot more resources, and China does not have them. By buying up Africa they get these natural resources cheaply. They will also be able to use these resources as poker chips against the west.
US ambassador [[Johnnie Carson]] believes "China has no morals" in Africa,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/12/09/cable-kenya-risks-new-violence-reforms/]</ref> which may be true given their [[communist]] ideology.

== History ==
{{main|History of China}}

Although archaeologists have found settlements in China dating to [[5000 BC]], the earliest nation that can be dated in the area of modern China is the [[Shang Dynasty]], approximately [[2000 BC]].
[[File:Great Wall of China.jpg|left|240px]]
Dynasty followed dynasty, as old regimes would lose the "mandate of heaven;" it was believed that each emperor ruled only with the approval of heaven, and a ruler who was unfit to rule would curse the nation until replaced. In addition, the Chinese capital would occasionally be overrun by "barbarians," who invariably would start a new dynasty in the Chinese capital, integrating their nations into the former dynasty.

Chinese had an advanced artistic culture and well-developed science and technology. However, its science and technology stood still after 1700 and in the 21st century very little survives outside museums, except in for the popular forms of traditional medicine.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by large-scale civil wars, major famines, military defeats by Britain and Japan, regional control by powerful warlords and foreign intervention such as the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900. In 1911 a revolution deposed the [[Qing dynasty]] and the [[Republic of China]] was proclaimed.

Under the leadership of the [[KMT]] (Kuomintang), headed by [[Chiang Kai-shek]] (1887-1975), the central government finally suppressed the local warlords who effectively controlled many provinces. The KMT tried to destroy the Communists under [[Mao Zedong]], but they escaped in the "Long March" of 1934-35. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931, and in 1937 invaded all of China, seizing the coast, the major cities, and setting up a puppet government that controlled most of the population. China was allied with the U.S. and Britain against Japan, and at war's end joined the United Nations as a permanent member of the 5-nation Security Council, with a veto.

In 1945-46, the U.S. attempted to force a negotiated settlement between the KMT and the Communists, but failed. In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under [[Mao Zedong]] established a totalitarian regime, forcing the elected constitutional ROC Government to Taiwan. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949.

Mao liquidated millions of opponents, acting against the International society in the [[Korean War]] (1950–53), and around 1960 broke bitterly with the Soviet Union over the control of the Communist world. Mao's regime imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.

After 1978, Mao's successor [[Deng Xiaoping]] constructed a market-economy system, while still remain de-facto control over the land by imposing the length of usage of the land, and by 2000 output had increased, population growth ended (by imposing a one-child policy), and mediocre relations were secured with the West. For much of the population, living standards have improved and the material choices are growing, yet totalitarian rule and the ownership of the Internet still firmly gripped.

China's economy during the last quarter century has changed from a centrally planned system that was largely closed to international trade, to a more market-oriented economy that has a rapidly growing private sector and is a major player in the global economy.

== Human Rights ==
Under Mao millions of Chinese were died, no matter it is famine or political movements, they are all the results of Communism itself. The "[[Cultural Revolution]]" in the 1960s was an Communistic effort of eradicating Chinese culture endorsed by Mao in order to eliminate potential political elite that could act against the Communist Party; it set back China by decades, even after his death, the damage in the social morality is still remaining.

After the mid-1980s the new leader [[Deng Xiaoping]] promoted rapid modernization. While Mao's memory was still revered, most of his brutal policies were ended and much economic freedom—and a dash of political liberalization—was allowed. Intellectuals were encouraged to speak out again and to share in a new spirit of "democratization." However Communist party leaders in 1986 warned that modernization must not be used as an excuse to introduce "bourgeois philosophies and social doctrines." By late 1986 student groups began to demonstrate demanding more student participation in local government, a greater degree of democracy, and better living conditions. As demonstrations escalated Hu Yaobang, the general secretary of the party, resigned, confessing that he had made major mistakes and would take responsibility for them. It was a setback to political and economic liberalization, though Hu remained, out of office, a symbol of the potential for democracy. Hu's death in April 1989, sparked widespread public rallies in favor of broad social changes in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities. Tens of thousands of students defied a government clampdown to demonstrate in May in [[Tiananmen Square]] central Beijing. The Party moved to kill dissent, sending uneducated rural troops into square on June 3–4; hundreds of demonstrators were killed, wounded, or arrested. The world was appalled. Following the savage repression of democrats in all major cities Deng Xiaoping appeared to be even more firmly in control.

The China country reports in the U.S. State Department's 2009 Human Rights Practices and International Religious Freedom Reports<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref> noted China's well-documented and continuing abuses of human rights in violation of internationally recognized norms, stemming both from the authorities' intolerance of dissent and the inadequacy of legal safeguards for basic freedoms. Reported abuses have included arbitrary and lengthy incommunicado detention, forced confessions, torture, and mistreatment of prisoners as well as severe restrictions on freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, religion, privacy, worker rights, and coercive birth limitation. In 2006, China continued the monitoring, harassment, intimidation, and arrest of journalists, Internet writers, defense lawyers, religious activists, and political dissidents. The activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), especially those relating to the rule of law and expansion of judicial review, continue to be restricted.

In 2008 China loosened its restrictions somewhat for the Summer Olympics. The government owns the Internet access and censor several websites to prevent the people from learning about the Communist regime and the evil root of the Communism.

Human rights failures remain a major concern. Abatement of pollution and improvements in systems to ensure food, drug, and product safety are major concerns, especially after notorious episodes of exporting poisoned pet food, toothpaste and infant formula.
===Repression in 2008===
In 2008 China's human rights record remained poor and worsened in some areas. During the year the government increased its severe cultural and religious repression of ethnic minorities in Tibetan areas and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), increased detention and harassment of dissidents and petitioners, and maintained tight controls on freedom of speech and the Internet. Abuses peaked around high-profile events, such as the Olympics and the unrest in Tibet. As in previous years, citizens did not have the right to change their government. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), both local and international, continued to face intense scrutiny and restrictions. Other serious human rights abuses included extrajudicial killings, torture and coerced confessions of prisoners, and the use of forced labor, including prison labor. Workers cannot choose an independent union to represent them in the workplace, and the law does not protect workers' right to strike. The government continued to monitor, harass, detain, arrest, and imprison journalists, writers, activists, and defense lawyers and their families, many of whom were seeking to exercise their rights under the law.<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref>
===Execution Controversy===
In December 2009, China executed a man named Akmal Shaikh for drug smuggling. There is evidence that Shaikh was mentally ill, but he was not given a psychological exam of any sort before the trial. He was not given an examination because the Chinese government declared that neither Shaikh or his family could prove he was mentally ill through documentation or family history. The British government made many requests for clemency, including at an eleventh-hour meeting with the Chinese ambassador, but they were consistently ignored.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-britain-china30-2009dec30,0,4153003.story</ref>

== China and obesity ==

[[File:Flag of the PRC.png|thumbnail|250px|right|China has the largest atheist population in the world.<ref>
*[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal'' Lancet'' reported that the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref>

A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>]]
''See also:'' [[China and obesity]] and [[Atheism and obesity]]

In 2014, it was reported that China's obesity rate has skyrocketed in the last 30 years and the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> The ''Wall Street Journal'' reported in 2014 that China had approximately 300 million overweight people.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal ''Lancet'' analyzed weight trends in 188 countries and reported that more than 28% of Chinese adult men and 27% of the country’s adult women are now overweight or obese.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref>

According to a 2012 report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese children in China has reached 120 million.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_yk-aM0cyk Child Obesity Reaches 120 Million in China]</ref> A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref> Due to their past [[One-child Policy|one-child policy]], which had exceptions, China now has a lot of over-pampered and over-fed children.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yuf8yg0Dbig Rising Chinese Child Obesity and Fat Camps]</ref>

Matthew Crabbe, co-author of "Fat China: How Expanding Waistlines are Changing a Nation" declared that China's surging rate of obesity is "a ticking bomb" underneath the country's future economic growth and healthcare system.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>

==Further reading==
* Chow, Gregory C. ''China's Economic Transformation'' (2nd ed. 2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Chinas-Economic-Transformation-Gregory-Chow/dp/1405156244/ref=pd_sim_b_img_3 excerpt and text search]
* Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Entwisle, Barbara, and Gail E. Henderson, eds. ''Re-Drawing Boundaries: Work, Households, and Gender in China,'' U of California Press, 2000; on 1990; [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt938nd0k8/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' (1998). 546 pp.
* Gries, Peter Hays. ''China's New Nationalism: Pride, Politics, and Diplomacy,'' U of California Press, (2004); recent history [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt9290249r/?&query=&brand=ucpress online edition free]
* Kang, David C. ''China Rising: Peace, Power, and Order in East Asia'' (2007), argues a strong China stabilizes East Asia
* Naughton, Barry. ''The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth'' (2007), important new survey
*Ogden S. (ed) ''China.'' (2006)
* Oi, Jean C. ''Rural China Takes Off: Institutional Foundations of Economic Reform,'' U of California Press, (1999) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8j49p1hv/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' (1999). 662 pp.
* Rawski, Thomas G. and Lillian M. Li, eds. ''Chinese History in Economic Perspective,'' University of California Press, 1992 [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft6489p0n6/?&query=&brand=ucpress online free]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' (1999). 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' (2000). 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition]
* Shambaugh, David. ''China's Communist Party: Atrophy and Adaptation'' (2009)
* Shambaugh, David. ''Modernizing China's Military: Progress, Problems, and Prospects'' U of California Press, (2003) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt4779q33t/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' (1998). 442 pp.

==See also==
*[[Atheistic China and alcoholism]]
*[[Atheistic China and loneliness]]
*[[Chinese History]]
*[[Chinese Painting]]
*[[China and involuntary organ harvesting]]
*[[Great Wall of China]]
*[[Oriental art]]
*[[Previous Breaking News/China|Articles about '''China''' from previous "Breaking News"]]
* [[Nuclear target structures]]
*[[Chinese National Day]]
*[[China and obesity]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.chinadetail.com/Nation/ All About China]
*[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/china/home.html People's Daily: China at a Glance]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1287798.stm BBC News - ''Country Profile: China'']
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html CIA World Factbook - ''China'']
*[http://www.monthlyreview.org/1105wu.htm "Rethinking ‘Capitalist Restoration’ in China"] by Yiching Wu
*[http://www.gov.cn/ The Central People's Government of People's Republic of China]
*[http://www.china.org.cn/ China's Official Gateway for News & Information]
*[http://www.globalpolitician.com/articles.asp?ID=341 The Dragon's Dawn: China as a Rising Imperial Power] February 11, 2005.
*[http://www.china-profile.com/history/hist_list_1.htm History of The People's Republic of China] Timeline of Key Events since 1949.
*[http://www.danwei.org/ Media, advertising, and urban life in China.]
*[http://factoidz.com/the-largest-ethnic-group-in-the-world-han-chinese-of-china/ The Largest Ethnic Group in the World: Han Chinese of China.]

{{Asian Countries}}
[[Category:China]]
[[Category:Communist States]]
[[Category:Oppression]]
[[Category:Anti-American]]
[[Category:Police State]]
[[Category:Welfare State]]
[[Category:Nuclear Target Structures]]

China

2017-11-04T05:45:37Z

AntiCommunistAction:

{{Country
|name =People's Republic of China ''Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó'' 中华人民共和国
|map =China rel01.jpg
|map2 =China location.png
|flag =Flag_of_the_PRC.png‎
|arms =Arms of PR China.png
|capital =Beijing
|capital-raw =
|government =Communist
|government-raw =
|language =Chinese (Mandarin)
|king =
|queen =
|monarch-raw =
|president =Xi Jinping
|premier =Li Keqiang
|chancellor =
|chancellor-raw =
|pm =
|pm-raw =
|area =3,704,427 sq mi
|pop =1,336,000,000 (2011)
|pop-basis =
|gdp =
|gdp-year =$47.1564 trillion (2011)
|gdp-pc =$5,432 (2011)
|currency =Yuan
|idd =
|tld =
}}
'''China''' is the world's largest country by population, with a rapidly growing economy. With thousands of years of continuous traditions, in three decades it has dramatically changed itself from a poor backward nation to a world power, and is one of the world's top economies. It has emerged as a major regional power in East Asia, averaging over 9% economic growth per year since 1978 when it introduced a market-based economic system with many elements of capitalism, to replace its old socialism. Foreign businesses have flocked to invest in China, Americans and others rush to buy its cheap factory output, Chinese exports flooded the world. It has vast reserves of dollar holdings. China is modernizing its military, has joined numerous regional and international institutions, and plays an increasingly visible role in international politics.

The nation is under control from the [[Chinese Communist Party]], which encompasses mainland China, albeit with many border disputes. The Beijing claims [[Taiwan]] as a province, but the Taipei maintains its sovereignty.

[[Hong Kong]] was transferred back to Chinese control by the [[United Kingdom]] in 1997, and [[Macau]] was handed over by [[Portugal]] in 1999. Both territories are now [[Special Administrative Region]]s and have autonomy over local affairs. However, the autonomy has been eroded in recent years, particularly after 2014 "Umbrella Revolution". Since the 1950s China has increasingly asserted brutal control over [[Tibet]].

Since China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China represents a vast market that is growing more affluent and sophisticated while remaining a low-cost base for export-oriented production. Educationally, China is forging ahead as partnerships, and exchanges with foreign universities have helped create new research opportunities for its students. China used the Summer Olympics in 2008 as a platform of propagating the so called "economic development" to the world, while it is still a Communist country in its core of the past two decades since the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre. The new leadership is committed to generating greater economic development in the interior and providing more services to those who do not live in China's coastal areas. However, China is never a true market economy, as the key resources, such as land, is not privately owned; the so-called collective ownership is still de-facto government ownership. Moreover, on the Communist Regime's Constitution, Mainland China is still officially a Communist Country. In 2015, the Communist-controlled Mainland China (or self-proclaimed People's Republic) has been denied as a market economy.

For more information on China, see [[World History Lecture Three]].

==Name==
{{language box
|s=中国
|t=中國
|l=central nation
|p=Zhōngguó
|w=Chung1-kuo2
}}
The word "China" is derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] word ''Cin'' (چین), which is from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Cīna'' (चीन).<ref name="AmHer">"[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/China?qsrc=2888 China]". ''The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language'' (2000). Boston and New York: Houghton-Mifflin.</ref> It is first recorded in 1516 in the journal of the Portuguese explorer [[Duarte Barbosa]].<ref>"China". ''Oxford English Dictionary'' (1989). ISBN 0-19-957315-8. ''[http://books.google.com.vn/books?id=edzW9fuOF-cC&pg=PA211&dq=#v=onepage&q=%22Very%20Great%20Kingdom%20of%20China%22&f=false The Book of Duarte Barbosa]'' (chapter title "The Very Great Kingdom of China"). ISBN 81-206-0451-2. In the [http://purl.pt/435/ Portuguese original], the chapter is titled "O Grande Reino da China".</ref> The journal was translated and published in England in 1555.<ref>Eden, Richard (1555). ''Decades of the New World'': {{cite book | title=Western Views of China and the Far East, Volume 1 | publisher=Asian Research Service | year=1984 | page=34 |first=Henry Allen |last=Myers}}</ref> The traditional theory, proposed in the 17th century by Martino Martini, is that ''Cīna'' is derived from "Qin" (秦), the westernmost of the Chinese kingdoms during the [[Zhou Dynasty]].<ref name="Martini">Martino, Martin, ''Novus Atlas Sinensis'', Vienna 1655, Preface, p. 2.</ref> However, the word was used earlier in [[Hindu]] scripture, including the ''Mahābhārata'' (5th century BC) and the ''Laws of Manu'' (2nd century BC). Indian writers were not aware of China until the second century AD. Earlier usage of the word presumably refers to another entity, perhaps a country near the Tibetan-Burma border.<ref>See Liu, Lydia He, ''The Clash of Empires'', p. 77 Wade, Geoff. "[http://www.sino-platonic.org/complete/spp188_yelang_china.pdf The Polity of Yelang and the Origin of the Name 'China']". ''[[Sino-Platonic Papers]]'', No. 188, May 2009, p. 20.</ref>

==People==
===Ethnic Groups===
[[File:Chinese people.jpg|right|250px]]
China officially recognizes 56 distinct ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Han Chinese, who constitute about 91.9% of the total population. The remaining 8.1% are Zhuang (16 million), Manchu (10 million), Hui (9 million), Miao (8 million), [[Uighur]] (7 million), Yi (7 million), Mongolian (5 million), Tibetan (5 million), Buyi (3 million), Korean (2 million), and other ethnic minorities.

In July 2009 large scale rioting erupted as the [[Uighur]] minority fought Chinese riot police in major cities in China's western Xinjiang province. Hundreds are dead.<ref>See [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/world/asia/07kadeer.html?ref=world Wrik Eckholm, "China Points to Another Leader in Exile," ''New York Times'' July 6, 2009]</ref> Uighurs are angry at political, cultural and religious persecution as well as the growing presence in the region of Han Chinese - China's main ethnic group. Han now predominate in the cities, and Uighurs in the countryside. This is the first major violent unrest in China in two decades.

===Language===
[[File:China Ethnic language.jpg|thumb|left|Chinese Ethnolinguistic Groups.]]
There are seven major Chinese dialects and many subdialects. [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] (or Putonghua), the predominant dialect, is spoken by over 70% of the population. It is taught in all schools and is the medium of government. About two-thirds of the Han ethnic group are native speakers of Mandarin; the rest, concentrated in south and southeast China, speak one of the six other major Chinese dialects. Non-Chinese languages spoken widely by ethnic minorities include Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and other Turkic languages (in Xinjiang), and Korean (in the northeast).

All Chinese dialects use the same written character sets. In mainland China, the [[Simplified Chinese|Simplified]] characters have been in use since 1949.

====The Pinyin System of Romanization====
On January 1, 1979, the Chinese Government officially adopted the [[Hanyu pinyin|pinyin]] system for spelling Chinese names and places in Roman letters. A system of Romanization invented by the Chinese, pinyin has long been widely used in China on street and commercial signs as well as in elementary Chinese textbooks as an aid in learning Chinese characters and for common character input systems. Variations of pinyin also are used as the written forms of several minority languages.

Pinyin has now replaced other conventional spellings in China's English-language publications. The U.S. Government also has adopted the pinyin system for all names and places in China. For example, the capital of China is now spelled "Beijing" rather than "Peking."

In 2008 the Republic of China government finally adopted the pinyin system, replaces the [[Wade-Giles]] system which is gradually pushed away by the Chinese diaspora.

==Religion==
A February 2007 survey concluded that 31% of Chinese citizens ages 16 and over, representing 300 million persons, follow some kind of religion.<ref>This is approximately three times the official figure reported by the Government in April 2005.See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108404.htm U.S. State Department "International Religious Freedom Report 2008"]</ref>

There are reportedly more than 100,000 officially recognized sites for religious activities, 300,000 officially recognized clergy, and more than 3,000 officially recognized religious organizations.
[[File:China B.jpg|left|280px]]
The Government officially recognizes five main religions: [[Buddhism]], [[Taoism]], [[Islam]], [[Catholicism]], and [[Protestantism]]. There are five state-sanctioned "Patriotic Religious Associations" (PRAs) that manage the activities of the recognized faiths. The Russian Orthodox Church operates in some regions, particularly those with large populations of Russian expatriates or with close links to Russia. Foreign residents in the country who belonged to religious faiths not officially recognized by the Government were generally permitted to practice their religions. There is very little freedom for Christians however.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25502760</ref>

It is difficult to estimate the number of Buddhists and Taoists, because they do not have congregational memberships and many practice exclusively at home.

The Government estimated that there are 16,000 Buddhist temples and monasteries, 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, more than 1,700 reincarnate lamas, and 32 Buddhist schools. Most believers, particularly ethnic Han Buddhists, practice Mahayana Buddhism, while the majority of Tibetans and ethnic Mongolians, as well as a growing number of ethnic Chinese, practice Tibetan Buddhism, a Mahayana adaptation. Some ethnic minorities in southwest Yunnan Province practice Theravada Buddhism, the dominant tradition in parts of neighboring Southeast Asia.

There are more than 25,000 Taoist priests and nuns, more than 1,500 Taoist temples, and 2 Taoist schools. Traditional folk religions (worship of local gods, heroes, and ancestors) are practiced by hundreds of millions of citizens and are often affiliated with Taoism, Buddhism, or ethnic minority cultural practices.

The government says there are twenty million Muslims. Independent estimates range as high as fifty million or more. There are more than 40,000 Islamic places of worship (more than half of which are in the XUAR), more than 45,000 imams nationwide, and 10 Islamic schools. The country has ten predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Hui, estimated to number more than ten million. The Hui are centered in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, but there are significant concentrations of Hui throughout the country, including in Gansu, Henan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Hebei Provinces, as well as in the TAR and the XUAR. Hui Muslims slightly outnumber Uighur Muslims, who live primarily in the XUAR. According to an official 2005 report, the XUAR had 23,900 mosques and 27,000 clerics at the end of 2004, but fewer than half of the mosques were authorized to hold Friday prayer and holiday services. The country also has more than one million Kazakh Muslims and thousands of Dongxiang, Kyrgyz, Salar, Tajik, Uzbek, Baoan, and Tatar Muslims.

Officials from the Three-Self Patriotic Movement/China Christian Council (TSPM/CCC), the governmental organization in charge of the Christianity Churches (officially led by the CPC), estimated that at least twenty million citizens worship in official churches. Government officials stated that there are more than 50,000 registered TSPM churches and 18 TSPM theological schools. The Pew Research Center estimates that between 50 million and 70 million Christians practice without state sanction. However, some estimates over 100million people are Christians. The World Christian Database estimates that there are more than 300 unofficial house church networks.

The Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) reports that 5.3 million persons worship in its churches and it is estimated that there are an additional 12 million or more persons who worship in unregistered Catholic churches that do not affiliate with the CPA. According to official sources, the government-sanctioned CPA has more than 70 bishops, nearly 3,000 priests and nuns, 6,000 churches and meeting places, and 12 seminaries. There are thought to be approximately 40 bishops operating "underground," some of whom are in prison or under house arrest. During the reporting period, at least three bishops were ordained with papal approval. In September 2007 the official media reported that Liu Bainian, CPA vice president, stated that the young bishops were to be selected to serve dioceses without bishops and to replace older bishops. Of the 97 dioceses in the country, 40 reportedly did not have an acting bishop in 2007, and more than 30 bishops were over 80 years of age.
===Religious discrimination===
The Government restricts legal religious practice to government-sanctioned organizations and registered religious groups and places of worship, and seeks to control the growth and scope of the activity of both registered and unregistered religious groups, including "house churches." Government authorities limit proselytism, particularly by foreigners and unregistered religious groups, but permit proselytism in state-approved religious venues and private settings. The Chinese government explicitly prohibits students and civil servants from participating in certain religious practices, even when not in school or at work.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/china-bans-ramadan-fast-muslim-northwest-103756197.html Didi Tang "China bans Ramadan fast in Muslim northwest." July 3, 2014. Associated Press.]</ref>
[[File:Great Mosque Xi an China.jpg|thumb|330px|Great Mosque of Xi'an.]]
In 2008, the Government's repression of religious freedom intensified in some areas, including in Tibetan areas and in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Unregistered Protestant religious groups in Beijing reported intensified harassment from government authorities in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Media and China-based sources reported that municipal authorities in Beijing closed some house churches or asked them to stop meeting during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. During the reporting period, officials detained and interrogated several foreigners about their religious activities and in several cases alleged that the foreigners had engaged in "illegal religious activities" and cancelled their visas. Media reported that the total number of expatriates expelled by the Government due to concerns about their religious activities exceeded one hundred. Officials in the XUAR, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and other Tibetan areas tightly controlled religious activity. The Government sought the forcible return of several Uighur Muslims living abroad, some of whom had reportedly protested restrictions on the Hajj and encouraged other Muslims to pray and fast during Ramadan. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism, including those in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and most Tibetan autonomous areas, faced more restrictions on their religious practice and ability to organize than Buddhists in other parts of the country. "Patriotic education" campaigns in the TAR and other Tibetan regions, which required monks and nuns to sign statements personally denouncing the Dalai Lama, and other new restrictions on religious freedom were major factors that led monks and nuns to mount peaceful protests at a number of monasteries on March 10, 2008. The protests and subsequent security response gave way to violence in Lhasa by March 14 and 15.
Moreover, Christians, including the Catholic, protestant Christians, are facing societal hostility generated by the government, and the Christians are facing difficulties when comes to the decision of ascension in the state enterprises, and will be arrested if evangelizing on governmental schools' campus (public schools, but with heavy involvement from the Communist party branches).

"Underground" Roman Catholic clergy faced repression, in large part due to their avowed loyalty to the Vatican, which the Government accused of interfering in the country's internal affairs. The Government continued to repress groups that it designated as "cults," most of which included several Christian groups and Falun Gong.

Religious and ethnic minority groups such as Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims experienced societal discrimination not only because of their religious beliefs but also because of their status as ethnic minorities with distinct languages and cultures. After the March 2008 protests in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas there were reports of increased tensions between Tibetan Buddhists and Hui Muslims.

The [[Falun Gong]] is a self-described spiritual movement that blends aspects of Taoism, Buddhism, and the meditation techniques and physical exercises of qigong (a traditional Chinese exercise discipline), with the teachings of Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi. There are estimated to have been at least 2.1 million adherents of Falun Gong before the Government cleansed and persecute the group in 1999. Hundreds of thousands may practice Falun Gong privately, but with serious risks, and once discovered by the government agents, the practitioners will be jailed, losing jobs, and may not even attend the universities. Moreover, the practitioners will risk the risk of having their organs live-harvested by the Communist government.<ref>https://www.theepochtimes.com/new-documentary-secret-audio-recordings-of-politburo-standing-committee-members-reveal-vast-state-run-enterprise-of-live-organ-harvesting_2263247.html</ref>

==Population Policy==
[[Image:China Mex RGarciaOrtiz.jpg|right|Chinese at Mexico]]
{{main|One-child Policy}}

With a population officially just over 1.3 billion and an estimated growth rate of about 0.6%, China is very concerned about its population growth and has attempted with mixed results to implement a strict birth limitation policy. Until 2013 the government permitted one child per family, with allowance for a second child under certain circumstances (such as twins), especially in rural areas, and with guidelines looser for ethnic minorities with small populations. Enforcement varies, and relies largely on "social compensation fees" to discourage extra births. Official government policy opposed forced [[abortion]] or sterilization, but in some localities there were instances of forced [[abortion]]. The government's goal was to stabilize the population in the first half of the 21st century, and current projections are that the population would peak at around 1.6 billion by 2050. Boys are highly prized, and because screening of fetuses is done to determine gender, selective abortion has resulted in 119 boys born for every 100 girls. By 2020, 24 million men of marrying age will find themselves without wives.

2013 the government eased the One-child Policy strongly. Since then families in which at least one parent was an only child can have a second child now.<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/china-ease-1-child-policy-abolish-labor-camps</ref>

==Government==
The People's Republic of China is an totalitarian/authoritarian regime in which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) constitutionally is the base structure and source of power. Moreover, the society has been forced to run according to the motive of the Communist Party in the past decades, although not successful. Party members hold almost all top government, police, and military positions. Ultimate authority rests with the 25-member political bureau (Politburo) of the CCP and its nine-member standing committee. '''[[Xi Jinping]]''' holds the three most powerful positions as CCP general secretary, president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.

===Chinese Communist Party===
The 71 million member CCP, totalitarian in structure and ideology, continues to dominate government. Nevertheless, China's population, geographical vastness, and social diversity frustrate attempts to rule by fiat from Beijing. Core leaders are attempting to adopt several changes in order to support its own greed in power as a totalitarian state.

In periods of greater openness, the influence of people and organizations outside the formal party structure has tended to increase, particularly in the economic realm. This phenomenon is most apparent today in the rapidly developing coastal region. Nevertheless, in all important government, economic, and cultural institutions in China, party committees work to see that party and state policy guidance is followed and that non-party members do not create autonomous organizations that could challenge party rule. Party control is tight- although not being felt directly.

Theoretically, the party's highest body is the Party Congress, which traditionally meets at least once every 5 years. The 17th Party Congress is expected to take place in the fall of 2007. The primary organs of power in the Communist Party include:
*The Politburo Standing Committee, which currently consists of nine members (one seat is vacant following the June 2, 2007 death of Huang Ju);
*The Politburo, consisting of 24 full members, including the members of the Politburo Standing Committee;
*The Secretariat, the principal administrative mechanism of the CCP, headed by the General Secretary;
*The Central Military Commission;
*The Discipline Inspection Commission, which is charged with rooting out corruption and malfeasance among party cadres.
===State Structure===
[[File:Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing China.jpg|thumb|left|340px|In front of the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.]]
The Chinese Government is constructed around the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); its role is to implement party policies. The primary organs of state power are the National People's Congress (NPC), the President (the head of state), and the State Council. Members of the State Council include Premier Li Keqiang (the head of government), a variable number of vice premiers (now four), five state councilors (protocol equivalents of vice premiers but with narrower portfolios), and 22 ministers and four State Council commission directors.

Under the Communist constitution, the NPC is the highest organ of political power in Mainland China. It meets annually for about 2 weeks to review and approve major new policy directions, laws, the budget, and major personnel changes. These initiatives are presented to the NPC for consideration by the State Council after previous endorsement by the Communist Party's Central Committee. Although the NPC generally approves State Council policy and personnel recommendations, various NPC committees hold active debate in closed sessions, and changes may be made to accommodate alternate views.

When the NPC is not in session, its permanent organ, the Standing Committee, exercises state power.

{{Clear}}

===Principal Government and Party Officials===
(After Oct. 2017)
*President—Xi Jinping
*Vice President—Li Yuanchao
*Premier, State Council—Li Keqiang
*NPC Chair—Wu Bangguo
*Vice Premier—Zhang Gaoli
*Politburo Standing Committee—Xi Jinping (General Secretary), Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng
*Other Politburo Members— Ding Xuexiang, Wang Chen, Liu He, Xu Qiliang, Sun Chunlan (Arrested), Li Xi, Li Qiang, Li Hongzhong, Yang Jiechi, Zhang Youxia, Chen xi, Chen Quanguo, Zhao Leji, Hu Chunhua, Guo Shengkun, Huang Kunming, Cai Qi.(alternate)
*Alternate Politburo Members—Wang Gang
*Chairman, Central Military Commission—Xi Jinping
*Foreign Minister—Yang Jiechi
*Minister of Commerce—Zhong Shan
*Minister of Finance—Jin Renqing
*Minister of Agriculture—Sun Zhengcai
*Minister of Information Industry—Wang Xudong
*Governor, People's Bank of China—Zhou Xiaochuan
*Minister, State Development and Reform Commission—Ma Kai
*Ambassador to U.S.--Zhou Wenzhong
*Ambassador to UN—Wang Guangya

===Foreign Relations===
[[Image:Chinese painting.jpg|thumb|Chinese painting.]]
Since its establishment, the Communist Party is doing all it can to lure countries to stand and advocate for its position that it is the sole legitimate government of all China, including Hong Kong, Macau, and [[Taiwan]]. In the early 1970s, Beijing was recognized diplomatically by most world powers. [[Beijing]] (Pekin) assumed the China seat in the [[United Nations]] in 1971 and has since become increasingly active in multilateral organizations. Japan established diplomatic relations with China in 1972, and the United States did so in 1979. As of July 2007, the number of countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing had risen to 167, while 24 maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

After the founding of the P.R.C., China's foreign policy initially focused on solidarity with the Soviet Union and other communist countries. In 1950, the Mainland Communist Regime sent the People's Liberation Army into North Korea to help North Korea halt the UN offensive that was approaching the Yalu River. After the conclusion of the Korean conflict, China sought to balance its identification as a member of the Soviet bloc by establishing friendly relations with Pakistan and other Third World countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.

In the 1960s, Beijing competed with Moscow for political influence among communist parties and in the developing world generally. Following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and clashes in 1969 on the Sino-Soviet border, Chinese competition with the Soviet Union increasingly reflected concern over China's own strategic position.

In late 1978, the Chinese also became concerned over Vietnam's efforts to establish open control over Laos and Cambodia, though it is because of Cambodian's brutality led to invasion. In response to the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, China fought a brief border war with Vietnam (February–March 1979) with the stated purpose of "teaching Vietnam a lesson."

Chinese anxiety about Soviet strategic advances was heightened following the Soviet Union's December 1979 invasion of Afghanistan. Sharp differences between China and the Soviet Union persisted over Soviet support for Vietnam's continued occupation of Cambodia, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and Soviet troops along the Sino-Soviet border and in Mongolia—the so-called "three obstacles" to improved Sino-Soviet relations.

In the 1970s and 1980s China sought to create a secure regional and global environment for itself and to foster good relations with countries that could aid its economic development. To this end, China looked to the West for assistance with its modernization drive and for help in countering Soviet expansionism, which it characterized as the greatest threat to its national security and to world peace.
[[File:Map South Asia.jpg|left|400px]]
China maintained its consistent opposition to "superpower hegemony," focusing almost exclusively on the expansionist actions of the Soviet Union and Soviet proxies such as Vietnam and Cuba, but it also placed growing emphasis on a foreign policy independent of both the U.S. and the Soviet Union. While improving ties with the West, China continued to follow closely economic and other positions of the Third World nonaligned movement, although China was not a formal member.

In the immediate aftermath of Tiananmen crackdown in June 1989, many countries reduced their diplomatic contacts with China as well as their economic assistance programs. In response, China worked vigorously to expand its relations with foreign countries, and by late 1990, had reestablished normal relations with almost all nations. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991, China also opened diplomatic relations with the republics of the former Soviet Union.

In recent years, Chinese leaders have been regular travelers to all parts of the globe, and China has sought a higher profile in the UN through its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral organizations. Closer to home, China has made efforts to reduce tensions in Asia, hosting the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program, cultivating a more cooperative relationship with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum. China has also taken steps to improve relations with countries in South Asia, including India. Following Premier Wen's 2005 visit to India, the two sides moved to increase commercial and cultural ties, as well as to resolve longstanding border disputes. The November 2006 visit of President Hu was the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to India in 10 years.

China has likewise improved ties with Russia, with Presidents Putin and Hu exchanging visits to Beijing and Moscow in April 2006 and March 2007. A second round of Russia-China joint military exercises is scheduled for fall 2007. China has played a prominent role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional grouping that includes Russia and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Beijing has resolved many of its border and maritime disputes, notably including a November 1997 agreement with Russia that resolved almost all outstanding border issues and a 2000 agreement with Vietnam to resolve differences over their maritime border, though disagreements remain over islands in the South China Sea. Relations with Japan improved following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's October 2006 visit to Beijing, although longstanding and emotionally charged disputes over history and competing claims to portions of the East China Sea remain sources of tension.

While in many ways Sudan's primary diplomatic patron, China has played a constructive role in support of peacekeeping operations in Southern Sudan and pledged to contribute an engineering unit in support of UN operations in Darfur. China has stated publicly that it shares the international community's concern over Iran's nuclear program and has voted in support of UN sanctions resolutions on Iran. Set against this has been an effort on the part of China to maintain close ties to countries such as Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela, which are sources of oil and other resources and which welcome China's non-conditional assistance and investment.

==Political Conditions==
===Legal System===
The government's efforts to promote rule of law appeared to be advancing, but impossible under the political structure constructed around the Communist Party. After the Cultural Revolution, China's leaders aimed to develop a legal system to restrain abuses of official authority and revolutionary excesses. In 1982, the Communist's National People's Congress adopted a new state constitution that emphasized the rule of law under which even party leaders are theoretically held accountable.

Since 1979, when the drive to establish a functioning legal system began, more than 300 laws and regulations, most of them in the economic area, have been promulgated. The use of mediation committees—informed groups of citizens who resolve about 90% of China's civil disputes and some minor criminal cases at no cost to the parties—is one innovative device. There are more than 800,000 such committees in both rural and urban areas.

Legal reform became a government priority in the 1990s. Legislation designed to modernize and professionalize the nation's lawyers, judges, and prisons was enacted. The 1994 Administrative Procedure Law allows citizens to sue officials for abuse of authority or malfeasance. In addition, the criminal law and the criminal procedures laws were amended to introduce significant reforms. The criminal law amendments abolished the crime of "counter-revolutionary" activity, although many persons are still incarcerated for that crime. Criminal procedures reforms also encouraged establishment of a more transparent, adversarial trial process. The Chinese constitution and laws provide for fundamental human rights, including due process, but these are often ignored in practice. In addition to other judicial reforms, the Constitution was amended in 2004 to include the protection of individual human rights and legally-obtained private property, but it is unclear how those provisions will be implemented. Although new criminal and civil laws have provided additional safeguards to citizens, previously debated political reforms, including expanding elections to the township level, and other legal reforms, including the reform of the reeducation through labor system, have been put on hold. However, it is still impossible for certain groups to defend themselves as the legal system is constructed around the Communist Party.

==Military==
Establishment of a professional military force equipped with modern weapons and doctrine was the last of the "Four Modernizations" announced by Zhou Enlai and supported by Deng Xiaoping. In keeping with Deng's mandate to reform, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which includes the strategic nuclear forces, army, navy, and air force, has demobilized millions of men and women since 1978 and introduced modern methods in such areas as recruitment and manpower, strategy, and education and training.
[[File:China military.jpg|left]]
Following the June 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, ideological correctness was temporarily revived as the dominant theme in Chinese military affairs. Reform and modernization appear to have since resumed their position as the PLA's priority objectives.

The Chinese military is in the process of transforming itself from a land-based power, centered on a vast ground force, to a smaller, mobile, high-tech military eventually capable of mounting limited operations beyond its coastal borders.

China's power-projection capability is limited but has grown over recent years. China has acquired some advanced weapons systems from abroad, including Sovremmeny destroyers, SU-27 and SU-30 aircraft, and Kilo-class diesel submarines from Russia, and continued to develop domestic production capabilities, such as for the domestically-developed J-10 fighter aircraft. However, much of its air and naval forces continues to be based on 1960s-era technology. As the Defense Department's Quadrennial Defense Review, released February 2006, noted, the U.S. shares with other countries a concern about the pace, scope, and direction of China's military modernization. We view military exchanges, visits, and other forms of engagement are useful tools in promoting transparency, provided they have substance and are fully reciprocal. Regularized exchanges and contact also have the significant benefit of building confidence, reducing the possibility of accidents, and providing the lines of communication that are essential in ensuring that episodes such as the April 2001 EP-3 aircraft incident do not escalate into major crises. During their April 2006 meeting, President Bush and President Hu agreed to increase officer exchanges and to begin a strategic nuclear dialogue between STRATCOM and the Chinese military's strategic missile command. U.S. and Chinese militaries are also considering ways in which we might cooperate on disaster assistance relief. However, it should be remembered that the Military is still under the Party's control. It is not to be equated with the European and American Armed forces.

===Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Policy ===
In 1955, Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party decided to proceed with a nuclear weapons program; it was developed with Soviet assistance until 1960. After its first nuclear test in October 1964, Beijing deployed a modest but potent ballistic missile force, including land- and sea-based intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

China became a major international arms exporter during the 1980s. Beijing joined the Middle East arms control talks, which began in July 1991 to establish global guidelines for conventional arms transfers, but announced in September 1992 that it would no longer participate because of the U.S. decision to sell F-16A/B aircraft to Taiwan.

China was the first state to pledge "no first use" of nuclear weapons. It joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1984 and pledged to abstain from further atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in 1986. China acceded to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1992 and supported its indefinite and unconditional extension in 1995. In 1996, it signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and agreed to seek an international ban on the production of fissile nuclear weapons material. To date, China has not ratified the CTBT.

In 1996, China committed not to provide assistance to un-safeguarded nuclear facilities. China became a full member of the NPT Exporters (Zangger) Committee, a group that determines items subject to IAEA inspections if exported by NPT signatories. In September 1997, China issued detailed nuclear export control regulations. China began implementing regulations establishing controls over nuclear-related dual-use items in 1998. China also has committed not to engage in new nuclear cooperation with Iran (even under safeguards), and will complete existing cooperation, which is not of [[proliferation]] concern, within a relatively short period. In May 2004, with the support of the United States, China became a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Based on significant, tangible progress with China on nuclear nonproliferation, President Clinton in 1998 took steps to bring into force the 1985 U.S.-China Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation.

===Missiles===
Although it is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the multinational effort to restrict the proliferation of missiles, in March 1992 China undertook to abide by MTCR guidelines and parameters. China reaffirmed this commitment in 1994, and pledged not to transfer MTCR-class ground-to-ground missiles. In November 2000, China committed not to assist in any way the development by other countries of MTCR-class missiles. However, in August 29, 2003, the U.S. Government imposed missile proliferation sanctions lasting two years on the Chinese company China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) after determining that it was knowingly involved in the transfer of equipment and technology controlled under Category II of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex that contributed to MTCR-class missiles in a non-MTCR country.

In December 2003, the P.R.C. promulgated comprehensive new export control regulations governing exports of all categories of sensitive technologies.

==Economy ==
China's economy, based on rice and wheat farming, was generally prosperous until the 18th century. Population pressures, and failure to adopt new technology led to an impoverished nation by 1900.

After Mao's death the policy of modernization along Western lines has led to a remarkable rate of economic growth in the industrial cities, which have pulled in millions of peasants from the still poor rural areas. Slack environmental standards have led to serious pollution problems.

The modern Chinese economy has benefited from investments from Taiwan and Hong Kong. They jumped far ahead of China by 1970 in terms of technology, and in recent years have invested in mainland industries.

These two factors have changed Chinese economy, from a command economy to a more socialist state, with the Chinese economy increasingly in the hands of privately owned businesses, not state- or military-run enterprises. However, after several years the trend reversed, as it is in the start that those who are related to the political power are treated differently than the rest of the enterprises.
[[File:National Stadium, Beijing.jpg|thumb|250px|National Stadium, Beijing.]]
Since 1980 China has enjoyed the highest economic growth rates in the world. Suddenly in mid-2008, the growth rate slowed sharply from 11% a year to only 5.5%. Much of the economy was geared to exports, and building factories for exports to the United States and Japan. When the [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] hit, exports fell off and prices for industrial products like steel fell in half. Many factories were shut down. The decline has especially hit steel, cement and the construction industry. The government in November 2008 announced a $586 billion stimulus program to build roads, dams, electric grids and other infrastructure projects that are designed to supplement the international market.<ref>David Barboza, "Great Engine of China Slows ," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/business/worldbusiness/26chinasteel.html?_r=1 ''New York Times'' Nov. 25, 2008]</ref>

Since 1979, China has largely rejected socialism and embraced capitalism, while maintaining Communist party rule. Private ownership of the means of production has dramatically reduced poverty and increased wealth, especially in the cities but also in rural areas. Nationally the GDP (in 2007 prices) has exploded from 2 trillion yuan in 1980 to 25 trillion in 2007.

As late as 1980 60% of the people in rural China lives in poverty; by 2007 fewer than 5% did. Grain production has grown 300 to 500 tons per person, and rural income per person has soared from a few hundred yuan in 1980 to over 4000.<ref>See ''Economist'' Dec. 13, 2008</ref>

The reforms reformed and opened its economy. The Chinese leadership has adopted a more pragmatic perspective on many political and socioeconomic problems, and has reduced the role of ideology in economic policy. China's ongoing economic transformation has had a profound impact not only on China but on the world. The market-oriented reforms China has implemented over the past two decades have unleashed individual initiative and entrepreneurship. The result has been the largest reduction of poverty and one of the fastest increases in income levels ever seen. China today is the fourth-largest economy in the world. It has sustained average economic growth of over 9.5% for the past 26 years. In 2006 its $2.76 trillion economy was about one-fifth the size of the U.S. economy.

In the 1980s, China tried to combine central planning with market-oriented reforms to increase productivity, living standards, and technological quality without exacerbating inflation, unemployment, and budget deficits. China pursued agricultural reforms, dismantling the commune system and introducing a household-based system that provided peasants greater decision-making in agricultural activities. The government also encouraged nonagricultural activities such as village enterprises in rural areas, and promoted more self-management for state-owned enterprises, increased competition in the marketplace, and facilitated direct contact between Chinese and foreign trading enterprises. China also relied more upon foreign financing and imports.

During the 1980s, these reforms led to average annual rates of growth of 10% in agricultural and industrial output. Rural per capita real income doubled. China became self-sufficient in grain production; rural industries accounted for 23% of agricultural output, helping absorb surplus labor in the countryside. The variety of light industrial and consumer goods increased. Reforms began in the fiscal, financial, banking, price-setting, and labor systems.

By the late 1980s, however, the economy had become overheated with increasing rates of inflation. At the end of 1988, in reaction to a surge of inflation caused by accelerated price reforms, the leadership introduced an austerity program.
[[File:Shanghai China CIA.jpg|thumb|left|280px|The Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai overlooks the Huangpu River.]]
China's economy regained momentum in the early 1990s. During a visit to southern China in early 1992, China's paramount leader at the time, Deng Xiaoping, made a series of political pronouncements designed to reinvigorate the process of economic reform. The 14th Party Congress later in the year backed Deng's renewed push for market reforms, stating that China's key task in the 1990s was to create a "socialist market economy." The 10-year development plan for the 1990s stressed continuity in the political system with bolder reform of the economic system.

China's economy grew at an average rate of 10% per year during the period 1990-2004, the highest growth rate in the world. China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 10.0% in 2003, and even faster, 10.1%, in 2004, and 9.9% in 2005 despite attempts by the government to cool the economy. China's total trade in 2006 surpassed $1.76 trillion, making China the world's third-largest trading nation after the U.S. and Germany. Such high growth is necessary if China is to generate the 15 million jobs needed annually—roughly the size of Ecuador or Cambodia—to employ new entrants into the job market.

Nevertheless, serious imbalances exist behind the spectacular trade performance, high investment flows, and high GDP growth. High numbers of non-performing loans weigh down the state-run banking system. Inefficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are still a drag on growth, despite announced efforts to sell, merge, or close the vast majority of SOEs.

Social and economic indicators have improved since reforms were launched, but rising inequality is evident between the more highly developed coastal provinces and the less developed, poorer inland regions. According to World Bank estimates, more than 152 million people in China in 2003—mostly in rural areas of the lagging inland provinces—still live in poverty, on consumption of less than U.S. $1 a day.

Following the Chinese Communist Party's Third Plenum, held in October 2003, Chinese legislators unveiled several proposed amendments to the state constitution. One of the most significant was a proposal to provide protection for private property rights. Legislators also indicated there would be a new emphasis on certain aspects of overall government economic policy, including efforts to reduce unemployment (now in the 8-10% range in urban areas), to rebalance income distribution between urban and rural regions, and to maintain economic growth while protecting the environment and improving social equity. The National People's Congress approved the amendments when it met in March 2004. The Fifth Plenum in October 2005 approved the 11th Five-Year Economic Program aimed at building a "harmonious society" through more balanced wealth distribution and improved education, medical care, and social security.

===Agriculture===
China is the world's most populous country and one of the largest producers and consumers of agricultural products. Roughly half of China's labor force is engaged in agriculture, even though only 10% of the land is suitable for cultivation and agriculture contributes only 13% of China's GDP. China's cropland area is only 75% of the U.S. total, but China still produces about 30% more crops and livestock than the U.S. because of intensive cultivation, China is among the world's largest producers of rice, corn, wheat, soybeans, vegetables, tea, and pork. Major non-food crops include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds. China hopes to further increase agricultural production through improved plant stocks, fertilizers, and technology. Incomes for Chinese farmers are stagnating, leading to an increasing wealth gap between the cities and countryside. Government policies that continue to emphasize grain self-sufficiency and the fact that farmers do not own—and cannot buy or sell—the land they work have contributed to this situation. While this was the case in China before Communism, many other countries have since embrace individual ownership while China has not. In addition, inadequate port facilities and lack of warehousing and cold storage facilities impede both domestic and international agricultural trade.

===Industry===
{{History of China (full)}}
Industry and construction account for about 46% of China's GDP. Major industries are mining and ore processing; iron; steel; aluminum; coal, machinery; textiles and apparel; armaments; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products including footwear, toys, and electronics; automobiles and other transportation equipment including rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; and telecommunications.

China has become a preferred destination for the relocation of global manufacturing facilities. Its strength as an export platform has contributed to incomes and employment in China. The state-owned sector still accounts for about 40% of GDP. In recent years, authorities have been giving greater attention to the management of state assets—both in the financial market as well as among state-owned-enterprises—and progress has been noteworthy.

===Regulatory Environment===
Though China's economy has expanded rapidly, its regulatory environment has not kept pace. Since Deng Xiaoping's open market reforms, the growth of new businesses has outpaced the government's ability to regulate them. This has created a situation where businesses, faced with mounting competition and poor oversight, will be willing to take drastic measures to increase profit margins, often at the expense of consumer safety. This issue has recently acquired more prominence, with a number of restrictions being placed on problematic Chinese exports by the U.S. The Chinese Government recognizes the severity of the problem, recently concluding that up to 20% of the country's products are substandard or tainted. However, the level of the Chinese corporate taxes is actually 60% of the annual income. Moreover, in September 2017 the Communist Regime announced that private enterprises that are over 50 employees are required to set up party branches.

===Energy===
Together with strong economic growth, China's demand for energy is surging rapidly. In 2003, China surpassed Japan to become the second-largest consumer of primary energy, after the United States. China is the world's second-largest consumer of oil, after the United States, and for 2006, China's increase in oil demand represented 38% of the world total increase in oil demand. China is also the third-largest energy producer in the world, after the United States and Russia. China's electricity consumption is expected to grow by over 4% a year through 2030, which will require more than $2 trillion in electricity infrastructure investment to meet the demand. China expects to add approximately 15,000 megawatts of generating capacity a year, with 20% of that coming from foreign suppliers.

Coal makes up the bulk of China's energy consumption (70% in 2005), and China is the largest producer and consumer of coal in the world. As China's economy continues to grow, China's coal demand is projected to rise significantly. Although coal's share of China's overall energy consumption will decrease, coal consumption will continue to rise in absolute terms. China's continued and increasing reliance on coal as a power source has contributed significantly to putting China on the path to becoming the world's largest emitter of acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide and green house gases, including carbon dioxide.

The 11th Five-Year Program, announced in 2005, calls for greater energy conservation measures, including development of renewable energy sources and increased attention to environmental protection. Moving away from coal towards cleaner energy sources including oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power is an important component of China's development program. China has abundant hydroelectric resources; the Three Gorges Dam, for example, will have a total capacity of 18 gigawatts when fully on-line (projected for 2009). In addition, the share of electricity generated by nuclear power is projected to grow from 1% in 2000 to 5% in 2030. China's renewable energy law, which went into effect in 2006, calls for 10% of its energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Since 1993, China has been a net importer of oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Net imports are expected to rise to 3.5 million barrels per day by 2010. China is interested in diversifying the sources of its oil imports and has invested in oil fields around the world. Beijing also plans to increase China's natural gas production, which currently accounts for only 3% of China's total energy consumption. Analysts expect China's consumption of natural gas to more than double by 2010.

In May 2004, then-Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) that launched the U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue. The Dialogue has strengthened energy-related interactions between China and the United States, the world's two largest energy consumers. The U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue builds upon the two countries' existing cooperative ventures in high energy nuclear physics, fossil energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy and energy information exchanges. The NDRC and the Department of Energy also exchange views and expertise on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies, and we convene an annual Oil and Gas Industry Forum with China.

===Environment===
[[Image:Tianmenshan mountain.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Tian Shan, Gong Yuan, or Sky Mountain park, literally, is a world heritage site.]]
One of the serious negative consequences of China's rapid industrial development has been increased pollution and degradation of natural resources. China is widely expected to surpass the United States as the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases sometime in 2007 or 2008. A World Health Organization report on air quality in 272 cities worldwide concluded that seven of the world's 10 most polluted cities were in China. According to China's own evaluation, two-thirds of the 338 cities for which air-quality data are available are considered polluted—two-thirds of them moderately or severely so. Respiratory and heart diseases related to air pollution are the leading cause of death in China. Almost all of the nation's rivers are considered polluted to some degree, and half of the population lacks access to clean water. By some estimates, every day approximately 300 million residents drink contaminated water. Ninety percent of urban water bodies are severely polluted. Water scarcity also is an issue; for example, severe water scarcity in Northern China is a serious threat to sustained economic growth and the government has begun working on a project for a large-scale diversion of water from the Yangtze River to northern cities, including Beijing and Tianjin. Acid rain falls on 30% of the country. Various studies estimate pollution costs the Chinese economy 7%-10% of GDP each year.

China's leaders are increasingly paying attention to the country's severe environmental problems. In 1998, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) was officially upgraded to a ministry-level agency, reflecting the growing importance the Chinese Government places on environmental protection. In recent years, China has strengthened its environmental legislation and made some progress in stemming environmental deterioration. In 2005, China joined the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development, which brings industries and governments together to implement strategies that reduce pollution and address climate change. During the 10th Five-Year Plan, China plans to reduce total emissions by 10%. Beijing in particular is investing heavily in pollution control as part of its campaign to host a successful Olympiad in 2008. Some cities have seen improvement in air quality in recent years.

China is an active participant in climate change talks and other multilateral environmental negotiations, taking environmental challenges seriously but pushing for the developed world to help developing countries to a greater extent. It is a signatory to the Basel Convention governing the transport and disposal of hazardous waste and the Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and other major environmental agreements.

The question of environmental impacts associated with the Three Gorges Dam project has generated controversy among environmentalists inside and outside China. Critics claim that erosion and silting of the Yangtze River threaten several endangered species, while Chinese officials say the dam will help prevent devastating floods and generate clean hydroelectric power that will enable the region to lower its dependence on coal, thus lessening air pollution.

The United States and China are members of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP). The APP is a public-private partnership of six nations—Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States—committed to explore new mechanisms to meet national pollution reduction, energy security and climate change goals in ways that reduce poverty and promote economic development. APP members have undertaken cooperative activities involving deployment of clean technology in partner countries in eight areas: cleaner fossil energy, renewable energy and distributed generation, power generation and transmission, steel, aluminum, cement, coal mining, and buildings and appliances.

The United States and China have been engaged in an active program of bilateral environmental cooperation since the mid-1990s, with an emphasis on clean energy technology and the design of effective environmental policy. While both governments view this cooperation positively, China has often compared the U.S. program, which lacks a foreign assistance component, with those of Japan and several European Union (EU) countries that include generous levels of aid.

===Science and Technology===
Science and technology have always preoccupied China's leaders; indeed, China's political leadership comes almost exclusively from technical backgrounds and has a high regard for science. Deng called it "the first productive force." Distortions in the economy and society created by party rule have severely hurt Chinese science, according to some Chinese science policy experts. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, modeled on the Soviet system, puts much of China's greatest scientific talent in a large, under-funded apparatus that remains largely isolated from industry, although the reforms of the past decade have begun to address this problem.

Chinese science strategists see China's greatest opportunities in newly emerging fields such as biotechnology and computers, where there is still a chance for China to become a significant player. Most Chinese students who went abroad have not returned, but they have built a dense network of trans-Pacific contacts that will greatly facilitate U.S.-China scientific cooperation in coming years. The U.S. space program is often held up as the standard of scientific modernity in China. China's small but growing space program, which successfully completed their second manned orbit in October 2005, is a focus of national pride.

The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement remains the framework for bilateral cooperation in this field. A 5-year agreement to extend the Science and Technology Agreement was signed in April 2006. The Agreement is among the longest-standing U.S.-China accords, and includes over eleven U.S. Federal agencies and numerous branches that participate in cooperative exchanges under the S&T Agreement and its nearly 60 protocols, memoranda of understanding, agreements and annexes. The Agreement covers cooperation in areas such as marine conservation, renewable energy, and health. Biennial Joint Commission Meetings on Science and Technology bring together policymakers from both sides to coordinate joint science and technology cooperation. Executive Secretaries meetings are held biennially to implement specific cooperation programs. Japan and the European Union also have high-profile science and technology cooperative relationships with China.
====Internet====
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has criticized Chinese censorship and restrictions on the Intrernet, and China is pushing back since the Communist Party considers Internet control essential if it is to keep power and avoid elections. The government has denied suggestions by Google that a major, sophisticated assault on Google in late 2009 was sponsored by the government. The attack targeted email accounts used by dissidents, the weak point in China's political dictatorship. Google is threatening to ignore the censorship policies demanded by the government, and perhaps leave the country. The Communist Party promotes Internet use for commerce, but heavily censors content it deems pornographic, anti-social or politically subversive and blocks many foreign news and social media sites, including Twitter Facebook, and YouTube.

===Poor Medical care===
Mainland China, like most Communist regimes, gives low priority to medicine and medical care. Mainland China only spends 1% of GDP on health care, ranking #156 out of 196 nations surveys by the World Health Organization. Many people rely on traditional practitioners, having more faith in acupuncture than modern science. In any case few have the opportunity to receive modern drugs or treatment with advanced devices. The local clinic has only a thermometer and stethoscope for instrumentation, and very few modern drugs. Only one in six medical personnel have a college degree, and those degrees are not high quality. The ordinary people want more medical care but that hardly matters, for in a dictatorship violence matters, but not public opinion.<ref>Gordon Fairclaugh, "In China, Rx for Ailing Health System," ''Wall Street Journal,'' Oct. 15, 2009</ref>

===Trade===
China's merchandise exports totaled $969.3 billion and imports totaled $791.8 billion in 2006. Its global trade surplus surged from $32 billion in 2004 to $177.5 billion in 2006. China's primary trading partners include Japan, the EU, the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. According to U.S. statistics, China had a trade surplus with the U.S. of $232.6 billion in 2006.

China has taken important steps to open its foreign trading system and integrate itself into the world trading system. In November 1991, China joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, which promotes free trade and cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, and technology spheres. China served as APEC chair in 2001, and Shanghai hosted the annual APEC leaders meeting in October of that year.

China formally joined the WTO in December 2001. As part of this far-reaching trade liberalization agreement, China agreed to lower tariffs and abolish market impediments. Chinese and foreign businessmen, for example, gained the right to import and export on their own, and to sell their products without going through a government middleman. By 2005, average tariff rates on key U.S. agricultural exports dropped from 31% to 14% and on industrial products from 25% to 9%. The agreement also opens up new opportunities for U.S. providers of services like banking, insurance, and telecommunications. China has made significant progress implementing its WTO commitments, but serious concerns remain, particularly in the realm of intellectual property rights protection.

While accession does not guarantee smaller trade deficits, full implementation of all WTO commitments would further open China's markets to—and help level the playing field for—U.S. exports. China is now one of the most important markets for U.S. exports: in 2006, U.S. exports to China totaled $55.2 billion, almost triple the $19 billion when China joined the WTO in 2001 and up 32% over 2005. U.S. agricultural exports have increased dramatically, making China our fourth-largest agricultural export market (after Canada, Japan, and Mexico). Over the same period (2001-2006), U.S. imports from China have risen from $102 billion to $287.8 billion.

Export growth continues to be a major driver of China's rapid economic growth. To increase exports, China has pursued policies such as fostering the rapid development of foreign-invested factories, which assemble imported components into consumer goods for export, and liberalizing trading rights. In its eleventh Five-Year Program, adopted in 2005, China placed greater emphasis on developing a consumer demand-driven economy to sustain economic growth and address global imbalances.

The United States is one of China's primary suppliers of power generating equipment, aircraft and parts, computers and industrial machinery, raw materials, and chemical and agricultural products. However, U.S. exporters continue to have concerns about fair market access due to strict testing and standards requirements for some imported products. In addition, a lack of transparency in the regulatory process makes it difficult for businesses to plan for changes in the domestic market structure. The April 11, 2006 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) produced agreements on key U.S. trade concerns ranging from market access to U.S. beef, medical devices, and telecommunications; to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including, significantly, software. The JCCT also produced an agreement to establish a U.S.-China High Technology and Strategic Trade Working Group to review export control cooperation and facilitate high technology trade.

===Foreign Investment===
China's investment climate has changed dramatically in 24 years of reform. In the early 1980s, China restricted foreign investments to export-oriented operations and required foreign investors to form joint-venture partnerships with Chinese firms. Foreign direct investment (FDI) grew quickly during the 1980s, but stalled in late 1989 in the aftermath of Tiananmen. In response, the government introduced legislation and regulations designed to encourage foreigners to invest in high-priority sectors and regions. Since the early 1990s, China has allowed foreign investors to manufacture and sell a wide range of goods on the domestic market, and authorized the establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises, now the preferred form of FDI. However, the Chinese Government's emphasis on guiding FDI into manufacturing has led to market saturation in some industries, while leaving China's services sectors underdeveloped. China is now one of the leading recipients of FDI in the world, receiving almost $80 billion in 2005 according to World Bank statistics.

As part of its WTO accession, China undertook to eliminate certain trade-related investment measures and to open up specified sectors that had previously been closed to foreign investment. New laws, regulations, and administrative measures to implement these commitments are being issued. Major remaining barriers to foreign investment include opaque and inconsistently enforced laws and regulations and the lack of a rules-based legal infrastructure.

Opening to the outside remains central to China's development. Foreign-invested enterprises produce about half of China's exports, and China continues to attract large investment inflows. Foreign exchange reserves were $1.1 trillion at the end of 2006, and have now surpassed those of Japan, making China's foreign exchange reserves the largest in the world.
===Higher education===
Despite fears that China may be outpacing the United States in turning out engineers, the number of college students in China who study engineering is on the decline, according to ''Global Times'', a Chinese party-controlled newspaper. Fewer than one in 10 college graduates in 2009 majored in engineering. Instead, students are turning to economics, finance, and management, which pay more and carry more social status. "Engineering usually makes people think of factories, while factories often give people an impression of hard work, low wages, and layoffs," the newspaper quoted one professor as saying.

Although there are some considerable effort of developing the universities, the Communist regime are still having issues with academic freedoms, which means that some improvements will made, but the overall environment will not changed.

The exodus of Chinese undergraduate and graduate students continues; as 180,000 left in 2008, about 25% percent more than in 2007, as more families were able to pay overseas tuition. For every four students who left in the past decade, only one returned; those with American PhDs in science or engineering the least likely to return. The intellectual vitality, quality of science, pay scales and political climate is much more attractive in the West. Those who return to China risk being shunned as "foreigners".<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/world/asia/07scholar.html?hp Sharon LaFraniera, "Fighting Trend, China Is Luring Scientists Home," ''New York Times'' Jan. 6. 2010]</ref>Now the exodus are enlarged into high-school students and even primary school students.
===The Chinese in Africa===
China has been spending huge amounts of money and time buying influence in various African countries.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2011/0217/China-s-latest-trade-visit-to-Africa-reveals-a-different-approach-to-business]</ref> China has given 45 Afriacn countries $115 billion, a figure which is growing at 44% every year. Africa has many desirable resources such as [[diamonds]], [[oil]], and rare earth metals such as [[Indium]] which is used to make the touch screens for new high-tech devices such as [[Apple]]'s [[iPad]]<ref>[http://blogs.indium.com/blog/an-interview-with-the-professor/assembled-cost-of-an-ipad]</ref> and [[iPhone]], often under [[sweat shop]] conditions.

China's aim in Africa seems to be to buy up the emerging markets of the developing nations there. China has a big population, but does not have many of the resources (see above) that they will need to improve themselves. When countries go through [[industrialization]] they need to use a lot more resources, and China does not have them. By buying up Africa they get these natural resources cheaply. They will also be able to use these resources as poker chips against the west.
US ambassador [[Johnnie Carson]] believes "China has no morals" in Africa,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/12/09/cable-kenya-risks-new-violence-reforms/]</ref> which may be true given their [[communist]] ideology.

== History ==
{{main|History of China}}

Although archaeologists have found settlements in China dating to [[5000 BC]], the earliest nation that can be dated in the area of modern China is the [[Shang Dynasty]], approximately [[2000 BC]].
[[File:Great Wall of China.jpg|left|240px]]
Dynasty followed dynasty, as old regimes would lose the "mandate of heaven;" it was believed that each emperor ruled only with the approval of heaven, and a ruler who was unfit to rule would curse the nation until replaced. In addition, the Chinese capital would occasionally be overrun by "barbarians," who invariably would start a new dynasty in the Chinese capital, integrating their nations into the former dynasty.

Chinese had an advanced artistic culture and well-developed science and technology. However, its science and technology stood still after 1700 and in the 21st century very little survives outside museums, except in for the popular forms of traditional medicine.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by large-scale civil wars, major famines, military defeats by Britain and Japan, regional control by powerful warlords and foreign intervention such as the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900. In 1911 a revolution deposed the [[Qing dynasty]] and the [[Republic of China]] was proclaimed.

Under the leadership of the [[KMT]] (Kuomintang), headed by [[Chiang Kai-shek]] (1887-1975), the central government finally suppressed the local warlords who effectively controlled many provinces. The KMT tried to destroy the Communists under [[Mao Zedong]], but they escaped in the "Long March" of 1934-35. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931, and in 1937 invaded all of China, seizing the coast, the major cities, and setting up a puppet government that controlled most of the population. China was allied with the U.S. and Britain against Japan, and at war's end joined the United Nations as a permanent member of the 5-nation Security Council, with a veto.

In 1945-46, the U.S. attempted to force a negotiated settlement between the KMT and the Communists, but failed. In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under [[Mao Zedong]] established a totalitarian regime, forcing the elected constitutional ROC Government to Taiwan. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949.

Mao liquidated millions of opponents, acting against the International society in the [[Korean War]] (1950–53), and around 1960 broke bitterly with the Soviet Union over the control of the Communist world. Mao's regime imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.

After 1978, Mao's successor [[Deng Xiaoping]] constructed a market-economy system, while still remain de-facto control over the land by imposing the length of usage of the land, and by 2000 output had increased, population growth ended (by imposing a one-child policy), and mediocre relations were secured with the West. For much of the population, living standards have improved and the material choices are growing, yet totalitarian rule and the ownership of the Internet still firmly gripped.

China's economy during the last quarter century has changed from a centrally planned system that was largely closed to international trade, to a more market-oriented economy that has a rapidly growing private sector and is a major player in the global economy.

== Human Rights ==
Under Mao millions of Chinese were died, no matter it is famine or political movements, they are all the results of Communism itself. The "[[Cultural Revolution]]" in the 1960s was an Communistic effort of eradicating Chinese culture endorsed by Mao in order to eliminate potential political elite that could act against the Communist Party; it set back China by decades, even after his death, the damage in the social morality is still remaining.

After the mid-1980s the new leader [[Deng Xiaoping]] promoted rapid modernization. While Mao's memory was still revered, most of his brutal policies were ended and much economic freedom—and a dash of political liberalization—was allowed. Intellectuals were encouraged to speak out again and to share in a new spirit of "democratization." However Communist party leaders in 1986 warned that modernization must not be used as an excuse to introduce "bourgeois philosophies and social doctrines." By late 1986 student groups began to demonstrate demanding more student participation in local government, a greater degree of democracy, and better living conditions. As demonstrations escalated Hu Yaobang, the general secretary of the party, resigned, confessing that he had made major mistakes and would take responsibility for them. It was a setback to political and economic liberalization, though Hu remained, out of office, a symbol of the potential for democracy. Hu's death in April 1989, sparked widespread public rallies in favor of broad social changes in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities. Tens of thousands of students defied a government clampdown to demonstrate in May in [[Tiananmen Square]] central Beijing. The Party moved to kill dissent, sending uneducated rural troops into square on June 3–4; hundreds of demonstrators were killed, wounded, or arrested. The world was appalled. Following the savage repression of democrats in all major cities Deng Xiaoping appeared to be even more firmly in control.

The China country reports in the U.S. State Department's 2009 Human Rights Practices and International Religious Freedom Reports<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref> noted China's well-documented and continuing abuses of human rights in violation of internationally recognized norms, stemming both from the authorities' intolerance of dissent and the inadequacy of legal safeguards for basic freedoms. Reported abuses have included arbitrary and lengthy incommunicado detention, forced confessions, torture, and mistreatment of prisoners as well as severe restrictions on freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, religion, privacy, worker rights, and coercive birth limitation. In 2006, China continued the monitoring, harassment, intimidation, and arrest of journalists, Internet writers, defense lawyers, religious activists, and political dissidents. The activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), especially those relating to the rule of law and expansion of judicial review, continue to be restricted.

In 2008 China loosened its restrictions somewhat for the Summer Olympics. The government owns the Internet access and censor several websites to prevent the people from learning about the Communist regime and the evil root of the Communism.

Human rights failures remain a major concern. Abatement of pollution and improvements in systems to ensure food, drug, and product safety are major concerns, especially after notorious episodes of exporting poisoned pet food, toothpaste and infant formula.
===Repression in 2008===
In 2008 China's human rights record remained poor and worsened in some areas. During the year the government increased its severe cultural and religious repression of ethnic minorities in Tibetan areas and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), increased detention and harassment of dissidents and petitioners, and maintained tight controls on freedom of speech and the Internet. Abuses peaked around high-profile events, such as the Olympics and the unrest in Tibet. As in previous years, citizens did not have the right to change their government. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), both local and international, continued to face intense scrutiny and restrictions. Other serious human rights abuses included extrajudicial killings, torture and coerced confessions of prisoners, and the use of forced labor, including prison labor. Workers cannot choose an independent union to represent them in the workplace, and the law does not protect workers' right to strike. The government continued to monitor, harass, detain, arrest, and imprison journalists, writers, activists, and defense lawyers and their families, many of whom were seeking to exercise their rights under the law.<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref>
===Execution Controversy===
In December 2009, China executed a man named Akmal Shaikh for drug smuggling. There is evidence that Shaikh was mentally ill, but he was not given a psychological exam of any sort before the trial. He was not given an examination because the Chinese government declared that neither Shaikh or his family could prove he was mentally ill through documentation or family history. The British government made many requests for clemency, including at an eleventh-hour meeting with the Chinese ambassador, but they were consistently ignored.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-britain-china30-2009dec30,0,4153003.story</ref>

== China and obesity ==

[[File:Flag of the PRC.png|thumbnail|250px|right|China has the largest atheist population in the world.<ref>
*[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal'' Lancet'' reported that the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref>

A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>]]
''See also:'' [[China and obesity]] and [[Atheism and obesity]]

In 2014, it was reported that China's obesity rate has skyrocketed in the last 30 years and the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> The ''Wall Street Journal'' reported in 2014 that China had approximately 300 million overweight people.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal ''Lancet'' analyzed weight trends in 188 countries and reported that more than 28% of Chinese adult men and 27% of the country’s adult women are now overweight or obese.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref>

According to a 2012 report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese children in China has reached 120 million.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_yk-aM0cyk Child Obesity Reaches 120 Million in China]</ref> A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref> Due to their past [[One-child Policy|one-child policy]], which had exceptions, China now has a lot of over-pampered and over-fed children.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yuf8yg0Dbig Rising Chinese Child Obesity and Fat Camps]</ref>

Matthew Crabbe, co-author of "Fat China: How Expanding Waistlines are Changing a Nation" declared that China's surging rate of obesity is "a ticking bomb" underneath the country's future economic growth and healthcare system.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>

==Further reading==
* Chow, Gregory C. ''China's Economic Transformation'' (2nd ed. 2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Chinas-Economic-Transformation-Gregory-Chow/dp/1405156244/ref=pd_sim_b_img_3 excerpt and text search]
* Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Entwisle, Barbara, and Gail E. Henderson, eds. ''Re-Drawing Boundaries: Work, Households, and Gender in China,'' U of California Press, 2000; on 1990; [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt938nd0k8/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' (1998). 546 pp.
* Gries, Peter Hays. ''China's New Nationalism: Pride, Politics, and Diplomacy,'' U of California Press, (2004); recent history [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt9290249r/?&query=&brand=ucpress online edition free]
* Kang, David C. ''China Rising: Peace, Power, and Order in East Asia'' (2007), argues a strong China stabilizes East Asia
* Naughton, Barry. ''The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth'' (2007), important new survey
*Ogden S. (ed) ''China.'' (2006)
* Oi, Jean C. ''Rural China Takes Off: Institutional Foundations of Economic Reform,'' U of California Press, (1999) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8j49p1hv/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' (1999). 662 pp.
* Rawski, Thomas G. and Lillian M. Li, eds. ''Chinese History in Economic Perspective,'' University of California Press, 1992 [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft6489p0n6/?&query=&brand=ucpress online free]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' (1999). 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' (2000). 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition]
* Shambaugh, David. ''China's Communist Party: Atrophy and Adaptation'' (2009)
* Shambaugh, David. ''Modernizing China's Military: Progress, Problems, and Prospects'' U of California Press, (2003) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt4779q33t/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' (1998). 442 pp.

==See also==
*[[Atheistic China and alcoholism]]
*[[Atheistic China and loneliness]]
*[[Chinese History]]
*[[Chinese Painting]]
*[[China and involuntary organ harvesting]]
*[[Great Wall of China]]
*[[Oriental art]]
*[[Previous Breaking News/China|Articles about '''China''' from previous "Breaking News"]]
* [[Nuclear target structures]]
*[[Chinese National Day]]
*[[China and obesity]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.chinadetail.com/Nation/ All About China]
*[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/china/home.html People's Daily: China at a Glance]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1287798.stm BBC News - ''Country Profile: China'']
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html CIA World Factbook - ''China'']
*[http://www.monthlyreview.org/1105wu.htm "Rethinking ‘Capitalist Restoration’ in China"] by Yiching Wu
*[http://www.gov.cn/ The Central People's Government of People's Republic of China]
*[http://www.china.org.cn/ China's Official Gateway for News & Information]
*[http://www.globalpolitician.com/articles.asp?ID=341 The Dragon's Dawn: China as a Rising Imperial Power] February 11, 2005.
*[http://www.china-profile.com/history/hist_list_1.htm History of The People's Republic of China] Timeline of Key Events since 1949.
*[http://www.danwei.org/ Media, advertising, and urban life in China.]
*[http://factoidz.com/the-largest-ethnic-group-in-the-world-han-chinese-of-china/ The Largest Ethnic Group in the World: Han Chinese of China.]

{{Asian Countries}}
[[Category:China]]
[[Category:Communist States]]
[[Category:Oppression]]
[[Category:Anti-American]]
[[Category:Police State]]
[[Category:Welfare State]]
[[Category:Nuclear Target Structures]]

Falun Gong

2017-11-04T04:38:49Z

AntiCommunistAction:

'''Falun Gong''' ([[Simplified Chinese|Simplified]]: 法轮功; [[Traditional Chinese|Traditional]]: 法輪功; [[Hanyu pinyin]]: Fălúngōng), also known as '''Falun Dafa''' (Simplified: 法轮大法; Traditional: 法輪大法; pinyin: Fǎlún Dàfǎ) is a modern Chinese "system of mind and body cultivation", founded in 1992 by Li Hongzhi. The teachings of Li stress high moral standards, respect for human life, and spiritual development specifically focusing on Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance (真，善，忍).<ref>Hongzi, L. [http://www.falundafa.org/book/eng/flg_2006.htm ''Falun Gong''] (English Version, 5th Translation edition); Falun Dafa Association; (July 2006)</ref>

Since 1999, the [[communism|communist]] government of the [[People's Republic of China]] has taken a harsh stance towards followers of Li, imprisoning many. Allegations of [[torture]] have been made by former prisoners.<ref>United Nations Information Service. [http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/hrcn1073.doc.htm ''CHAIRPERSON OF WOMEN’S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE ADDRESSES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION'']; Press Release HR/CN/1073; (2nd April, 2004)</ref>

In 2006, reports have been made that compulsory organ harvesting has been performed on Falun Gong Practitioners. In 2012, Wang Lijun, the Head of the Chongqing Public Security Agency, deflected to the US consulate in Chongqing, and handed the relative files to the US.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*Epoch Times Commentaries on the Communist Party - Part 5, [http://en.epochtimes.com/news/4-12-18/24972.html On the Collusion of Jiang Zemin and the Chinese Communist Party to Persecute Falun Gong], ''The Epoch Times'', Dec 18, 2004.

[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:China]]

History of China

2017-11-04T04:25:30Z

AntiCommunistAction:

[[Image:Commuting to Work.jpg|right|thumb|Tiananmen gate of the [[Forbidden City]]. The Forbidden City used to be the palace of the emperor of China, it is now a tourist attraction.]]
The origin of Chinese civilization is shrouded in myth and conflicting tales. Documented history begins with the [[Shang dynasty]], founded about 1600 BC. China has long been the most populous country in the world. It's warring states were united into a single nation by Qin Shi Huang, the king of Qin, in 221 BC. For the next two thousand years, the country was ruled by a series of dynasties that followed the principles of [[Confucianism]]. Officials were selected by an examination system which tested their knowledge of classic works of literature. The Qing (1644-1911), the last of these dynasties, was founded by the Manchu, a nomadic people from the northeast.

Publications established by Christian missionaries introduced reformist ideas in the late 19th century, culminating in the Chinese Revolution of 1911. The May Fourth Movement of the 1920s was characterized by language reform, campaigns against footbinding and other abusive practices toward women, and a reverent attitude toward "science." At this time, the country was divided among various warlord factions. It was reunited in 1927 by the Nationalists under [[Chiang Kai-shek]]. In 1937, most of China was occupied by Japan. Fighting between Nationalist China and Japan continued until 1945, when Japan was defeated by the United States.

After the war, China was ensnared in [[Cold War]] rivalries. In the Chinese Civil War (1946-1949), Soviet-backed communists led by [[Mao Zedong]] defeated the U.S.-backed Nationalists. Although impoverished by many years of war and upheaval, China entered the [[Korean War]] (1950-1953) with Soviet backing. Loses were heavy, but U.S. forces did retreat before the Chinese offensive. During the [[Great Leap Forward]] (1958-1961), the communists starved the nation's peasants to maximize rice exports. The money raised was used to build a nuclear bomb, which was tested in 1964.

Market-oriented reforms have allowed the country to experience rapid economic growth since 1978. China's economy is now has the world's second largest, surpassing that of Japan in 2010. However, the Communist Party maintains a monopoly on political power. In 1989, the army killed thousands of anti-Communist demonstrators in the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

==Origins==
===Mythological===
[[File:China1.jpg|thumb|A map of China]]
Traditional history begins with Pangu, the first living being. When Pangu died, his left eye became the Sun. Various parts of his body became different parts of the Earth. There followed a succession of Three Sovereigns, or demigod rulers. The first and best known of these was Fuxi (2852–2737 BC). Fuxi and his sister Nüwa survived a worldwide flood by retreating to the Kunlun Mountains. After the Three Sovereigns, China was ruled by the Five Emperors. The Yellow Emperor (r. 2698–2598 BC) is given credit for numerous inventions and is considered the founder of Chinese civilization.

During the reign of Emperor Yao (2356 - 2255 BC), a great and terrible flood began.<ref>The Biblical flood may be dated as 2304 BC.("[http://creation.com/the-date-of-noahs-flood The Date of Noah’s Flood]" by Dr John Osgood)</ref> The waters overtopped hills and mountains, threatening heaven itself. Yao appointed Gun to control the food. To build dikes, Gun stole soil that expanded magically from the Supreme Deity. This angered the Supreme Deity, and the flood raged on. Yao consulted the Four Mountains, who advised him to appoint Shun as his successor. Shun (r. 2255 – 2195 BC) was only a distant relative of Yao, but he was known throughout the kingdom as a dutiful son. Shun's father had repeatedly tried to murder him, so being a dutiful son was not as easy as it might sound. Shun was later singled out by [[Confucius]] as an example of outstanding filial piety. Yet he too proved helpless before the flood. Shun's successor, Yu the Great (c. 2200 - 2100 BC), was finally able to control the raging waters by building embankments made of non-magical soil. Yu's son succeeded him, making Yu the founder of the legendary [[Xia dynasty]] (2070 – c. 1600 BC).

===Archaeological===
The neolithic site of Yangshao in Henan Province was excavated by Swedish archaeologist Johan Gunnar Andersson in 1921. The Yangshao culture thrived along Yellow River and cultivated millet from about 4900 to 3000 BC. Silk was produced and pottery was fired in kilns dug into the ground. The bones of domesticated dogs, cattle, sheep and goats have been found.<ref>Vasey, Daniel E., ''[http://books.google.com.tw/books?id=XcrrGBbT9eEC&dq= An Ecological History of Agriculture 10,000 BD to AD 10,000]'', p. 157 (2002)</ref> As of 1999, a total of 31 Yangshao sites have been located.<ref>Xiaolin Ma, "''[http://books.google.com.tw/books?ei=F6LwUtb6IsmckAWyyYD4AQ&id=ytxnAAAAMAAJ&dq= Emergent Social Complexity in the Yangshao Culture: Analyses of Settlement Patterns and Faunal Remains from Lingbao, Western Henan, China C. 4900-3000 BC]''</ref> The remains of a second neolithic culture were uncovered by C.T. Wu at Longshan in Shandong in 1928. Black pottery is a characteristic find at Longshan archaeological sites. Longshan is now considered an example of the second phase of a Yangshao-Longshan culture, one that lasted from 3000 to 2000 BC. Copper was introduced around 2000 BC, and China entered the [[Bronze Age]] around 1700 BC. China's first significant state was the Erlitou culture (1900–1350 BC). This was a Bronze Age state whose capital in Henan Province was excavated in 1959.

===Historical===
{{History of China (full)}}
The traditional view of ancient Chinese history, still promoted by the Chinese government, is of a succession of dynasties from Xia to Shang to Zhou going back 5,000 years. Historians working in China identify Erlitou with the Xia dynasty.<ref>The official view of ancient chronology is given by the [http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/17161 Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project] (2001), which refines the traditional timeline.</ref> Other states and cultures existed at the same time, and the focus on the traditional dynastic sequence may reflect the basis of dynasty-oriented historians. Among the first historians to carefully separate myth from history was [[Sima Qian]]. His history begins with the exile of King Li of the Zhou dynasty in 841 BC, still the earliest securely dated event in Chinese history.

==Xia dynasty: 2070–c. 1600 BC==
The [[Xia dynasty]] is the first dynasty in traditional history. The legend of this dynasty was used by the Zhou to justify their conquest of the Shang. It can be compared to the King Arthur legend in England, which Medieval writers developed to justify the Norman conquest. The fourteen Xia rulers on the traditional dynasty list were descended from Yu the Great. Jie, the last king of the dynasty, is said to have fallen in love with a beautiful but cruel woman. In response, Zi Lü led a revolt, overthrew the Xia, and founded the Shang dynasty.

==Shang dynasty: 1600-c. 1046 BC==
The Shang, found in 1600 BC, was China's first fully historical dynasty. It was a Bronze Age culture.

==Zhou dynasty: c. 1045–256 BC==
Iron replaced bronze around 600 BC, during the Zhou dynasty.

==Imperial China==
Successive dynasties developed a system of bureaucratic control that gave the agrarian-based Chinese an advantage over neighboring nomadic and hill cultures. Chinese civilization was further strengthened by the development of a Confucian state ideology and a common written language that bridged the gaps among the country's many local languages and dialects. Whenever China was conquered by nomadic tribes, as it was by the Mongols in the 13th century, the conquerors sooner or later adopted the ways of the "higher" Chinese civilization and staffed the bureaucracy with Chinese.

When the Chinese discovered [[gunpowder]] they had no intention of using it as a weapon. Instead, it was developed in the Tang dynasty as a formula for immortality by religious Daoist alchemists. It was discovered to be a powerful explosive, and when lit, gunpowder in a bamboo stick made a colorful explosion. This loud explosion was used to chase away evil spirits and to celebrate weddings, victories in battles, and religious ceremonies. However, contrary to popular belief, the first depiction of gunpowder in pictorial form shows it in military use. Similarly, it is also known that before the arrival of Westerners in China, Chinese troops were equipped with firearms.

===Great Wall===
The [[Great Wall of China]] was designed to keep enemies out and protect their country. Construction took centuries, and was begun during the Qin dynasty, 221-206 BC. In 246 BC the emperor Qin Shi Huang Di, whose original name was Ying Zheng, came to power in the state of Qin. By 221 BC, he had unified China using the Legalistic philosophy of his state to encourage colonization and to build up the military in what was previously a minor desert state.

The Great Wall winds some 2,400 km (1,500 mi) along the edge of the Mongolian plateau from Gansu Province in the west to the Yellow Sea in the east. Its width ranges from 4 to 12 m (12 to 40 ft) and its height from 6 to 15 m (20 to 50 ft). It makes possible much more effective military defense of China from invaders.

It was perhaps the greatest and largest thing ever created by man by that point. Unlike the wall we see today, it was originally an earthen and wooden rampart structure, and had earlier precedents, walls built by the various states of the Warring States period to keep out nomads in the north. There was a huge human cost involved; it is believed over a million people died in the construction. The wall that is visible today dates from the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), begun after the expulsion of the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1276 - 1368) and nearly a thousand years of nomad rule in China under various dynastic titles. It did not, however, prevent a final nomadic group from conquering China at the end of the Ming dynasty in 1368 - the Manchus. The Shanhaiguan pass, the main route into and out of Manchuria, was not protected by the wall, and in 1644, Manchus, Buddhist descendants of the Jurchen tribes who had fought the Han Chinese for centuries, invaded the north of China, exploiting the weak late-Ming government and infrastructure. This resulted in the formation of the Qing dynasty, which lasted until the revolution of 1911.

==Ming dynasty: 1368-1644==
The Ming period is the only era of later imperial history during which all of China was ruled by a native, or Han dynasty. The success of the Chinese in regaining control over their own government is an important event in history, and the Ming dynasty thus has been regarded, both in Ming times and even more so in the 21st century, as an era of Chinese resurgence.

[[Image:16th century East Asia.png|thumb|A map of Asia during the Ming dynasty]]

All the counties in China had a county government, a Confucian school, and the standard Chinese family system. Typically the dominant local elite comprised high status families comprised of the gentry owners and managers of land and of other forms of wealth, as well as smaller groups that were subject to elite domination and protection. Much attention was paid to genealogy to prove that high status was inherited from generations back. Substantial land holdings were directly managed by the owning families in the early Ming period, but toward the end of the era marketing and ownership were depersonalized by the increased circulation of silver as money, and estate management gravitated into the hands of hired bailiffs. Together with the departure of the most talented youth into the imperial service, the result was direct contacts between the elite and subject groups were disrupted, and romantic images of country life disappeared from the literature. In villages across China elite families participated in the life of the empire by sending their sons into the very high status imperial civil service. Most of the successful sons had a common education in the county and prefecture schools, had been recruited by competitive examination, and were posted to offices that might be anywhere in the empire, including the imperial capital. At first the recommendation of an elite local sponsor was important; increasing the imperial government relied more on merit exams, and thus entry into the national ruling class became more difficult. Downward social mobility into the peasantry was possible for less successful sons; upward mobility from the peasant class was unheard of.<ref>Dardess, ''A Ming Society'' (1996)</ref>

==Qing dynasty: 1644-1911==
Chinese had an advanced artistic culture and well-developed science and technology. However, its science and technology stood still after 1700 and in the 21st century very little survives outside museums and remote villages, except in for the ever-popular forms of traditional medicine like acupuncture.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by large-scale civil wars, major famines, military defeats by Britain and Japan, regional control by powerful warlords and foreign intervention such as the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900. In the 1860s, electrotype technology was applied to allow newspapers in the Chinese language to be mass-produced and widely circulated. Christian missionaries were at the forefront in taking advantage of this technology. The reformers of the 1890s were educated concerning modern approaches and ideologies by their publications, particularly ''Wanguo Gongbao'' (A Review of the Times).

===Reforms: 1901-1908===
The humiliation of the Boxer Rebellion stimulated a second reform movement—this time sanctioned by Empress Dowager [[Cixi]]. From 1901 to 1908, the dynasty announced a series of educational, military, and administrative reforms, many reminiscent of the "one hundreds days" of 1898. The imperial examinations of 1902 and 1904 included questions on the politics, science and technology of all countries, requiring some 50,000 students to study such subjects, most of whom would not otherwise be interested.<ref>Iwo Amelung, "[http://proj3.sinica.edu.tw/~icosas/download/ScholarSummary/278.pdf The Examination System and the Dissemination of Western Knowledge during the Late Qing]"</ref> Unfortunately, the examination system was abolished in 1905.

Armies were raised and trained in European (and Japanese) fashion and plans for a national army were laid. The creation of the "new army" reflected rising esteem for the military profession and the emergence of a new national elite that dominated China for much of the 20th century. More officers and men were now literate, while patriotism and better pay served as an inducement for service.

Japan's victory over Russia in 1905 electrified nationalists across Asia. The adoption of a constitutional monarchy in Russia following the war created a model for action. In 1908, the court issued a timetable: Consultative provincial assemblies by 1909, a consultative national assembly by 1910, and both a constitution and a parliament by 1917. Cixi's death in 1908 left the dynasty practically leaderless. The new emperor was a child and the regent incompetent. The army leaders felt little loyalty to either. They yearned for the return of [[Yuan Shikai]], a Cixi favorite dismissed in 1909.

===Revolution planned===
While the reformers of the 1890s sought to modernize China by working within the dynasty, the following generation was fed up with the Qing. It was the age of racism, and many Chinese were influenced by anti-Manchu racial theories.<ref>Ishikawa Yoshihiro, "[http://chinajapan.org/articles/15/15ishikawa7-26.pdf Anti-Manchu racism and the rise of anthropology in early 20th century China]"</ref> The old crimes of the Manchu, such as the Yangzhou Massacre of 1645, were dug up and used against them. Anti-Manchu revolutionary groups were formed in the Yangtze cities by 1903, and those in Tokyo banded together to form the "Revolutionary Alliance" in 1905, led by [[Sun Yat-sen]]. By 1910, even Liang Qichao, the most prominent Chinese intellectual at the time and once a prominent advocate of constitutional monarchy, had joined Sun as a revolutionary.

==Republic: 1912-1949==
===Yuan Shikai: 1911-1916===
By 1911 China had 400 million people and the beginnings of a railroad system. The old dynasty collapsed in 1911 as soldiers mutinied, and the emperor abdicated in early 1912. A republic was proclaimed on January 1, 1912, but power was held by army leader [[Yuan Shikai]] (1859-1916). The army officers felt loyalty to Yuan as a former commander who reorganized the army. Most owed their positions to him. The Nationalist Party won parliamentary elections in 1913, but Yuan had the parliamentary leader assassinated, crushed republican uprisings, shut down parliament, and ruled as a dictator. Yuan proclaimed himself emperor in 1915. This triggered an uprising based in the South. Few army officers appreciated the prospect of serving Yuan's playboy son, who was now heir to the throne. Faced with unanimous opposition, Yuan renounced the throne. He died suddenly of natural causes in June 1916.<ref>Hsü, (1999) ch 20</ref>

===Age of warlords: 1916-1930===
After Yuan's death, the Beiyang clique at first backed Prime Minister Duan Qirui. By 1919, army leadership had devolved into three rival factions: Anhui, Zhili, and Fengtian.<ref>Hsü, (1999) ch 20</ref> Zhang Zuolin, warlord of Manchuria and head of the Fengtian clique, was backed by Japan. He gained control of Beijing in 1926. The reactionary character of the Zhang regime provoked a backlash in the more reform-minded South. Sun Yat-sen and the Nationalist Party, backed by the Soviets, established a rival government in Guangzhou in 1925. Whampoa Academy trained a new generation of army officers who would be loyal to the party, not affiliated with any of the Beiyang cliques.

===The Nanjing decade: 1927-1937===
[[Chiang Kai-shek]], who become Nationalist leader following Sun's death, defeated the Beiyang warlords and moved to central government to Nanjing in 1927. A warlord revolt was defeated in a brief but bloody war in 1930. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931, and in 1937 invaded all of China, defeating the government armies, seizing the coast, the major cities, and setting up a puppet government that controlled most of the population. China's resistance was ineffective.<ref>Spence, ''Search for Modern China'' (1990) ch 14-16</ref>

===Communist Party===
The Chinese Communist Party was founded in Shanghai, China's largest city, in 1921. It was allied with the KMT but in classical Marxist style its goal was initially to foment revolution among urban workers and to seize the ultimate political power of entire China. It was controlled by [[Stalin]] in Moscow through the Comintern. In 1927, however, a bloody anti-communist coup by the Nationalist, destroyed the CCP in the cities. Forced into the countryside, the CCP broke with Russian guidance and developed a new strategy based on agrarian revolution, mobilizing poor peasants by promising to confiscate and redistribute the lands held by landlords. [[Mao Zedong]] took the lead.<ref>Spence, ''Search for Modern China'' (1990) ch 14</ref>

====The Long March: 1934-36 ====
In 1934-35, the CCP fled the KMT with over 100,000 men and women.They divided into several armies, marched 6,000 miles inland through a brutal terrain of frigid mountain passes, freezing rivers and marshes in search of a sanctuary to continue their revolution. Only 7000 survived the march.<ref>John M. Glionna, "China's reality check on Long March," [http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-longmarch16jan16,0,3463382.story?coll=la-home-center ''Los Angeles Times, Jan. 16, 2008]</ref>

The Long March became the heroic memory of the CCP, and virtually all the Communist leaders of the next 70 years were marchers or their children.<ref>Sun Shuyun, ''The Long March: The True History of Communist China's Founding Myth'' (2007)</ref>

===World War II: 1937-1945===
China suffered millions of deaths in the long war, even though battles were few. The Japanese killed tens of thousands of civilians in the occupied territories. Tens of thousands more died when Nationalist troops broke the levees of the [[Yangtze]] to stop the Japanese advance after the loss of the capital, [[Nanking]]. Millions more Chinese died because of famine during the war.

Millions of Chinese moved to the western regions of China to avoid Japanese invasion. Cities like [[Kunming]] ballooned with new arrivals. Entire factories and universities were often taken along for the journey. Japan captured major coastal cities like [[Shanghai]] early in the war; cutting the rest of China off from its chief source of finance and industry.

The city of [[Chongqing]] became the most frequently bombed city in history.<ref>[http://www.cs.albany.edu/~lance/china/chongqing.htm Chóngqìng].</ref>

Though China received [[Lend Lease]] economic and military aid from the United States, China did not have sufficient infrastructure to properly arm or even feed its military forces. Much of the aid was lost to corruption and extreme inefficiency.

===Civil War: 1946-1949===
China was allied with the U.S. and Britain against Japan, and at war's end joined the United Nations as a permanent member of the 5-nation Security Council, with a veto. The Americans attempted to force a negotiated settlement between the KMT and the Communists, but failed.

==People's Republic: 1949 - present==

[[Image:PRCFounding.jpg|right|thumb|[[Mao Zedong]] proclaims the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949.]]

In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under Mao Zedong (1893-1976). Mao established a totalitarian Stalinist regime, driving the KMT to [[Taiwan]]. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949. Mao liquidated millions of opponents, fought the United States in the bloody [[Korean War]] (1950–53), and broke with the Soviet Union over the issue of who best represented the Marxist orthodoxy.

===Great Leap Forward===
The Great Leap Forward (1958–60) and the Cultural Revolution (1966–76) were the two worst periods of leftist domination in the history of China. Beginning in 1958, Mao imposed unrealistic targets on Chinese grain production to extract funds from agriculture for rapid industrial growth. Maoists placed relentless pressure on Communist cadres for ruthless implementation of the Great Leap Forward. Contrary to Maoist plans, China's grain output in 1959-60 declined sharply from 1957 levels and rural per capita grain retention decreased dramatically. Throughout China, party cadres' mismanagement of agricultural production was responsible for the decline in grain output, and the Communist state's excessive requisition of grain caused food shortages for the peasants.<ref>Yixin Chen, "Cold War Competition and Food Production in China, 1957-1962," ''Agricultural History'' 2009 83(1): 51-78,</ref>

===The Cultural Revolution===
[[Image:Yun Xin.jpg|left|thumb|Painting by Yun Xin, born in 1944]]
Mao was discredit by the failure of the Great Leap Forward, and power shifted the party boss Liu Shaoqi and his protégé, Deng Xiaoping. Dissatisfied with China's new direction and his own reduced authority, Mao launched a massive political attack on Liu, Deng, and other pragmatists in the spring of 1966.

In the early stages of the Cultural Revolution, Mao and [[Lin Biao]] charged Liu, Deng, and other top party leaders with dragging China back toward capitalism. In 1971, Lin Biao was accused of plotting against Mao. He fled Beijing and died in a plane crash in Mongolia.

The ideological struggle between more pragmatic, veteran party officials and the radicals re-emerged with a vengeance in late 1975. Mao's wife, [[Jiang Qing]], and three close Cultural Revolution associates (later dubbed the "[[Gang of Four]]") launched a campaign against Deng, who was stripped of all official positions.

===Nixon===
In 1972 the world was stunned when American President [[Richard Nixon]] visited Beijing, ending the cold war between the two countries and opening an era of détente and friendship that continues into the 21st century.<ref>For primary sources and details see [http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/publications/DOC_readers/kissinger/nixzhou/ "Record of Historic Richard Nixon-Zhou Enlai Talks in February 1972 Now Declassified"]</ref>

===The post-Mao era===
After Mao's death in September 1976 Hua Guofeng was quickly confirmed as party chairman and premier. A month later, Hua, backed by the army, arrested Jiang Qing and other members of the "Gang of Four" that organized the Cultural Revolution.

In December 1978, the Third Plenum (of the 11th Party Congress Central Committee) adopted economic reform policies aimed at expanding rural income and incentives, encouraging experiments in enterprise autonomy, reducing central planning, and attracting foreign direct investment into China. Hua was forced to resign at this time, leaving Deng as top leader.

Deng focused on market-oriented economic development. By 2000, output had quadrupled, population growth ended (by imposing a one-child policy), and good relations were secured with the West.

===Massacre at Tiananmen Square===
The death of Hu Yaobang on April 15, 1989, coupled with growing economic hardship caused by high inflation, triggered protests by students, intellectuals, and others. The protesters camped out in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mourn Hu's death and to protest against those who would slow reform.

Martial law was declared on May 20, 1989. Late on June 3 and early on the morning of June 4, military units were brought into Beijing. They used armed force to clear demonstrators from the streets. There are no official estimates of deaths in Beijing, but most observers believe that casualties numbered in the hundreds.

===Post-Deng China===
Deng's health deteriorated in the years prior to his death in 1997. Jiang Zemin gradually assumed control of the day-to-day functions of government. In November 2002, [[Hu Jintao]] was selected leader. In 1992, he had been designated by Deng Xiaoping as the "core" of the fourth generation leaders. On March 14, 2013 [[Xi Jinping]] was "elected" as new president.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9929619/Xi-Jinping-elected-Chinas-president-Telegraph-dispatch.html</ref>

==References==
<references/>

== See also ==
*[[Oriental art]]

==External links==
* [http://www.chinaknowledge.org/History/Ming/ming.html Timeline, with maps and short histories from prehistoric era to present]
* [http://www.academylink.com/et/CurriculumCenter/NHAHistoryInteractive/CHI/CHI_Index.html ancient and feudal China]

==Further reading==
For a more detailed guide go to the Bibliography below

*Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, and Kwang-ching Liu. ''The Cambridge Illustrated History of China'' (1999) 352 pages [http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Illustrated-History-China-Histories/dp/052166991X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346890&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' (2nd ed. 2006). 640 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/China-New-History-Second-Enlarged/dp/0674018281/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346975&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Gernet, Jacques, J. R. Foster, and Charles Hartman. ''A History of Chinese Civilization'' (1996), called the best one-volume survey; [http://www.amazon.com/History-Chinese-Civilization-Jacques-Gernet/dp/0521497817/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197220627&sr=1-11 excerpt and text search]
* Hsü, Immanuel Chung-yueh. ''The Rise of Modern China,'' (6th ed. 1999), highly detailed coverage of 1644-1999, in 1136pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Modern-China-Immanuel-Hsu/dp/0195125045/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197238178&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* [[Kenneth Scott Latourette|Latourette, Kenneth Scott]]. ''The Development of China'' (1917) 273 pages; [http://books.google.com/books?id=fSIPAAAAYAAJ&dq=inauthor:latourette&num=30&as_brr=1 full text online], by a leading Christian scholar
* Michael, Franz. ''China through the Ages: History of a Civilization.'' (1986). 278pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-through-the-ages-history-of-a-civilization-by-franz-michael.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' (1999). 662 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-China-Essential-Reference-History/dp/0816043744/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346428&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' (1999). 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' (2000). 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online at Questia]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' (1998). 442 pp.
* Wright, David Curtis. ''History of China'' (2001) 257pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-history-of-china-by-david-curtis-wright-john-e-findling-frank-w-thackeray.jsp online edition]

==Detailed Bibliography==
For a long scholarly bibliography through 2001 see [http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/chinesehistory/bibtoc.html "Modern Chinese History: A Basic Bibliography"].
===surveys===
* Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, and Kwang-ching Liu. ''The Cambridge Illustrated History of China'' (1999) 352 pages [http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Illustrated-History-China-Histories/dp/052166991X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346890&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' 2nd ed. Harvard U. Press, (2006). 640 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/China-New-History-Second-Enlarged/dp/0674018281/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346975&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Gernet, Jacques, J. R. Foster, and Charles Hartman. ''A History of Chinese Civilization'' (1996), called the best one-volume survey; [http://www.amazon.com/History-Chinese-Civilization-Jacques-Gernet/dp/0521497817/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197220627&sr=1-11 excerpt and text search]
* Hsü, Immanuel Chung-yueh. ''The Rise of Modern China,'' 6th ed. (Oxford University Press, 1999), highly detailed coverage of 1644-1999, in 1136pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Modern-China-Immanuel-Hsu/dp/0195125045/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197238178&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Huang, Ray. ''China, a Macro History'' (1997) 335pp, an idiosyncratic approach, not for beginners; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-a-macro-history-by-ray-huang.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Latourette, Kenneth Scott. ''The Development of China'' (1917) 273 pages; [http://books.google.com/books?id=fSIPAAAAYAAJ&dq=inauthor:latourette&num=30&as_brr=1 full text online]
* Michael, Franz. ''China through the Ages: History of a Civilization.'' (1986). 278pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-through-the-ages-history-of-a-civilization-by-franz-michael.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Mote, Frederick W. ''Imperial China, 900–1800'' Harvard University Press, 1999, 1,136 pages, the authoritative treatment of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties; [http://www.amazon.com/Imperial-China-900-1800-F-Mote/dp/0674012127/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197237736&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' Facts on File, 1999. 662 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-China-Essential-Reference-History/dp/0816043744/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346428&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' Harvard U. Press, 1999. 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' Columbia U. Press, 2000. 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online at Questia]
* Ven, Hans van de, ed. ''Warfare in Chinese History.'' E. J. Brill, 2000. 456 pp. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=109282565 online edition]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' Garland, 1998. 442 pp.
* Wright, David Curtis. ''History of China'' (2001) 257pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-history-of-china-by-david-curtis-wright-john-e-findling-frank-w-thackeray.jsp online edition]
* [http://books.google.com/books?as_q=&num=30&as_brr=1&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_libcat=0&as_brr=1&as_vt=history+china&as_auth=&as_pub=&as_sub=&as_drrb=c&as_miny=&as_maxy=&as_isbn= full text of older histories (pre 1923)]

===Prehistory and early history===
* Chang, Kwang-chih. ''The Archaeology of Ancient China,'' Yale University Press, 1986.

===Intellectual, social and cultural history===
* de Bary, William Theodore, et al., ''Sources of Chinese Tradition'' (1960), primary sources
* Ebrey, Patricia Buckley. ''Women and the Family in Chinese History'' (2002) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/women-and-the-family-in-chinese-history-by-patricia-buckley-ebrey.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Fung, Yu-lan. ''A History of Chinese Philosophy,'' (2d ed. 2 vol., University Press, 1963)
* Goldman, Merle and Lee, Leo Ou-fan, ed. ''An Intellectual History of Modern China.'' Cambridge U. Press, 2002. 607 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Intellectual-History-Modern-China/dp/0521797101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196913935&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Mair, Victor H., ed. ''The Columbia History of Chinese Literature.'' Columbia U. Press, 2001. 800 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-history-of-chinese-literature-by-victor-h-mair.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Mote, Frederick W. ''Intellectual Foundations of China,'' (2d ed. 1989)
* Needham, Joseph; Robinson, Kenneth Girdwood; and Huang, Ray. ''Science and Civilisation in China: V. 7, Part 2: General Conclusions and Reflections.'' (2004). 283 pp. the last volume of a monumental series
* Schwartz, Benjamin. ''The World of Thought in Ancient China'' (1985)
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Gate of Heavenly Peace: The Chinese and Their Revolution'' (1982), 560pp' intellectual history of politics, 1895-1930s [http://www.amazon.com/Gate-Heavenly-Peace-Chinese-Revolution/dp/0140062793/ref=pd_bbs_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197244812&sr=8-8 excerpt and text search]
* Temple, Robert, and Joseph Needham. ''The Genius of China: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery, and Invention,'' (2007), summarizes Needham's massive multivolume history
* Watson, William. ''The Arts of China, 900-1620.'' (2000). 304 pp.
* Watson, William. ''The Arts of China to A.D. 900'' 2000. [http://www.amazon.com/Arts-China-D-900/dp/0300082843/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346730&sr=8-10 excerpt and text search]
* Xinian, Fu, Guo Daiheng, Liu Xujie, and Pan Guxi. ''Chinese Architecture'' (2002) [http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Architecture-Fu-Xinian/dp/0300095597/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197224144&sr=1-6 excerpt and text search]
* Xu, Guoqi, and William C. Kirby. ''Olympic Dreams: China and Sports, 1895-2008'' (2008)
===Religion===
* Charbonnier, Jean, David Notley, and M. N. L. Couve de Murville. ''Christians in China: A.D. 600 to 2000'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Christians-China-d-600-2000/dp/0898709164/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346428&sr=1-3 excerpt and text search]
* Seiwert, Hubert. ''Popular Religious Movements and Heterodox Sects in Chinese History.'' Brill, 2003. 548 pp.

===Historiography===
* Braester, Yomi. ''Witness against History: Literature, Film, and Public Discourse in Twentieth-Century China.'' Stanford U. Press, 2003. 264 pp.
* Crossley, Pamela Kyle. ''A Translucent Mirror: History and Identity in Qing Imperial Ideology'' (2002) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft7n39p1f5/?&query=Ming&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Duara, Prasenjit. ''Rescuing History from the Nation: Questioning Narratives of Modern China.'' U. of Chicago Press, 1995. 275 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-History-Nation-Questioning-Narratives/dp/0226167224/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196914090&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Huang, Ray. ''Broadening the Horizons of Chinese History: Discourses, Syntheses and Comparisons.'' M. E. Sharpe, 1999. 274 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/broadening-the-horizons-of-chinese-history-discourses-syntheses-and-comparisons-by-ray-huang.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Huters, Theodore; Wong, R. Bin; and Yu, Pauline, eds. ''Culture and State in Chinese History: Convention, Accommodations, and Critiques.'' Stanford U. Press, 1997. 500 pp.
* Johnston, Alastair Iain. ''Cultural Realism: Strategic Culture and Grand Strategy in Chinese History.'' Princeton U. Press, 1995. 307 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Realism-Strategic-Culture-Strategy/dp/0691002398/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197221105&sr=1-17 excerpt and text search]
* Lach, Donald F. "China in Western Thought and Culture," in Philip P. Wiener, ed. ''The Dictionary of the History of Ideas'' (1974) [http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhiana.cgi?id=dv1-48 online edition]
* Ng, On-Cho and Wang, Q. Edward. ''Mirroring the Past: The Writing and Use of History in Imperial China.'' U. of Hawai`i Press, 2005. 306 pp.
* Van Kley, Edwin J. "Europe's 'Discovery' of China and the Writing of World History," ''The American Historical Review,'' 76 (1971), 358-85. [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0002-8762(197104)76%3A2%3C358%3AE%22OCAT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-W in JSTOR]
* Wang, Ben. ''Illuminations from the Past: Trauma, Memory, and History in Modern China.'' Stanford U. Press, 2004. 311 pp.
* Wang, David Der-wei. ''The Monster That Is History: History, Violence, and Fictional Writing in Twentieth-Century China.'' U. of California Press, 2004. 402 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Monster-That-History-Twentieth-Century-Lilienthal/dp/0520238737/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197221105&sr=1-20 excerpt and text search]
* Wang, Q. Edward. ''Inventing China Through History: The May Fourth Approach to Historiography.'' State U. of New York Press, 2001. 304 pp.
* Wilkinson, Endymion. ''Chinese History, A Manual, Revised and Enlarged.'' Harvard U. Asia Center, 2000. 1181 pp. Standard research guide to 4300 books and sources (most in Chinese) covering all major topics; for advanced users only
* Xia, Yafeng. "The Study of Cold War International History in China: A Review of the Last Twenty Years," ''Journal of Cold War Studies''10#1 Winter 2008, pp. 81–115 in [[Project Muse]]
* [http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/chinesehistory/pgp/index.html Studies of Modern Chinese History: Reviews and Historiographical Essays]

[[Category:Chinese History]]
[[Category:Asian History]]

History of China

2017-11-04T04:23:37Z

AntiCommunistAction: Add a little bit of info about their devious attempt

[[Image:Commuting to Work.jpg|right|thumb|Tiananmen gate of the [[Forbidden City]]. The Forbidden City used to be the palace of the emperor of China, it is now a tourist attraction.]]
The origin of Chinese civilization is shrouded in myth and conflicting tales. Documented history begins with the [[Shang dynasty]], founded about 1600 BC. China has long been the most populous country in the world. It's warring states were united into a single nation by Qin Shi Huang, the king of Qin, in 221 BC. For the next two thousand years, the country was ruled by a series of dynasties that followed the principles of [[Confucianism]]. Officials were selected by an examination system which tested their knowledge of classic works of literature. The Qing (1644-1911), the last of these dynasties, was founded by the Manchu, a nomadic people from the northeast.

Publications established by Christian missionaries introduced reformist ideas in the late 19th century, culminating in the Chinese Revolution of 1911. The May Fourth Movement of the 1920s was characterized by language reform, campaigns against footbinding and other abusive practices toward women, and a reverent attitude toward "science." At this time, the country was divided among various warlord factions. It was reunited in 1927 by the Nationalists under [[Chiang Kai-shek]]. In 1937, most of China was occupied by Japan. Fighting between Nationalist China and Japan continued until 1945, when Japan was defeated by the United States.

After the war, China was ensnared in [[Cold War]] rivalries. In the Chinese Civil War (1946-1949), Soviet-backed communists led by [[Mao Zedong]] defeated the U.S.-backed Nationalists. Although impoverished by many years of war and upheaval, China entered the [[Korean War]] (1950-1953) with Soviet backing. Loses were heavy, but U.S. forces did retreat before the Chinese offensive. During the [[Great Leap Forward]] (1958-1961), the communists starved the nation's peasants to maximize rice exports. The money raised was used to build a nuclear bomb, which was tested in 1964.

Market-oriented reforms have allowed the country to experience rapid economic growth since 1978. China's economy is now has the world's second largest, surpassing that of Japan in 2010. However, the Communist Party maintains a monopoly on political power. In 1989, the army killed thousands of anti-Communist demonstrators in the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

==Origins==
===Mythological===
[[File:China1.jpg|thumb|A map of China]]
Traditional history begins with Pangu, the first living being. When Pangu died, his left eye became the Sun. Various parts of his body became different parts of the Earth. There followed a succession of Three Sovereigns, or demigod rulers. The first and best known of these was Fuxi (2852–2737 BC). Fuxi and his sister Nüwa survived a worldwide flood by retreating to the Kunlun Mountains. After the Three Sovereigns, China was ruled by the Five Emperors. The Yellow Emperor (r. 2698–2598 BC) is given credit for numerous inventions and is considered the founder of Chinese civilization.

During the reign of Emperor Yao (2356 - 2255 BC), a great and terrible flood began.<ref>The Biblical flood may be dated as 2304 BC.("[http://creation.com/the-date-of-noahs-flood The Date of Noah’s Flood]" by Dr John Osgood)</ref> The waters overtopped hills and mountains, threatening heaven itself. Yao appointed Gun to control the food. To build dikes, Gun stole soil that expanded magically from the Supreme Deity. This angered the Supreme Deity, and the flood raged on. Yao consulted the Four Mountains, who advised him to appoint Shun as his successor. Shun (r. 2255 – 2195 BC) was only a distant relative of Yao, but he was known throughout the kingdom as a dutiful son. Shun's father had repeatedly tried to murder him, so being a dutiful son was not as easy as it might sound. Shun was later singled out by [[Confucius]] as an example of outstanding filial piety. Yet he too proved helpless before the flood. Shun's successor, Yu the Great (c. 2200 - 2100 BC), was finally able to control the raging waters by building embankments made of non-magical soil. Yu's son succeeded him, making Yu the founder of the legendary [[Xia dynasty]] (2070 – c. 1600 BC).

===Archaeological===
The neolithic site of Yangshao in Henan Province was excavated by Swedish archaeologist Johan Gunnar Andersson in 1921. The Yangshao culture thrived along Yellow River and cultivated millet from about 4900 to 3000 BC. Silk was produced and pottery was fired in kilns dug into the ground. The bones of domesticated dogs, cattle, sheep and goats have been found.<ref>Vasey, Daniel E., ''[http://books.google.com.tw/books?id=XcrrGBbT9eEC&dq= An Ecological History of Agriculture 10,000 BD to AD 10,000]'', p. 157 (2002)</ref> As of 1999, a total of 31 Yangshao sites have been located.<ref>Xiaolin Ma, "''[http://books.google.com.tw/books?ei=F6LwUtb6IsmckAWyyYD4AQ&id=ytxnAAAAMAAJ&dq= Emergent Social Complexity in the Yangshao Culture: Analyses of Settlement Patterns and Faunal Remains from Lingbao, Western Henan, China C. 4900-3000 BC]''</ref> The remains of a second neolithic culture were uncovered by C.T. Wu at Longshan in Shandong in 1928. Black pottery is a characteristic find at Longshan archaeological sites. Longshan is now considered an example of the second phase of a Yangshao-Longshan culture, one that lasted from 3000 to 2000 BC. Copper was introduced around 2000 BC, and China entered the [[Bronze Age]] around 1700 BC. China's first significant state was the Erlitou culture (1900–1350 BC). This was a Bronze Age state whose capital in Henan Province was excavated in 1959.

===Historical===
{{History of China (full)}}
The traditional view of ancient Chinese history, still promoted by the Chinese government, is of a succession of dynasties from Xia to Shang to Zhou going back 5,000 years. Historians working in China identify Erlitou with the Xia dynasty.<ref>The official view of ancient chronology is given by the [http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/17161 Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project] (2001), which refines the traditional timeline.</ref> Other states and cultures existed at the same time, and the focus on the traditional dynastic sequence may reflect the basis of dynasty-oriented historians. Among the first historians to carefully separate myth from history was [[Sima Qian]]. His history begins with the exile of King Li of the Zhou dynasty in 841 BC, still the earliest securely dated event in Chinese history.

==Xia dynasty: 2070–c. 1600 BC==
The [[Xia dynasty]] is the first dynasty in traditional history. The legend of this dynasty was used by the Zhou to justify their conquest of the Shang. It can be compared to the King Arthur legend in England, which Medieval writers developed to justify the Norman conquest. The fourteen Xia rulers on the traditional dynasty list were descended from Yu the Great. Jie, the last king of the dynasty, is said to have fallen in love with a beautiful but cruel woman. In response, Zi Lü led a revolt, overthrew the Xia, and founded the Shang dynasty.

==Shang dynasty: 1600-c. 1046 BC==
The Shang, found in 1600 BC, was China's first fully historical dynasty. It was a Bronze Age culture.

==Zhou dynasty: c. 1045–256 BC==
Iron replaced bronze around 600 BC, during the Zhou dynasty.

==Imperial China==
Successive dynasties developed a system of bureaucratic control that gave the agrarian-based Chinese an advantage over neighboring nomadic and hill cultures. Chinese civilization was further strengthened by the development of a Confucian state ideology and a common written language that bridged the gaps among the country's many local languages and dialects. Whenever China was conquered by nomadic tribes, as it was by the Mongols in the 13th century, the conquerors sooner or later adopted the ways of the "higher" Chinese civilization and staffed the bureaucracy with Chinese.

When the Chinese discovered [[gunpowder]] they had no intention of using it as a weapon. Instead, it was developed in the Tang dynasty as a formula for immortality by religious Daoist alchemists. It was discovered to be a powerful explosive, and when lit, gunpowder in a bamboo stick made a colorful explosion. This loud explosion was used to chase away evil spirits and to celebrate weddings, victories in battles, and religious ceremonies. However, contrary to popular belief, the first depiction of gunpowder in pictorial form shows it in military use. Similarly, it is also known that before the arrival of Westerners in China, Chinese troops were equipped with firearms.

===Great Wall===
The [[Great Wall of China]] was designed to keep enemies out and protect their country. Construction took centuries, and was begun during the Qin dynasty, 221-206 BC. In 246 BC the emperor Qin Shi Huang Di, whose original name was Ying Zheng, came to power in the state of Qin. By 221 BC, he had unified China using the Legalistic philosophy of his state to encourage colonization and to build up the military in what was previously a minor desert state.

The Great Wall winds some 2,400 km (1,500 mi) along the edge of the Mongolian plateau from Gansu Province in the west to the Yellow Sea in the east. Its width ranges from 4 to 12 m (12 to 40 ft) and its height from 6 to 15 m (20 to 50 ft). It makes possible much more effective military defense of China from invaders.

It was perhaps the greatest and largest thing ever created by man by that point. Unlike the wall we see today, it was originally an earthen and wooden rampart structure, and had earlier precedents, walls built by the various states of the Warring States period to keep out nomads in the north. There was a huge human cost involved; it is believed over a million people died in the construction. The wall that is visible today dates from the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), begun after the expulsion of the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1276 - 1368) and nearly a thousand years of nomad rule in China under various dynastic titles. It did not, however, prevent a final nomadic group from conquering China at the end of the Ming dynasty in 1368 - the Manchus. The Shanhaiguan pass, the main route into and out of Manchuria, was not protected by the wall, and in 1644, Manchus, Buddhist descendants of the Jurchen tribes who had fought the Han Chinese for centuries, invaded the north of China, exploiting the weak late-Ming government and infrastructure. This resulted in the formation of the Qing dynasty, which lasted until the revolution of 1911.

==Ming dynasty: 1368-1644==
The Ming period is the only era of later imperial history during which all of China was ruled by a native, or Han dynasty. The success of the Chinese in regaining control over their own government is an important event in history, and the Ming dynasty thus has been regarded, both in Ming times and even more so in the 21st century, as an era of Chinese resurgence.

[[Image:16th century East Asia.png|thumb|A map of Asia during the Ming dynasty]]

All the counties in China had a county government, a Confucian school, and the standard Chinese family system. Typically the dominant local elite comprised high status families comprised of the gentry owners and managers of land and of other forms of wealth, as well as smaller groups that were subject to elite domination and protection. Much attention was paid to genealogy to prove that high status was inherited from generations back. Substantial land holdings were directly managed by the owning families in the early Ming period, but toward the end of the era marketing and ownership were depersonalized by the increased circulation of silver as money, and estate management gravitated into the hands of hired bailiffs. Together with the departure of the most talented youth into the imperial service, the result was direct contacts between the elite and subject groups were disrupted, and romantic images of country life disappeared from the literature. In villages across China elite families participated in the life of the empire by sending their sons into the very high status imperial civil service. Most of the successful sons had a common education in the county and prefecture schools, had been recruited by competitive examination, and were posted to offices that might be anywhere in the empire, including the imperial capital. At first the recommendation of an elite local sponsor was important; increasing the imperial government relied more on merit exams, and thus entry into the national ruling class became more difficult. Downward social mobility into the peasantry was possible for less successful sons; upward mobility from the peasant class was unheard of.<ref>Dardess, ''A Ming Society'' (1996)</ref>

==Qing dynasty: 1644-1911==
Chinese had an advanced artistic culture and well-developed science and technology. However, its science and technology stood still after 1700 and in the 21st century very little survives outside museums and remote villages, except in for the ever-popular forms of traditional medicine like acupuncture.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by large-scale civil wars, major famines, military defeats by Britain and Japan, regional control by powerful warlords and foreign intervention such as the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900. In the 1860s, electrotype technology was applied to allow newspapers in the Chinese language to be mass-produced and widely circulated. Christian missionaries were at the forefront in taking advantage of this technology. The reformers of the 1890s were educated concerning modern approaches and ideologies by their publications, particularly ''Wanguo Gongbao'' (A Review of the Times).

===Reforms: 1901-1908===
The humiliation of the Boxer Rebellion stimulated a second reform movement—this time sanctioned by Empress Dowager [[Cixi]]. From 1901 to 1908, the dynasty announced a series of educational, military, and administrative reforms, many reminiscent of the "one hundreds days" of 1898. The imperial examinations of 1902 and 1904 included questions on the politics, science and technology of all countries, requiring some 50,000 students to study such subjects, most of whom would not otherwise be interested.<ref>Iwo Amelung, "[http://proj3.sinica.edu.tw/~icosas/download/ScholarSummary/278.pdf The Examination System and the Dissemination of Western Knowledge during the Late Qing]"</ref> Unfortunately, the examination system was abolished in 1905.

Armies were raised and trained in European (and Japanese) fashion and plans for a national army were laid. The creation of the "new army" reflected rising esteem for the military profession and the emergence of a new national elite that dominated China for much of the 20th century. More officers and men were now literate, while patriotism and better pay served as an inducement for service.

Japan's victory over Russia in 1905 electrified nationalists across Asia. The adoption of a constitutional monarchy in Russia following the war created a model for action. In 1908, the court issued a timetable: Consultative provincial assemblies by 1909, a consultative national assembly by 1910, and both a constitution and a parliament by 1917. Cixi's death in 1908 left the dynasty practically leaderless. The new emperor was a child and the regent incompetent. The army leaders felt little loyalty to either. They yearned for the return of [[Yuan Shikai]], a Cixi favorite dismissed in 1909.

===Revolution planned===
While the reformers of the 1890s sought to modernize China by working within the dynasty, the following generation was fed up with the Qing. It was the age of racism, and many Chinese were influenced by anti-Manchu racial theories.<ref>Ishikawa Yoshihiro, "[http://chinajapan.org/articles/15/15ishikawa7-26.pdf Anti-Manchu racism and the rise of anthropology in early 20th century China]"</ref> The old crimes of the Manchu, such as the Yangzhou Massacre of 1645, were dug up and used against them. Anti-Manchu revolutionary groups were formed in the Yangtze cities by 1903, and those in Tokyo banded together to form the "Revolutionary Alliance" in 1905, led by [[Sun Yat-sen]]. By 1910, even Liang Qichao, the most prominent Chinese intellectual at the time and once a prominent advocate of constitutional monarchy, had joined Sun as a revolutionary.

==Republic: 1912-1949==
===Yuan Shikai: 1911-1916===
By 1911 China had 400 million people and the beginnings of a railroad system. The old dynasty collapsed in 1911 as soldiers mutinied, and the emperor abdicated in early 1912. A republic was proclaimed on January 1, 1912, but power was held by army leader [[Yuan Shikai]] (1859-1916). The army officers felt loyalty to Yuan as a former commander who reorganized the army. Most owed their positions to him. The Nationalist Party won parliamentary elections in 1913, but Yuan had the parliamentary leader assassinated, crushed republican uprisings, shut down parliament, and ruled as a dictator. Yuan proclaimed himself emperor in 1915. This triggered an uprising based in the South. Few army officers appreciated the prospect of serving Yuan's playboy son, who was now heir to the throne. Faced with unanimous opposition, Yuan renounced the throne. He died suddenly of natural causes in June 1916.<ref>Hsü, (1999) ch 20</ref>

===Age of warlords: 1916-1930===
After Yuan's death, the Beiyang clique at first backed Prime Minister Duan Qirui. By 1919, army leadership had devolved into three rival factions: Anhui, Zhili, and Fengtian.<ref>Hsü, (1999) ch 20</ref> Zhang Zuolin, warlord of Manchuria and head of the Fengtian clique, was backed by Japan. He gained control of Beijing in 1926. The reactionary character of the Zhang regime provoked a backlash in the more reform-minded South. Sun Yat-sen and the Nationalist Party, backed by the Soviets, established a rival government in Guangzhou in 1925. Whampoa Academy trained a new generation of army officers who would be loyal to the party, not affiliated with any of the Beiyang cliques.

===The Nanjing decade: 1927-1937===
[[Chiang Kai-shek]], who become Nationalist leader following Sun's death, defeated the Beiyang warlords and moved to central government to Nanjing in 1927. A warlord revolt was defeated in a brief but bloody war in 1930. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931, and in 1937 invaded all of China, defeating the government armies, seizing the coast, the major cities, and setting up a puppet government that controlled most of the population. China's resistance was ineffective.<ref>Spence, ''Search for Modern China'' (1990) ch 14-16</ref>

===Communist Party===
The Chinese Communist Party was founded in Shanghai, China's largest city, in 1921. It was allied with the KMT but in classical Marxist style its goal was initially to foment revolution among urban workers and to seize the ultimate political power of entire China. It was controlled by [[Stalin]] in Moscow through the Comintern. In 1927, however, a bloody anti-communist coup by the Nationalist, destroyed the CCP in the cities. Forced into the countryside, the CCP broke with Russian guidance and developed a new strategy based on agrarian revolution, mobilizing poor peasants by promising to confiscate and redistribute the lands held by landlords. [[Mao Zedong]] took the lead.<ref>Spence, ''Search for Modern China'' (1990) ch 14</ref>

====The Long March: 1934-36 ====
In 1934-35, the CCP fled the KMT with over 100,000 men and women.They divided into several armies, marched 6,000 miles inland through a brutal terrain of frigid mountain passes, freezing rivers and marshes in search of a sanctuary to continue their revolution. Only 7000 survived the march.<ref>John M. Glionna, "China's reality check on Long March," [http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-longmarch16jan16,0,3463382.story?coll=la-home-center ''Los Angeles Times, Jan. 16, 2008]</ref>

The Long March became the heroic memory of the CCP, and virtually all the Communist leaders of the next 70 years were marchers or their children.<ref>Sun Shuyun, ''The Long March: The True History of Communist China's Founding Myth'' (2007)</ref>

===World War II: 1937-1945===
China suffered millions of deaths in the long war, even though battles were few. The Japanese killed tens of thousands of civilians in the occupied territories. Tens of thousands more died when Nationalist troops broke the levees of the [[Yangtze]] to stop the Japanese advance after the loss of the capital, [[Nanking]]. Millions more Chinese died because of famine during the war.

Millions of Chinese moved to the western regions of China to avoid Japanese invasion. Cities like [[Kunming]] ballooned with new arrivals. Entire factories and universities were often taken along for the journey. Japan captured major coastal cities like [[Shanghai]] early in the war; cutting the rest of China off from its chief source of finance and industry.

The city of [[Chongqing]] became the most frequently bombed city in history.<ref>[http://www.cs.albany.edu/~lance/china/chongqing.htm Chóngqìng].</ref>

Though China received [[Lend Lease]] economic and military aid from the United States, China did not have sufficient infrastructure to properly arm or even feed its military forces. Much of the aid was lost to corruption and extreme inefficiency.

===Civil War: 1946-1949===
China was allied with the U.S. and Britain against Japan, and at war's end joined the United Nations as a permanent member of the 5-nation Security Council, with a veto. The Americans attempted to force a negotiated settlement between the KMT and the Communists, but failed.

==People's Republic: 1949 - present==

[[Image:PRCFounding.jpg|right|thumb|[[Mao Zedong]] proclaims the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949.]]

In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under Mao Zedong (1893-1976). Mao established a dictatorship, driving the KMT to [[Taiwan]]. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949. Mao liquidated millions of opponents, fought the United States in the bloody [[Korean War]] (1950–53), and broke with the Soviet Union over the issue of who best represented the Marxist orthodoxy.

===Great Leap Forward===
The Great Leap Forward (1958–60) and the Cultural Revolution (1966–76) were the two worst periods of leftist domination in the history of China. Beginning in 1958, Mao imposed unrealistic targets on Chinese grain production to extract funds from agriculture for rapid industrial growth. Maoists placed relentless pressure on Communist cadres for ruthless implementation of the Great Leap Forward. Contrary to Maoist plans, China's grain output in 1959-60 declined sharply from 1957 levels and rural per capita grain retention decreased dramatically. Throughout China, party cadres' mismanagement of agricultural production was responsible for the decline in grain output, and the Communist state's excessive requisition of grain caused food shortages for the peasants.<ref>Yixin Chen, "Cold War Competition and Food Production in China, 1957-1962," ''Agricultural History'' 2009 83(1): 51-78,</ref>

===The Cultural Revolution===
[[Image:Yun Xin.jpg|left|thumb|Painting by Yun Xin, born in 1944]]
Mao was discredit by the failure of the Great Leap Forward, and power shifted the party boss Liu Shaoqi and his protégé, Deng Xiaoping. Dissatisfied with China's new direction and his own reduced authority, Mao launched a massive political attack on Liu, Deng, and other pragmatists in the spring of 1966.

In the early stages of the Cultural Revolution, Mao and [[Lin Biao]] charged Liu, Deng, and other top party leaders with dragging China back toward capitalism. In 1971, Lin Biao was accused of plotting against Mao. He fled Beijing and died in a plane crash in Mongolia.

The ideological struggle between more pragmatic, veteran party officials and the radicals re-emerged with a vengeance in late 1975. Mao's wife, [[Jiang Qing]], and three close Cultural Revolution associates (later dubbed the "[[Gang of Four]]") launched a campaign against Deng, who was stripped of all official positions.

===Nixon===
In 1972 the world was stunned when American President [[Richard Nixon]] visited Beijing, ending the cold war between the two countries and opening an era of détente and friendship that continues into the 21st century.<ref>For primary sources and details see [http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/publications/DOC_readers/kissinger/nixzhou/ "Record of Historic Richard Nixon-Zhou Enlai Talks in February 1972 Now Declassified"]</ref>

===The post-Mao era===
After Mao's death in September 1976 Hua Guofeng was quickly confirmed as party chairman and premier. A month later, Hua, backed by the army, arrested Jiang Qing and other members of the "Gang of Four" that organized the Cultural Revolution.

In December 1978, the Third Plenum (of the 11th Party Congress Central Committee) adopted economic reform policies aimed at expanding rural income and incentives, encouraging experiments in enterprise autonomy, reducing central planning, and attracting foreign direct investment into China. Hua was forced to resign at this time, leaving Deng as top leader.

Deng focused on market-oriented economic development. By 2000, output had quadrupled, population growth ended (by imposing a one-child policy), and good relations were secured with the West.

===Massacre at Tiananmen Square===
The death of Hu Yaobang on April 15, 1989, coupled with growing economic hardship caused by high inflation, triggered protests by students, intellectuals, and others. The protesters camped out in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mourn Hu's death and to protest against those who would slow reform.

Martial law was declared on May 20, 1989. Late on June 3 and early on the morning of June 4, military units were brought into Beijing. They used armed force to clear demonstrators from the streets. There are no official estimates of deaths in Beijing, but most observers believe that casualties numbered in the hundreds.

===Post-Deng China===
Deng's health deteriorated in the years prior to his death in 1997. Jiang Zemin gradually assumed control of the day-to-day functions of government. In November 2002, [[Hu Jintao]] was selected leader. In 1992, he had been designated by Deng Xiaoping as the "core" of the fourth generation leaders. On March 14, 2013 [[Xi Jinping]] was "elected" as new president.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9929619/Xi-Jinping-elected-Chinas-president-Telegraph-dispatch.html</ref>

==References==
<references/>

== See also ==
*[[Oriental art]]

==External links==
* [http://www.chinaknowledge.org/History/Ming/ming.html Timeline, with maps and short histories from prehistoric era to present]
* [http://www.academylink.com/et/CurriculumCenter/NHAHistoryInteractive/CHI/CHI_Index.html ancient and feudal China]

==Further reading==
For a more detailed guide go to the Bibliography below

*Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, and Kwang-ching Liu. ''The Cambridge Illustrated History of China'' (1999) 352 pages [http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Illustrated-History-China-Histories/dp/052166991X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346890&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' (2nd ed. 2006). 640 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/China-New-History-Second-Enlarged/dp/0674018281/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346975&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Gernet, Jacques, J. R. Foster, and Charles Hartman. ''A History of Chinese Civilization'' (1996), called the best one-volume survey; [http://www.amazon.com/History-Chinese-Civilization-Jacques-Gernet/dp/0521497817/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197220627&sr=1-11 excerpt and text search]
* Hsü, Immanuel Chung-yueh. ''The Rise of Modern China,'' (6th ed. 1999), highly detailed coverage of 1644-1999, in 1136pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Modern-China-Immanuel-Hsu/dp/0195125045/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197238178&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* [[Kenneth Scott Latourette|Latourette, Kenneth Scott]]. ''The Development of China'' (1917) 273 pages; [http://books.google.com/books?id=fSIPAAAAYAAJ&dq=inauthor:latourette&num=30&as_brr=1 full text online], by a leading Christian scholar
* Michael, Franz. ''China through the Ages: History of a Civilization.'' (1986). 278pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-through-the-ages-history-of-a-civilization-by-franz-michael.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' (1999). 662 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-China-Essential-Reference-History/dp/0816043744/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346428&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' (1999). 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' (2000). 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online at Questia]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' (1998). 442 pp.
* Wright, David Curtis. ''History of China'' (2001) 257pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-history-of-china-by-david-curtis-wright-john-e-findling-frank-w-thackeray.jsp online edition]

==Detailed Bibliography==
For a long scholarly bibliography through 2001 see [http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/chinesehistory/bibtoc.html "Modern Chinese History: A Basic Bibliography"].
===surveys===
* Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, and Kwang-ching Liu. ''The Cambridge Illustrated History of China'' (1999) 352 pages [http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Illustrated-History-China-Histories/dp/052166991X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346890&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' 2nd ed. Harvard U. Press, (2006). 640 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/China-New-History-Second-Enlarged/dp/0674018281/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346975&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Gernet, Jacques, J. R. Foster, and Charles Hartman. ''A History of Chinese Civilization'' (1996), called the best one-volume survey; [http://www.amazon.com/History-Chinese-Civilization-Jacques-Gernet/dp/0521497817/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197220627&sr=1-11 excerpt and text search]
* Hsü, Immanuel Chung-yueh. ''The Rise of Modern China,'' 6th ed. (Oxford University Press, 1999), highly detailed coverage of 1644-1999, in 1136pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Modern-China-Immanuel-Hsu/dp/0195125045/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197238178&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Huang, Ray. ''China, a Macro History'' (1997) 335pp, an idiosyncratic approach, not for beginners; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-a-macro-history-by-ray-huang.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Latourette, Kenneth Scott. ''The Development of China'' (1917) 273 pages; [http://books.google.com/books?id=fSIPAAAAYAAJ&dq=inauthor:latourette&num=30&as_brr=1 full text online]
* Michael, Franz. ''China through the Ages: History of a Civilization.'' (1986). 278pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-through-the-ages-history-of-a-civilization-by-franz-michael.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Mote, Frederick W. ''Imperial China, 900–1800'' Harvard University Press, 1999, 1,136 pages, the authoritative treatment of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties; [http://www.amazon.com/Imperial-China-900-1800-F-Mote/dp/0674012127/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197237736&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' Facts on File, 1999. 662 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-China-Essential-Reference-History/dp/0816043744/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346428&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' Harvard U. Press, 1999. 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' Columbia U. Press, 2000. 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online at Questia]
* Ven, Hans van de, ed. ''Warfare in Chinese History.'' E. J. Brill, 2000. 456 pp. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=109282565 online edition]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' Garland, 1998. 442 pp.
* Wright, David Curtis. ''History of China'' (2001) 257pp; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-history-of-china-by-david-curtis-wright-john-e-findling-frank-w-thackeray.jsp online edition]
* [http://books.google.com/books?as_q=&num=30&as_brr=1&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_libcat=0&as_brr=1&as_vt=history+china&as_auth=&as_pub=&as_sub=&as_drrb=c&as_miny=&as_maxy=&as_isbn= full text of older histories (pre 1923)]

===Prehistory and early history===
* Chang, Kwang-chih. ''The Archaeology of Ancient China,'' Yale University Press, 1986.

===Intellectual, social and cultural history===
* de Bary, William Theodore, et al., ''Sources of Chinese Tradition'' (1960), primary sources
* Ebrey, Patricia Buckley. ''Women and the Family in Chinese History'' (2002) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/women-and-the-family-in-chinese-history-by-patricia-buckley-ebrey.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Fung, Yu-lan. ''A History of Chinese Philosophy,'' (2d ed. 2 vol., University Press, 1963)
* Goldman, Merle and Lee, Leo Ou-fan, ed. ''An Intellectual History of Modern China.'' Cambridge U. Press, 2002. 607 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Intellectual-History-Modern-China/dp/0521797101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196913935&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Mair, Victor H., ed. ''The Columbia History of Chinese Literature.'' Columbia U. Press, 2001. 800 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-history-of-chinese-literature-by-victor-h-mair.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Mote, Frederick W. ''Intellectual Foundations of China,'' (2d ed. 1989)
* Needham, Joseph; Robinson, Kenneth Girdwood; and Huang, Ray. ''Science and Civilisation in China: V. 7, Part 2: General Conclusions and Reflections.'' (2004). 283 pp. the last volume of a monumental series
* Schwartz, Benjamin. ''The World of Thought in Ancient China'' (1985)
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Gate of Heavenly Peace: The Chinese and Their Revolution'' (1982), 560pp' intellectual history of politics, 1895-1930s [http://www.amazon.com/Gate-Heavenly-Peace-Chinese-Revolution/dp/0140062793/ref=pd_bbs_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197244812&sr=8-8 excerpt and text search]
* Temple, Robert, and Joseph Needham. ''The Genius of China: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery, and Invention,'' (2007), summarizes Needham's massive multivolume history
* Watson, William. ''The Arts of China, 900-1620.'' (2000). 304 pp.
* Watson, William. ''The Arts of China to A.D. 900'' 2000. [http://www.amazon.com/Arts-China-D-900/dp/0300082843/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346730&sr=8-10 excerpt and text search]
* Xinian, Fu, Guo Daiheng, Liu Xujie, and Pan Guxi. ''Chinese Architecture'' (2002) [http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Architecture-Fu-Xinian/dp/0300095597/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197224144&sr=1-6 excerpt and text search]
* Xu, Guoqi, and William C. Kirby. ''Olympic Dreams: China and Sports, 1895-2008'' (2008)
===Religion===
* Charbonnier, Jean, David Notley, and M. N. L. Couve de Murville. ''Christians in China: A.D. 600 to 2000'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Christians-China-d-600-2000/dp/0898709164/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197346428&sr=1-3 excerpt and text search]
* Seiwert, Hubert. ''Popular Religious Movements and Heterodox Sects in Chinese History.'' Brill, 2003. 548 pp.

===Historiography===
* Braester, Yomi. ''Witness against History: Literature, Film, and Public Discourse in Twentieth-Century China.'' Stanford U. Press, 2003. 264 pp.
* Crossley, Pamela Kyle. ''A Translucent Mirror: History and Identity in Qing Imperial Ideology'' (2002) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft7n39p1f5/?&query=Ming&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Duara, Prasenjit. ''Rescuing History from the Nation: Questioning Narratives of Modern China.'' U. of Chicago Press, 1995. 275 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-History-Nation-Questioning-Narratives/dp/0226167224/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196914090&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Huang, Ray. ''Broadening the Horizons of Chinese History: Discourses, Syntheses and Comparisons.'' M. E. Sharpe, 1999. 274 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/broadening-the-horizons-of-chinese-history-discourses-syntheses-and-comparisons-by-ray-huang.jsp online edition from Questia]
* Huters, Theodore; Wong, R. Bin; and Yu, Pauline, eds. ''Culture and State in Chinese History: Convention, Accommodations, and Critiques.'' Stanford U. Press, 1997. 500 pp.
* Johnston, Alastair Iain. ''Cultural Realism: Strategic Culture and Grand Strategy in Chinese History.'' Princeton U. Press, 1995. 307 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Realism-Strategic-Culture-Strategy/dp/0691002398/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197221105&sr=1-17 excerpt and text search]
* Lach, Donald F. "China in Western Thought and Culture," in Philip P. Wiener, ed. ''The Dictionary of the History of Ideas'' (1974) [http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhiana.cgi?id=dv1-48 online edition]
* Ng, On-Cho and Wang, Q. Edward. ''Mirroring the Past: The Writing and Use of History in Imperial China.'' U. of Hawai`i Press, 2005. 306 pp.
* Van Kley, Edwin J. "Europe's 'Discovery' of China and the Writing of World History," ''The American Historical Review,'' 76 (1971), 358-85. [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0002-8762(197104)76%3A2%3C358%3AE%22OCAT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-W in JSTOR]
* Wang, Ben. ''Illuminations from the Past: Trauma, Memory, and History in Modern China.'' Stanford U. Press, 2004. 311 pp.
* Wang, David Der-wei. ''The Monster That Is History: History, Violence, and Fictional Writing in Twentieth-Century China.'' U. of California Press, 2004. 402 pp. [http://www.amazon.com/Monster-That-History-Twentieth-Century-Lilienthal/dp/0520238737/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197221105&sr=1-20 excerpt and text search]
* Wang, Q. Edward. ''Inventing China Through History: The May Fourth Approach to Historiography.'' State U. of New York Press, 2001. 304 pp.
* Wilkinson, Endymion. ''Chinese History, A Manual, Revised and Enlarged.'' Harvard U. Asia Center, 2000. 1181 pp. Standard research guide to 4300 books and sources (most in Chinese) covering all major topics; for advanced users only
* Xia, Yafeng. "The Study of Cold War International History in China: A Review of the Last Twenty Years," ''Journal of Cold War Studies''10#1 Winter 2008, pp. 81–115 in [[Project Muse]]
* [http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/chinesehistory/pgp/index.html Studies of Modern Chinese History: Reviews and Historiographical Essays]

[[Category:Chinese History]]
[[Category:Asian History]]

User:AntiCommunistAction

2017-11-02T04:46:20Z

AntiCommunistAction:

SBC Member. Staunch Anti-Communist. Having enough of the disgusting Communist Regime in Mainland China and their liberal brothers in America.

User talk:DavidB4

2017-11-02T04:45:38Z

AntiCommunistAction:

<big>'''<big><center>[http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:DavidB4&action=edit&section=new Post a new message]</center></big>'''</big>
Archives: [[User talk:DavidB4/Archive 1|1]], [[User talk:DavidB4/Archive 2|2]]
 Last change made by {{REVISIONUSER}} on {{REVISIONMONTH}}/{{REVISIONDAY}}/{{REVISIONYEAR}} 
'''Feel free to post any questions or comments here. If you don't hear back from me, try e-mailing me also.'''
 
__TOC__

== Question ==

What do you think of this edit?[http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Sunni&curid=12296&diff=1326541&oldid=1260905] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:30, 28 March 2017 (EDT)
: I don't quite know what to think. The grammar is pretty bad, for sure. As for the content, I do not really understand the difference, so I can't say if it is true or not. I was rather hoping someone with a better understanding of the factions would review it. Do you have any idea of its acuracy? In the meantime, I'll try a more rounabout approach. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:20, 28 March 2017 (EDT)

== move request / delete request ==

I think I've put in the correct template notices, but it seems that communicating with you directly. as the "mover/deleter-in-chief" is more effective.

Please delete [[Spacetime]] and rename [[Curvature of spacetime]] on top of it.

[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 12:01, 7 April 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, the templates look right. I'd be happy to help (and you did get a chuckle out of me with "mover/deleter-in-chief") but unfortunately, I cannot delete pages. I can move, but that's all. I'll ask someone else to delete it, then do the move unless they do it before me. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:36, 7 April 2017 (EDT)
::Okay, done --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 20:26, 7 April 2017 (EDT)

== "Dewey Defeats Truman" ==

I already asked Andy, but is there any way to find or upload old newspaper articles, particularly the 1948 "Dewey Defeats Truman" ''Chicago Tribune'' article (not the fMous image, but the actual article)? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:01, 7 April 2017 (EDT)

:The problem is that the newspaper itself is copyrighted, as far as I know. If we could get written permission from the Chicago Tribune, that would be ideal. Otherwise, we can only go down the slippy slope of "Fair use." I'll try to do a little research, but I don't know if there is much we can do other than linking to the image/article directly. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:51, 8 April 2017 (EDT)

::The [[Harry Truman]] article has several newspaper images displayed on it (unfortunately, not the "Dewey wins" one). Is there any difference with those, or were those mistakenly uploaded? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:15, 8 April 2017 (EDT)
:::Hmmm... good point. They claimed "fair use." I know WP uses copyrighted things with impunity, just claiming it is "fair use." However, i don't really know what legal ground they have to stand on. That's why I usually differ to Mr. Schlafly on Fair Use topics. it occurs to me that the Chicago Tribune might have some published terms of use. If we could find those, it might help. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:28, 8 April 2017 (EDT)
::::The proposed use of the photo to decorate the [[Fake News]] article would not be fair use. If you had a discussion of the ''Tribune'' or of the photo itself, that could potentially be a fair use. If I were the permissions editor of the ''Tribune'' (a company that currently operates a for-profit website), I would not give you permission to use the photo on an article that calls it (and the ''Tribune'') "fake news." Again, there are several copyrights involved, the photographer's, the underlying newspaper, and anyone who altered or "touched up" the photo since it was taken. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 15:08, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::::I had a feeling it would not--you're right, especially if we are asking so we can essentially berate them, it would not be in their best interests to agree. Thanks for the input! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:30, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

== Conservapedia IRC channel ==

I don't think the IRC channel is active anymore.

I could be wrong, but I think IRC channels make your computer very susceptible to malware attacks. I think a weekly or biweekly Skype conference chat would be better for those who are interested. Skype is a very secular network. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 12:02, 9 April 2017 (EDT)

:I could also be wrong, but I'm not aware of any penetration risks with IRC. The beauty of IRC is its simplicity--there are no local scripts, cross-site scripts, databases, or other fancy features--it's just text. IRC client programs should not have any significant computer access, so there shouldn't be much risk--I think. I did a little research, and couldn't find any articles on vulnerabilities either, but nothing it perfect.
:The main thing is that not all IRC networks use encryption, so conversations may not be secure. However, IRC channels are usually intended to be public anyway, so that is not a major issue. Also, encryption can be set up if needed.
:Anyway, Skype conferences could work, I suppose, although a scheduled occasional thing does not promote the casual conversation which can occur in IRC or some other chat room style place. Still, it might be a good chance for people to talk. If something like that is developed, I would be interested in joining. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 02:58, 10 April 2017 (EDT)
::Please set up a Conservapedia IRC channel. Conservapedia could use more of a sense of community. And then ask for the IRC channel to be mentioned on the main page. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 12:01, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::Oh! okay, will do. I need to research a good network, since my old favorite has degenerated. I'll get back to you once its done. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 12:55, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

::::Question: Should all users be required to register an IRC account before they can talk?
::::I'm setting up a channel which is not ready yet, so I don't want to post the info openly. I can e-mail it to you though, if you would like. If we decide to keep this, I'll also need to know who to set as IRC SysOps. I will be one automatically, since I'm creating it, but I can add others to several different permission levels. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:44, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::::Okay, I think I have something reasonably set up. It is #conservapedia @irc.AccessIRC.net
:::::Thoughts? If you joint sometimes and register a nick, I can set you (and all other CP admins) to have SysOp rights. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:48, 10 April 2017 (EDT)
:::::Here is a [https://kiwiirc.com/client?settings=7c7240c62a5d4861a8ad0ba697929f39 web client link], too, if that's easier. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:58, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

== Image typo ==

Hello DavidB4, would you please move [[:File:Donald Trump with Nei Gorsuch Jan. 31, 2017.jpg]] in order to correct my spelling error on Gorsuch's first name? After that, is it OK if you request Andy to delete the redirect, as well as the redirect "[[Fake news]]"? (for the latter, so [[Fake News]] -- notice the "N" -- can be moved there, per JDano's request). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:48, 9 April 2017 (EDT)

:Of course, moved as requested. I'm sure it's fine to ask Andy--you can you it yourself, but I did it this time, since I'm already thinking about it anyway. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 03:10, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

::All done, with Andy's help! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:02, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:23, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

== Merge cats? ==

Do you think [[:Category:Weaponry]] and [[:Category:Weapons]] should be merged together? Or should one of those cats become a subcategory of the other? Right now, they are not related in any way, other than having one of the same parent cats. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:44, 14 April 2017 (EDT)
:That sounds like an excellent idea.... I don't see a difference either, so I agree that they should be merged. There's no need to make things more complicated than needed. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]])

Would you also please move the article [[Occupy democrats]] so the "D" is capitalized? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:39, 17 April 2017 (EDT)
:Good idea, thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:56, 17 April 2017 (EDT)

== Moving Pages ==

I think there's a problem with some article names that you may be able to fix. One of the New Testament books is named Titus. However, the page on [[Titus]] on Conservapedia goes to a Roman emperor, not the biblical book. Instead, the New Testament books Conservapedia page is on [[Epistle to Titus]], a rather awkward name to say the least.

So, I want to request you to move the page on the Roman emperor to a new article that should be titled [[Titus Flavius Vespasianus]] (the emperors full name), and [[Epistle to Titus]] should be moved to simply Titus. Thanks for reading.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 23:29, 22 April 2017 (EDT)
:Personally, I like the "Epistle of Titus" name. I think moving the article of the Roman emperor is a good idea, but I personally disagree with moving the article of the biblical book. I think that once the Roman emperor's article is moved, the "Titus" redirect should be re-redirected to "Epistle of Titus". --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:36, 22 April 2017 (EDT)
I guess having a direct page works as well, but I'd prefer devoting a biblical book to its own name, 'epistle' of course is an interpretation.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 10:15, 23 April 2017 (EDT)

:I think it might be a bit presumptive to move Epistle to Titus to Titus, since "Titus" is a name used over and over. Perhaps a disambiguation page would be appropriate under that name? A redirect would work also, as 1990'sguy suggested, but if we do that, a disambiguation statement should probably be added to the top of Epistle to Titus. In any case, I agree on moving Titus to Titus Flavius Vespasianus, so I'll start with that. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:09, 23 April 2017 (EDT)
Since you moved the Roman emperor to [[Titus Flavius Vespasianus]], the article [[Titus]] has simply become nothing more than a redirect page to the Roman emperor. So I see no problem in simply moving [[Epistle to Titus]] to what is now a redirection page. I don't see any other type of article that could take up the [[Titus]] page, the biblical book seems to be the only one to warrant that name. So I'd still advocate my initial thoughts. Also -- not everyone may know what 'epistle' means, best to keep it simple.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 16:46, 24 April 2017 (EDT)

::I'm still torn was to which is the better option. However, a full admin must delete [[Titus]] before [[Epistle to Titus]] could be moved there anyway. I made [[Titus]] a disambiguation page, which is all I can do. If you want to get Epistle to Titus moved to Titus, you will need to ask an administrator, such as [[User:Jpatt]], [[User:Karajou]], or [[User:Aschlafly]]. I still haven't decided what's better, but it's out of my hands anyway. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:43, 24 April 2017 (EDT)
: I had presumed you were capable of moving pages. Anyways, I brought this to [[User:Jpatt]].[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 20:24, 24 April 2017 (EDT)

::You assumed correctly, but I can only move pages when there is nothing preexisting under the destination name. Since there was already a page under [[Titus]], I cannot move anything on top of that. An administrator needs to delete the existing page first, before a move can be completed. I should have thought of that sooner. Anyway, sorry I can't help more, but let me know if there is anything else I can do! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:19, 24 April 2017 (EDT)
: You've already done enough by redirecting me to [[User:Jpatt]]. I made two requests to Jpatt, to move [[Epistle to Titus]] to [[Titus]], and rename the page [[Queen Gorgo of Sparta]] to simply [[Gorgo of Sparta]]. Both requests have been granted, [[Titus]] is now a page for the biblical book, whereas [[Epistle to Titus]] simply redirects to the biblical book. All seems well now -- and thanks![[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 15:54, 25 April 2017 (EDT)

DavidB4, would you please move the article [[St Gall]] to [[St. Gallen]]? The latter is the correct name of the Swiss city. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:06, 27 April 2017 (EDT)

:I would but now cannot, because the content has been copied over. A full admin will need to delete [[St. Gallen]], revert the change to [[St Gall]], then preform the move. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:06, 27 April 2017 (EDT)

::I've asked Jpatt to resolve this. See: [[User_talk:Jpatt#Moving_Pages]] --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:19, 27 April 2017 (EDT)

Hey David. Another request, if I may. Could you move [[Tiberius]] to [[Tiberius Caesar Augustus]], the full name of the emperor, and make it so that [[Tiberius]] is simply a proper redirect page?[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 20:13, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

== "Anti-Trump" article ==

Would you please move the article [[Anti-Trump]] to [[Never Trump movement]]? (is there supposed to be a space between "Never" and "Trump" or not?) This move would be to differentiate the movement from [[Opposition to Donald Trump]]. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:41, 4 May 2017 (EDT)
:Done. Just because the "hash tag" does not have a space doesn't mean there shouldn't be one. I would say it should have a space, and a quick web search seemed to show that most other people feel the same. Cheers! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:10, 4 May 2017 (EDT)

--[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:09, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

==Picture Upload Requests==

Hi. Would it be possible to upload some of the following three pictures?

:http://www.magdala.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/history_01.jpg
:http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/archaeology-today/magdala-2016-excavating-the-hometown-of-mary-magdalene/
:http://cdn.biblicalarchaeology.org/wp-content/uploads/magdala-stone-3.jpg?x10423

Thanks.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 12:10, 7 May 2017 (EDT)

I would be happy to, but first I need license information. unless explicitly stated, all content musty be assumed to be under copyright. Is this info available somewhere? If not, can you perhaps find some suitable substitutes which are usable, from places like Wikimedia commons and Flickr? Thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:03, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

:I've sent a message to the website requesting usage of these pictures. Hopefully I'll get a response soon.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 16:00, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

::Perfect, alright let me know what they say (if they do)! Also if they give the ok, it would be great if you could forward the message to davidb4-cp@archnet.us so I can document it. Thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:13, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

: Thanks. Good news -- although I haven't received an e-mail from them back yet, some of the images I need turned out to be on Wikimedia Commons which I'm hoping you will be able to upload:
:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee#/media/File:Isrele_-_Tiberias_-_Lake_002.jpg
:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Magdala_Stone#/media/File:Magdala_Stone_(5).jpg

:Of course, if I receive permission from magdala.org, that will give us access to some very high-quality image on a range of things regarding [[Magdala]], which will be even better.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 19:25, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

::Great, yes I can do those right now. Uploaded as [[:File:Israeli-Tiberias-Lake.jpg]] and [[:File:Magdala Stone.jpg]] --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:00, 8 May 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks! If I have any new requests, I'll just post them down here without further comment. For now;

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee#/media/File:TiberiasNorthward.jpg [[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 00:41, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

:Uploaded as [[:File:TiberiasNorthward.jpg]]. Feel free to ask me here, of course, but I also monitor [[Conservapedia:Image upload requests]]--you can ask there, as well. I'm not the only one to answer requests there, so you could get a faster response. Either is fine with me. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:09, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:: Gotcha! Thanks a lot.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 16:09, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

: Good news. I received a response e-mail from bibleplaces.com, a site that contains numerous very good photos on biblical locations. Accordingly, we can freely use up to 10 images from their website up to 400 pixels wide (the standard on bibleplaces.com). I will forward the response e-mail to you so that you can document it.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 22:18, 11 May 2017 (EDT)

::Great! Okay, thanks! Let me know which ones you want uploaded, too, whenever you pick them out (no rush).

== Question ==

Do you think [[Xiang qi|this article]] has an appropriate quality for CP? I ask because the article creator is a liberal RW sysop who has brought his editing and writing style over to CP (though I think it's gotten better). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:03, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:I don't see any significant issues. Having two parenthetical remarks in the first sentence isn't ideal, but in regards to style, spelling, grammar, and notability, it looks ok to me. I haven't done research to verify the information, but assuming it is accurate, I think is should be fine. The only other thing I noticed was the use of parentheses inside of parentheses. Technically, brackets then braces should be used, but nowiki tags might be needed to make that work in some cases. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:36, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

== Opinion ==

Hello. I was considering a move option for the page [[Exodus of Israel]]. I was thinking of moving this article to [[The Exodus]], and using [[Exodus of Israel]] as a redirect to it. As of right now, it's the other way around, and I wanted your opinion on this. I find that [[The Exodus]] is a much simpler name and title for the page, and a title that more people will consider when thinking about this event ('the exodus'). As far as I'm concerned, few people would consider typing in 'Exodus of Israel' to get to the page (although there is a disambiguation to get there from [[Exodus]]). So, I thought that [[The Exodus]] would be a superior title, and thus we should move [[Exodus of Israel]] to [[The Exodus]]. So far, I've already asked the opinion of 1990'sguy. -Unsigned comment by Korvex

:I think that while either might be acceptable, "Exodus of Israel" is better. Firstly, if someone types in "Exodus" they will see the result. Secondly, people familiar with the Bible my be familiar with "the exodus," but those who don't know the Bible may be confused. Exodus simply means to leave, usually in mass. While we know this is referring to the Israelites exiting Egypt, some may not. The current title is more precise, so my opinion is that the page should stay where it is. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:32, 10 May 2017 (EDT)

Thanks for the thoughts. Just one issue I recently noted -- [[Acre]] is a page on the measurement, but it should be turned into a disambiguation page, because there's also a city in Israel called Acre. So, could you take care of that by moving the pages?[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 18:59, 10 May 2017 (EDT)

:Any time! As for Acre, We can do that, but I wounder if that's necessary. Acre, Israel is somewhat of a minority topic. Besides the fact we don't have an article for the city, I suspect that most people search "arce" will be looking for the unit, not the place. Even WP has an article about the unit under the name "acre" (not that I want to use WP as a template for CP). We don't want to frustrate users with too many disambiguation pages, but we also don't want to make it hard to find minority pages, either. We could put a link at the top of "Acre" to "Acre, Israel" I suppose, too. Do you plan to write a page on the city? If not, then as bad as it sounds, we can put this problem off until later. If so, then we should figure out something. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:48, 10 May 2017 (EDT)

== Ref help and suggestion ==

I have a code problem with a reference. The URL for ref. 3 (GOP 2016 platform) on [[Donald Trump achievements: 2016 election and transition]] is correct, but it is weird and CP does not recognize it. It only considers part of the URL as the actual URL. Is there anything you can do to fix that, so people who click on the link will actually find the 2016 platform? (BTW, other than this code error, I like the link became it actually links to the actual PDF, rather than a page that links to that PDF).

In addition to the above, I have two suggestions for your bot. I don't know what you will think of them, but I might as well ask. First, can you program the bot to change hyphens to en-dashes whenever it is clear that the mark is intended to be a dash? Many editors use hyphens when they're supposed to be using dashes. Secondly, is there any way for your bot to add the links to the ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress'' on the articles of current and former members of Congress? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:57, 13 May 2017 (EDT)

:It seems that they didn't stick to naming conventions, so that link text is being misunderstood by the wiki. I put in a workaround, using a web redirect. It's not really what we should do, but I'm not sure what it is we should do. This works, anyway.
:I welcome any any all thoughts, suggestions, criticisms, etc. about the bot! Unfortunately, the bot is very limited, and not very smart. It can and does detect double hyphens (the proper way to type a dash when only hyphens are available) and replace them with a dash. However, it cannot tell if a single hyphen should be replaced with a dash. Only if a specific word is immediately before or after the dash in need of replacing could it do this. It would detect the "-word" or "word-" then replace it. That's about as good as it gets. For the second suggestion, it could only add identical links to each page. So if there is some master list you would link linked to, it can put that on a hundred pages in a few minutes. However, it cannot put a different link on each page. I'm still hunting for a better bot solution, but for now, the main "engine" is basically just a batch edit bot. If anything within these constraints could be helpful, let me know and I'll gladly run a batch job. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:17, 14 May 2017 (EDT)
::I just tried the "cite web" template, but the same ref problem occurred. Oh well. I encourage you to continue to develop your bot! I think a bot that can do more things would be very useful. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:59, 17 May 2017 (EDT)

==Regarding Ransomware==
I've been a bit out of the IT loop, but I can think of a few ideas for defeating it, at least on a Windows OS, in degrees of severity.
:1. Booting from the OS installation DVD and going a few system restores back.
:2. Reinstalling Windows.
:3. The above, plus updating the BIOS.
:4. The above, plus swapping out the CPU and motherboard physically.
:5. The above, plus having all your information backed-up to an external hard drive or flash drive pre-infection.

How deep would I have to go? The NSA leaks on Windows zero-days make me concerned. I'd rather not lose twelve years of data. --[[User:Pious|Pious]] ([[User talk:Pious|talk]]) 23:39, 19 May 2017 (EDT)

:Sorry for the delayed response. You're certainly on the right track, but there are a few important factors to consider while following that line of reasoning. Since most ransomeware encrypts the entire drive, the OS disk does not see any system to run system restore on. Therefore, that is not an option. Actually, in my experience, system restore is almost always useless when dealing with malware, since the "bad guys" know all about it, and want to defeat it. Secondly, the CPU is just a calculator--it cannot be locked or corrupted. The only available attack on a processor which I know of is to force it to run far too many calculations so that it burns out. Regarding your points specifically, therefore:
:# Not going to work, as explained.
:# That should work fine--the attack is usually designed to lock data. If you reinstall the OS, there is not much they can do to stop you, in most cases.
:#Updating the BIOS would only be needed if the BIOS has been corrupted. If it has, it may also have been somewhat protected against updating. However, the BIOS is generally not targeted, since it is different from one computer to another. While one kind can be attacked, scores of others will be safe.
:#Replacing the CPU would be pointless, but replacing the board replaces the CMOS. That will remove the potentially infected BIOS from the equation. If the ransomware comes back, this is a good thing to try.
:#Always a good idea! Back up all of your personal files, and keep the storage device disconnected from the PC at all other times. If you get infected while that drive is attached, it will probably be locked as well.
:Something I like to do is to also take complete drive backup. This will take substantial external storage, but is a safe way to protect your files, settings, and perhaps most importantly, your software licenses. Take a system snapshot, then if the system is compromised, restore the image to the drive. This demolishes all data on the drive, and replaces it with the old information. Ideally, you should be able to just reboot after the restore, and the system will initialize as it always used to. My favorite program for doing that is [https://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm DriveImage XML] (which is free for private use).

:It can go deep--the BIOS can be compromised, so you will be unable to boot to anything but the infected drive. This will prevent you from restoring a complete drive backup, even if you have one. The only way I know to deal with that is to swap out the motherboard, and run a boot disk (I like [[Hiren's BootCD]]). Using DIXML on the boot disk, then restore the XML backup to the infected drive. Make sure to wipe the drive first, just in case--at least a full format would be smart. Then try booting to it, with your external backup drive (any all other storage devices, except the restored hard drive) disconnected. Then you can try playing around, cleaning your BIOS and other storage devices, if you have any.

:For now, just keep make sure to get all Windows updates, make regular backups (and if you take complete drive backups, keep a few older versions as well as the newest), never visit links you don't trust (especially in e-mails), and maybe get some good [[Anti-virus software]] and perhaps anti-malware software, like [[Spybot Search & Destroy]].
:A more radical option you could use is to switch to a [[Linux]] system. [[Linux Mint]] might be a good one, since the interface is designed similar to that of Windows. It would take some getting used to, and you will need to find and learn some new software to replace the Windows software you may use now, but that will shelter you from those zero-day vulnerabilities. Linux can have vulnerabilities too, but very few attackers pay any attention to them, since so few people use each version of Linux.

:I hope this helps some--anything I didn't cover well? I know it's a lot to take in and especially a lot to do. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:33, 23 May 2017 (EDT)

==Congressman John Fleming==

I would like to upload an updated official photo. Can you assist? [[User:Dustygram|Dustygram]] ([[User talk:Dustygram|talk]]) 22:15, 21 May 2017 (EDT)
:Sure, if you can you go ahead and find one, in the Public Domain or under a [[Creative Commons]] license, that would be great. Here are some good sources:
:*[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page '''WikiMedia Commons''']
:*[https://www.flickr.com/search/?license=2%2C3%2C4%2C5%2C6%2C9 '''Flickr''']
:*[https://pixabay.com PixaBay]
:*[https://morguefile.com Morguefile]
:*[http://www.publicdomainpictures.net PublicDomainPictures]
:The first two are my favorites. If you can find a good one, just get me the link and I'll upload it. If this is all confusing, or you have any questions, please just say so! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:11, 23 May 2017 (EDT)

== Editor ==

Is there any chance you could review the edits of [http://www.conservapedia.com/Special:Contributions/MattF this editor]? They are not vandalism, but they cite few sources and I don't think many of them have the most encyclopedic language. I changed some of his edits, and I posted on his talk page with some of the diffs. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:52, 22 May 2017 (EDT)
:Agreed, he is adding some great information, but citations are needed. I've messaged him as well. It could be that he just isn't familiar with the process. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 12:57, 22 May 2017 (EDT)

== Protection ==

The page title should be protected after being deleted, and protected so only administrators can create. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 16:22, 24 May 2017 (EDT)
:Not a bad idea, but I cannot set that level of protection. I don't even know if autoconfirmed level restriction will slow this fool down, but it's all I can do. Perhaps ask an a full admin? The thing is, he'll just use a slightly different name, and keep going. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:25, 24 May 2017 (EDT)
::That's a good point, although I don't think that level of protection does much of anything since only registered users can edit anyway. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 16:27, 24 May 2017 (EDT)
:::That is probably the case. However, some users registered here are not autoconfirmed, but do have accounts. I'm not sure how/why that happens. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:29, 24 May 2017 (EDT)

== "Coat of Arms" of Turkey ==

Hi. [[Turkey]] doesn't have a "coat of arms", but [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TurkishEmblem.svg "'''national emblem'''" on the flag (star and crescent)] is being used on passports, ID cards, driving licences, embassy signs, seal of the presidential office, seal of the National Assembly and the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I ask you to upload this file and put it on the article (instead of the so-called "coat of arms"). Thanks. - [[User:Andrewlee|Andrewlee]] ([[User talk:Andrewlee|talk]]) 12:14, 25 May 2017 (EDT)
:The image currently used there does seem to be legitimate. I'd be happy to upload it, but it doesn't really seem to be their coat of arms as much as it is just their national symbol. Since it is so similar to the flag (which has the same emblem) are you sure it would be beneficial to show that instead of the current image, which is in the "Coat of arms" section? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 21:52, 25 May 2017 (EDT)
::Yes, it will definitely be true. - [[User:Andrewlee|Andrewlee]] ([[User talk:Andrewlee|talk]]) 02:50, 26 May 2017 (EDT)
:::Okay, so I've done a little digging. While you are right, of course, that this emblem is regularly used, it is not their of arms. The coat of arms is different (here are some [[:Category:National_Coats_of_Arms|other examples]]). I'm fine with uploading this emblem, but it doesn't belong in that slot. The template doesn't actually seem to have a slot for it, but we could include it as an independent image, if you like. It clearly represents them, but just not as a coat of arms. Any thoughts on how it might be best displayed? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:46, 26 May 2017 (EDT)

== D.T. achievements article question ==

The article I'm working on, [[Donald Trump achievements]], is already 200,000 bytes, and we're not even halfway through 2017. I was thinking of making separate subpages for each year, but should I instead do half-years? Or, how big can I make pages until the become a problem for readers (long loading time, etc.)? I would appreciate your opinion. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:36, 29 May 2017 (EDT)
:Unrelated, would you please correct the title of [[:File:John Flemming.jpg]] (it's one "M", not two). As well as add cats? Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:40, 29 May 2017 (EDT)
::You could divide it by years or by topic areas -- foreign affairs, defense and national security, and domestic policy. Load time depends on the number of images and templates. If you look at the longest articles in CP, they are:
*[[Main Page/Previous Conservapedia Breaking News/Archives/2013-2016]] ‎[1,254,945 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 36-42]] ‎[1,053,795 bytes]
*[[‎Literalist Bible chronology]] ‎[545,440 bytes]
*[[‎Main Page/Previous Conservapedia Breaking News/Archives/2012]] ‎[521,228 bytes]
*[[‎Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]] ‎[494,607 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) shorter form Chapters 36-42]] ‎[452,782 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 22-28]] ‎[390,968 bytes]
*[[‎Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 29-35]] ‎[364,572 bytes]
*[[‎Community Portal/Archive 1]] ‎[346,243 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 15-21]] ‎[340,061 bytes]
The longest page on English Wikipedia is ‎List of Australian treaties ‎[1,335,307 bytes]. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 08:55, 30 May 2017 (EDT)

::That's a good question, but I really don't know the answer. I have a feeling that splitting it up a bit might be a good idea, but I dont know what our policy on page size is. 200kb is a lot to load on anything other than a high-speed connection. With the images, as you mentioned, it might be a bit much even for high-speed service. It might be smart to split it up or ask Andy. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]])
:::OK. Would you please move the image as I requested to fix the spelling mistake? To reply to JDano, I considered dividing the article by topic area, but I don't want to do that because 1), that would be a lot of articles to maintain, and 2), some achievements could fall in multiple categories. For example, Trump's upcoming decision on the Paris Climate Agreement (which I hope he chooses to leave) could fall in the "environment," "foreign policy," and "government size/regulation" sections. Considering the other long articles, I might as well try to continue with my plan to make subpages by year rather than half-year, but if that's a bad descision, please tell me. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:20, 30 May 2017 (EDT)

:: I was waiting until I could use a PC to move the file, but I've just done it. You should be able to categorize miles once they're uploaded, if you want. I don't know much about him I couldn't use precise categories. However, I have added some basic ones which will probably be sufficient. Probably keeping the page as it is is okay. It's a lot to download, but like you said, splitting it up would be complicated. Let me know if there's anything else I can do!--[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 10:47, 31 May 2017 (EDT)

One unrelated thing: I have been removing unnecessary links added by TAR, but I want to be cautious in removing links and there are a few articles where I would like someone else to decide which links/cats to remove. The articles I'm thinking about are [[Oath Keepers]], [[Vow]], and [[American Patriots]]. It might also a good idea to check the categories of [[Conservative values]]. Would you please do these things? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2017 (EDT)

:I will take a look when possible, but am very busy right now. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:52, 4 June 2017 (EDT)

::They looked pretty good. I cleaned up a few things, mostly categories. It's just a judgement call for some things, and there isn't always any guideline. I tend to not remove enough sometimes. However, they look pretty good to me. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:29, 7 June 2017 (EDT)

:::Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:31, 7 June 2017 (EDT)

== Bye ==

It's been great knowing you. Are you from Chicago? I've never done well with people from Chicago before; they commit a lot of crime in my part of the state. If you are, it's good to meet a nicer, better-mouthed person from Chicago. Still, you're a great technician and I hope you can use that to bring this site to glory.--[[User:Abcqwe|Nathan]] ([[User talk:Abcqwe|talk]]) 16:33, 4 June 2017 (EDT)

:It's been great knowing you as well. I've been out of touch the last for weeks--are you leaving?
:I am not from Chicago, actually. In any case, thanks--I hope I can help out a lot here! You have made some great progress here also. Thanks for your efforts! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:55, 4 June 2017 (EDT)
::He appears to have been some type of parodist.[http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Main_Page&diff=1350635&oldid=1350476] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:12, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

:::Interesting. I was originally suspicious (due to the user name), but he seemed to be on the level. This goes to show what happens when I don't pay attention for two weeks. Thanks for the link! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:32, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

:I was more than suspicious and said so months ago (somewhere - I can't find it now.) I had various tos and fros with him and asked for help re The New York Public Library Student's Desk Reference. Prentice Hall: New York, 1991. a number of times. You and your mates were more interested in nailing Liberals than housekeeping. Only Progressingamerica answered.
So... tomorrow... or whenever....when I finally manage to get myself together after a major injury to my wife, I will get into this with a degree of gusto. I will say only one thing now...that Abcque was allowed to do what he did for so long by the sheer ignorance or lack of will of so called senior editors of CP. [[User:AlanE|AlanE]] ([[User talk:AlanE|talk]]) 02:57, 7 June 2017 (EDT)
::Clearly I missed that. Thanks for trying anyway....
::I'm sorry to hear about your wife! I hope she is doing alright. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:35, 7 June 2017 (EDT)
:::Susan's injury is not life threatening - just extremely painful and very disabling. She slipped and fell against a wooden edge in the vegetable garden and smashed her forearm. Not broke, smashed. Her radius (the bone that goes to the thumb side of the hand) broke into 11 pieces. Her ulna, the other bone in the forearm, is broken but only once. The injury is to her left arm and she is left handed.
:Thank you for your kind words.
:::BTW... "The New York Public Library Student's Desk Reference. Prentice Hall: New York, 1991" is almost right. The only edition I can find though is 1993. But I'm damned (or "d****ed" as he would put it) if I am going to spend $60 or more getting it here from the States to check any "discrepancies". (I am one of those terrible liberals who paid taxes for nearly fifty years and is now getting some of them back - only some mind you - as a pension.)
: I need someone to get rid of the title [[Joseph Belloc]] so a new aticle can be written. I can pass a critical eye over the more well known or international American writers. I have them on my shelves. The fun will be with Auden; an old friend but a complicated one to put into two or three hundred words.
::Anyway...teatime and guess who is preparing it. :) [[User:AlanE|AlanE]] ([[User talk:AlanE|talk]]) 03:08, 8 June 2017 (EDT)

== Cleaning up after the blocked users ==

I've checked the author articles he's created, and it does not appear that he made up the "''The New York Public Library Student's Desk Reference''" reference that he used most. It appears that his edits (besides the clear garbage, such as that test vandalism and the jokes) were legitimate. If you would check further, I would appreciate that.

Also, I would appreciate it if you would check my requests I posted two sections above regarding TAR cleanup. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:24, 4 June 2017 (EDT)

:Thanks for checking! TAR did definitely add some good content, along with the junk. I will be happy to take a look as time permits, but I don't have much of it right now. One other issue with his contributions is some things were plagiarized, often from [http://www.amateur-radio-wiki.net/index.php?title=Main_Page this website]. You could also check for that, if you want and have not already. Thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:00, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
::Also, F.Y.I., TAR was not dishonorably banned. Rather, he decided to leave, and asked that his account be blocked. At the time, several editors were pushing for the admins to take action against him, but I don't think that push was going anywhere. His existing ban is in place at his request, to lock his account. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:01, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
:::I already knew that. That's why I used "blocked users" rather than "vandals/parodists" or something like that. However, you're right, my wording was still bad and understandably gave you the impression that you got. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:06, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

::::Good point. I was tired when I was writing that. You were here then, and part of the push. Sorry about that.--[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 12:57, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
:::::That's OK. However, actually, I joined several months after TAR left. I learned about it through reading about it, rather than actually experiencing it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:05, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

::::::I came in late in the game too. I started ignorantly cleaning up some of it, having no clue. SamHB then told me about him, but said he guessed TAR had left. A little while later, TAR reappeared, reverted many of my changes, and referred to me in a derogatory light. Then he left again, and cleanup resumed. It's been a strange situation. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:01, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
:::::::Well, I'm glad he's gone. He appears to have caused a lot of damage. The spam he created still exists on many articles like the ones I asked you about. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:25, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

We've all got better things to think about than the history of the TAR episode, but he blocked himself on Apr 1, 2016 [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Special%3ALog&type=&user=&page=User%3ATheAmericanRedoubt&year=&month=-1&tagfilter= here], but didn't have his rights (that he could have used to unblock himself) revoked until Apr 5. If you are curious, there was extensive discussion among the many people who had been wronged by TARs destructive behavior [[User_talk:Aschlafly/Archive60#Re:_Cleanup_work_post_TheAmericanRedoubt|here]], including a request by me, on Apr 2, that his rights be revoked so that we could all put a stop to this. Once the rights were revoked, we could all breathe a sigh of relief, and look forward to telling you newcomers about this epic battle. :-) [[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 00:57, 6 June 2017 (EDT)
:In some ways, I think TAR was a lot of fun. For example, I liked his: staunch gun rights stance; his free vs. unfree states (the gulag of Massachusetts is an unfree state) and his ardent view that the current economic/fiscal policies of the United States are unsustainable and will lead to collapse.

:Many people merely complain about matters related to these topics, but TAR was a man of action who took action relating to these matters.

:I realize he had his faults as an editor, but I still appreciate his good points. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 05:08, 8 June 2017 (EDT)

== I know you like doing technical things and probably would know how to implement the project below ==

I know you like doing technical things and probably would know how to implement the project below.

If you could implement this project, that would be excellent.

=== Can someone edit this template so the useful links are readable? ===

{{welcome}}

Can someone edit this template so the useful links are readable?

The blue links on a dark red background is hard to read.

Also, some people have started to edit Conservapedia and then quickly gave up because they didn't know how to edit a wiki. I noted about 3 people who did this. There are probably many more who quit but didn't say anything. I added a link entitled "How to edit a wiki". But I believe there are various versions of the welcome template so my link is not on all welcome template versions. For example, the welcome template that JPatt uses didn't incorporate my "How to edit a wiki" link.

Does the newest version of the Wikimedia software allow for WYSIWYG editing? In other words "What you see is what you get".

The newest version of the Wikimedia software does not have the counter at the bottom of the pages. I understand why Andy Schlafly likes the counters at the bottom. I like the counters too. I guess there might be an extension to add the counters to the newest version of Wikimedia. But after all is said and done, having WYSIWYG editing could greatly increase the participation rate at this wiki and lower the rate of people falling out because they don't know how to edit a wiki. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:40, 19 June 2017 (EDT)
:The "Visual editor" on Wikipedia is very buggy, particular with footnotes. I suspect that most editors come here after learning how to edit Wikipedia and being chased away by their intolerant, toxic culture. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 07:08, 22 June 2017 (EDT)
==== Here is the welcome to Wikipedia and it is much better and legible ====

[[File:Plate of cookies.jpg|thumb|300px|Some cookies to welcome you! [[File:Face-smile.svg|25px]]]] [[Wikipedia:Welcoming committee/Welcome to Wikipedia|Welcome to Wikipedia]], Conservative! I am [[User:This lousy T-shirt|This lousy T-shirt]] and have been editing Wikipedia for quite some time. Thank you for [[Special:Contributions/Knox490|your contributions]]. I just wanted to say hi and welcome you to Wikipedia! If you have any questions check out [[Wikipedia:Questions]], or feel free to leave me a message on [[User talk:This lousy T-shirt|my talk page]] or type ''{{tl|helpme}}'' at the bottom of this page. I love to help new users, so don't be afraid to leave a message! I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are some pages that you might find helpful:
* [[Wikipedia:Introduction|Introduction]]
* [[Wikipedia:Five pillars|The five pillars of Wikipedia]]
* [[Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]
* [[Help:Contents|Help pages]]
* [[Wikipedia:Article development|How to write a great article]]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Ten_Simple_Rules_for_Editing_Wikipedia Ten Simple Rules for Editing Wikipedia].
I hope you enjoy editing here and being a [[Wikipedia:Wikipedians|Wikipedian]]! Also, when you post on [[Wikipedia:Talk page|talk pages]] you should [[Wikipedia:Sign your posts on talk pages|sign your name]] using four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>); that should automatically produce your username and the date after your post. Again, welcome!

I think Conservapedia needs a better greeting. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 19:02, 19 June 2017 (EDT)

:I agree--I've had my eye on that welcome message for almost a year now, but never really put my mind to redoing it altogether. As time allows, I'll see what I can put together. Do you think it should still incorporate the "useful links" template, or have its own seprate links which we could format and explain better? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:10, 19 June 2017 (EDT)
:::Can you have something like Wikipedia's welcome? There's is much better.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 01:01, 20 June 2017 (EDT)
::::I'll see what I can do. It might take some time--I have almost no free time right now. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:51, 20 June 2017 (EDT)
:::::What should I name the new one? We already have "welcome" and "welcome2" templates. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:21, 21 June 2017 (EDT)
::::::You could do "welcome3" or "welcomeCP". --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 01:39, 22 June 2017 (EDT)
::::::I just saw the "Greeting" template you created. Is there a chance you could give it a patriotic coloring scheme, kind of like the one we usually use? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 01:43, 22 June 2017 (EDT)

:::::::I wasn't sure I wanted to go up to "welcome3" but "welcomeCP" could certainly work. Anyway, changing the coloring is a good idea. I'll do a little experimentation, and see what works. Red and blue are complimentary colors, but somehow the combo often seems a little harsh somehow. Maybe I can find a good shade combo though. Thanks for the suggestion! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 19:05, 22 June 2017 (EDT)
EdPoor just changed the background color of the welcome template. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 09:16, 23 June 2017 (EDT)

== Updated my post to Aschlafly's talk page. Here is the updated version ==

Have the word "Welcome!" under/above a pic of a welcome fruit basket. Please see Google images to get an idea of welcome fruit baskets: [https://www.google.com/search?q=welcome+basket&rlz=1C1PRFG_enUS744US744&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHyI_c0trUAhUH0oMKHeMQDy4Q_AUICygC&biw=819&bih=510#tbm=isch&q=welcome+fruit+basket Google images - Welcome fruit baskets]. Here are some FREE IMAGES of welcome fruit baskets at: https://pixabay.com/en/photos/?hp=&image_type=&cat=&min_width=&min_height=&q=fruit+basket&order=

Or for $1.00 you can get a stock photo of a welcome fruit basket at: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/similar/350093981

I hope this helps. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 00:27, 26 June 2017 (EDT)

== Email ==

I sent you an email about a question I have. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 03:34, 29 June 2017 (EDT)
:I sent you another one. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:21, 5 September 2017 (EDT)
::Replied --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 10:34, 5 September 2017 (EDT)

== Image question ==

I was also looking to add an image to [[Rare (company)]], hopefully of the company logo, but I was just wondering if that was allowed under "Fair use" or not? I am not an expert in copyright law, and I know that this site takes that very seriously. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 14:17, 15 July 2017 (EDT)

:Hi,
:That's not a bad idea, but we won't generally use trademarks without permission. While WP regularly does so, or simply declares them public domain, we try to better respect the owners' rights. If you want to use their logo, I would suggest asking them if that is alright. If we can get written permission, then I or any other SysOp would be happy to upload it. However, without permission from them, we probably should not use it. You could as Andy for a second opinion, of course, but especailly with his background in law, he probably will be inclined to stay on the safe side. If you can find some image related to them, but not owned by them, that may also be usable. For example, a photograph of Rare's CEO which has been released under Creative Commons or Public Domain guidelines could be used. It's up to you, but we probably shouldn't use their logo without asking. Thanks for checking, and your work on this article! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 20:40, 15 July 2017 (EDT)
::Since Rare is owned by Microsoft, it seems that [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Legal/XboxComTOU these terms] (see "COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICES") apply. While not clearly applicable to Rare, this seems likely, since Rare links to those terms.
::Since Microsoft owns it, a request to use materials would probably ulttimately go through them. Send it to Rare at first, but probably it will end up at Microsoft. In my experience (and that of others), it has been very hard to get a response from them. You can still try, though--Rare might respond instead, too. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 20:47, 15 July 2017 (EDT)
:::I'm going to email Rare/Microsoft tomorrow morning, although I don't suspect any sort of response. I will try to find an alternative because I've noticed articles are a lot more pleasant for readers to view when there are a few relevant pictures. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 14:12, 16 July 2017 (EDT)

::::Okay, that sounds like a good plan. It is nice to have some kind of related image. I wish it was easier, but thanks for trying! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 11:03, 17 July 2017 (EDT)

== Gender ideology ==
Hi, you reverted my last contribution in [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Gender_ideology&diff=prev&oldid=1363294 here] that I spent quite some time on, without giving any good reason. May you pls. explain? Thanx --[[User:AK|AK]] ([[User talk:AK|talk]]) 02:39, 26 July 2017 (EDT)
:BTW, I restored the page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:06, 26 July 2017 (EDT)
::Wow!! I'm terribly sorry, that was a mistake. I must have hit it while I was reverting a portion of the last vandalism wave. Thank you for noticing, and thank you 1990'sguy for restoring it! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:48, 26 July 2017 (EDT)

== Move requests ==

I have two categories that I am requesting for you to move: [[:Category:Globalist]] to [[:Category:Globalists]], and [[:Category:Nationalist]] to [[:Category:Nationalists]]. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:56, 7 August 2017 (EDT)
:Good suggestions--done. I can move the pages using my bot later. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:39, 7 August 2017 (EDT)

Hello David, would you please move these two categories: [[:Category:Media personalities]] to [[:Category:Media Personalities]], and [[:Category:High schools]] to [[:Category:High Schools]]? Also, would you please use your bot to move every article with those categories to the new category name? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:02, 28 August 2017 (EDT)

:Done. The images in [[:Category:Media personalities]] were protected so they could not be moved. All the rest are taken care of. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:59, 28 August 2017 (EDT)

==Thanks==
Thank you for your assistance. Although the parenthetical helps a bit, two separate bullets would be cleaner in making clear what "President Trump expressed". Please look at: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Donald_Trump_achievements:_Criminal_justice,_law_enforcement,_and_other_DOJ_matters&diff=1368054&oldid=1368043 this proposal.] Many thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 21:23, 18 August 2017 (EDT)
:I commented on it and I oppose any bullet points on the article solely regarding the 2016 campaign, for the record. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:25, 18 August 2017 (EDT)

== IP blocks ==

Out of curiosity, how do you know all of those IPs are proxies? If it's a server farm, I try and block the whole range, but some of those aren't blocked on Wikipedia, so I'm curious as to how you identified them as proxies. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] ([[User talk:DMorris|talk]]) 16:34, 23 August 2017 (EDT)

:It varies--Some are from backtraces done on vandals who I've dealt with before, others are actually scraped directly from the hosts, while yet others are gathered directly through the usage of such services. I know that these are proxies, because most of these have come directly from the providers. The remaining ones I'm using have been gathered mostly from IP traces.
:If we wanted to use them, there are even openly published lists of addresses, which could probably be blocked outright. I haven't been using those yet, but it is an option. I hope this clarifies. Also, thanks for the advice--as you probably saw, I did check with Andy on this first. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:47, 23 August 2017 (EDT)
:Also, ranges can definitely be most powerful and effective, but in this case all I have are specific addresses. These are specifically found addresses, and nothing more. They may leave a lot of holes, but I'd rather have these blocked than nothing at all.

== Copied article ==

A lot of the article [[Steppenwolf]] appears to be copied from [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steppenwolf_(band)&oldid=796579357 the Wikipedia version]. Should it be deleted? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:33, 26 August 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, it is not just on Wikipedia, but on a number of other sites (plagiarized by them too?) as I mentioned on the [[Talk:Steppenwolf|talk page]] awhile back. I think it probably should be deleted, since it clearly is from Wikipedia, and Wikipedia version have been worked on by many different users, so it is obviously not the work of one person. I had lost track of this issue, so thanks for the reminder! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:44, 28 August 2017 (EDT)

== Delete article? ==

Should we delete this article: [[Julia Gasper]]? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:16, 14 September 2017 (EDT)
:It needs work, but it doesn't seem to be plagiarized. I was included to leave it and see what GraceDalrymple does with it. Do you think it should be? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:21, 14 September 2017 (EDT)
::I just attempted to do a little touch-up. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:35, 14 September 2017 (EDT)

== Your input ==

Is this a bad edit: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Chivalry&curid=1989&diff=1374996&oldid=1262366]? While our culture is becoming very "gender-neutral," I'm not sure that it changes the definition of chivalry to be between anyone. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:36, 18 September 2017 (EDT)
:I've been pondering the same question. [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chivalry merriam-webster] doesn't really specify, although some other sites like [http://www.wordnik.com/words/chivalry wordnik] do. Since it is an idea from the medieval times, and related to proper behavior for knights, it was inherently relevant to men. I don't know if it is gender exclusive, or just by convention never really applied to women. I'm tempted to revert it just because the history of the word suggests it still should only apply to men.
:I was pretty sure I've seen this exact edit before, too, but I don't see it in the page history. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:43, 18 September 2017 (EDT)

What do you think about this article? [[Peregrin Chronicles]]? I don't have time right now to review it in-depth myself. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:50, 19 September 2017 (EDT)

:I don't think I can be much help with this one either. I've never heard of the series before. It exists, but that's about all I've been able to verify so far. It looks like their [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676468266/the-aliens-have-landed-the-peregrin-chronicles-com kickstarter] didn't get much support, either. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:50, 20 September 2017 (EDT)

Here's another one: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Internet_evangelism&curid=105140&diff=1375410&oldid=1271896] I'm inclined to let this edit stay, but I'm still not a fan of people removing information. Also, sorry for throwing all these at you. I'll try to tackle some of these myself after this. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:03, 20 September 2017 (EDT)

:That one looks fine to me--they are adding verifiable details. No need to apologize--I'm happy to help. A second set of eyes and opinion never hurts. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:13, 20 September 2017 (EDT)
:The accusation from [http://www.billionbibles.org/global-media-outreach.html billionbibles.org] that they are too focused on the human decision to "pray the prayer" does seem to be somewhat valid. However, I don't think that is the best place for it. In any case, God has used Campus Crusade, so although they may be a little shallow, I don't think we need to include this information in such a short blurb on them. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:18, 20 September 2017 (EDT)
::Thanks for the detail on that, DavidB4. I hope the page on Global Media Outreach, which I edited earlier this year, adds enough objective detail to explain. We can discuss the "human decision to 'pray the prayer'" if you like, but ultimately the gospel presentation is the tip of the iceberg, and we have thousands of Online Missionaries trained to follow up with them and verify their expressed reaction to the Good News. [http://esv.to/John1.12 John 1:12] and [http://esv.to/Rom10.9-12 Romans 10:9-13] are there to explain that there is a required move on a human being's part, and asking God for salvation seems like a perfectly straightforward way to do it, as long as the person doesn't see prayer as a recitation obligating God to give them eternal life, if that makes sense. For balance, it doesn't seem as if it can simply be a realization of a truth, or even that along with an emotional experience. As Campus Crusade's 4 Laws (which we use a version of) states, "It is not enough just to know these three laws, we must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives ...Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional expereince. We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of the will." Prayer can be an expression of that trust and will, although it isn't always formal, as is shown in Acts 10:44. --[[User:Abranch|Abranch]] ([[User Abranch|TALK]]) Wed Sep 20 2017 17:10:49 GMT-0500 (CDT)

:::That is exactly right--I'm glad to hear those are your beliefs! Admittedly, my experience with Campus Crusade is limited to contact with one local chapter. I've never gotten into the full organization, so it's possible that things were represented slightly differently to me than is typical. I also have been out of contact with them for a little while now. I will take a look at the page you revised at some point. Thanks for your contributions so far! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:24, 20 September 2017 (EDT)

Here's an article that might need a page move: [[Homework]] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:36, 21 September 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks for pointing it out! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:51, 21 September 2017 (EDT)

== Email spam? ==

Is my email address in your spam folder again? I sent you an email a few days ago and am curious at the lack of response (though it's not important anymore). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:16, 25 September 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, it seems your message got lost in the noise. I already have written some rules which should be allowing all messages from CP users, but for some reason it's not working quire right. My apologies! I've relied to your message, though as you said, it's a bit late now. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 09:26, 26 September 2017 (EDT)

::Maybe it's the name I use for my email address, "1990" for the first name and "sguy" for the last name? I have had some minor problems with my CP/WP/etc. email address before. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:26, 26 September 2017 (EDT)

:::Yeah, I think that's it. A lot of "marketing" (spam) corporations like to use algorithmically generated names, containing numbers and other gibberish. I think a batch of rules I set up early-on (before I knew better) flagged addresses starting with numbers for that reason. I think I've cleared out the offending rules. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:34, 26 September 2017 (EDT)

== Your welcome message ==

On the user talk page [[User talk:NeilG]], someone put your newly designed welcome/template message.

Please change the color of the blue background. The dark blue combined with the black text is not the easiest to read. There is not enough contrast between those colors.

As far as a color I suggest using some shade of yellow or possibly a creamy yellow color such as [https://i.pinimg.com/736x/3e/66/18/3e6618ad619db4d45c168d4c8dd04ea4--dutch-boy-paint-colors-paint-colours.jpg THIS COLOR] or a light parchment color such as [http://www.art-paints.com/Paints/Acrylic/DecoArt/Americana/Light-Parchment/Light-Parchment.gif THIS COLOR].

In short, the black type should be on a lighter background. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]])

:Thanks for the suggestion! I haven't made any changes yet, but I just want to let you know I am playing with it. I was trying to stick with the red-white-blue theme, as requested by others, but I'll try deviating from that theme. I though the background was light enough for the black text, but even if it is, the blue links don't work on blue. I suppose I could do a dark background and light text, too. I'll see what I can do to make it more clear. If I cant't find something I like, I'll at least make an edit to improve it soon. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:35, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

::Is [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Greeting&oldid=1379860 this] more like what you were thinking of? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 02:14, 9 October 2017 (EDT)

== Image copyright ==

Considering the "Personality rights warning" tag, is there any problem in uploading this image? [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Official_portrait_of_Mr_Jacob_Rees-Mogg.jpg] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:39, 4 October 2017 (EDT)
:Also, in addition to the Corporate tyranny article (if you are still planning on it), would you please add that box-format code to the list of corporate supporters in the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]] and [[Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights]] articles? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:52, 4 October 2017 (EDT)

::It sounds to me like we can use that image. They seem to just be saying that although the images is CC licensed, Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg still has legal claim on his likeness. This is nothing new, since every photograph of a person is like this. It should be fine to go for it.
::I wasn't aware of those pages needing it, but yes, I can probably do it. Doing this takes a fair amount of time, but also I need preview frequently. Right now, I'me getting 500 errors about 60% of the time, so I can't count on it lot loosing my work. (Submitting this took 3 tries and 2 minutes) Once things stabilize, I'll give it a go. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:51, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

:::BTW, I learned recently that if you make an edit and the internal server error (why in the world is it happening so much now?) come on, you can just press the refresh button and your edit will still be saved. You don't need to worry about your information being lost. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:43, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

::::Good point! I've noticed that sometimes works, but I've had times when it doesn't. However, some browsers hold information from past pages. I'm using [[Vivaldi (web browser)|Vivaldi]], which does this. In case of a 500 error, I can just hit back and it instantly loads back the past (edit) page with my edits. I think a number of them do this, including Firefox. I don't know if this works for you.
::::Conservative thinks its due to D/DoS attacks--I don't know if this is the case or not, but it could be. The server responds, but there seems to be some problem in the server's internal services; download requests are not handled properly. Sometimes the requests are not served at all, and other times an incomplete answer is provided. It sounds to me more like a problem with the server processing power or software. However, it could be a simple DoS/DDoS an attack. I have also noticed that certain queries available to the public on this site can take several minutes. Run 100 of those simultaneously, and it could load down the server too. Anyway, I've discontinued all my bot activity, which is about all I can do. It will clear up eventually. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:26, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

:::::David, in addition to the tables, would you please upload the image of Rees-Mogg for me? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:32, 6 October 2017 (EDT)

::::::There are still a lot of pending upload requests, but if you want me to do it so I will be liable, I suppose I can at some point. I'm busy putting out other fires at the moment. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 21:28, 9 October 2017 (EDT)

As requested, uploaded as [[:File:Official portrait of Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg.jpg]] --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:45, 17 October 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:10, 17 October 2017 (EDT)

== Move request ==

I hate to have four links starting with "Breitbart" leading to the same location, but would you please move [[Breitbart.com]] to [[Breitbart News]]? That is how they refer to themselves. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:07, 20 October 2017 (EDT)
:Sure, done! Four does seem like a bit much, but this is a good suggestion. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:10, 23 October 2017 (EDT)

==Thanks for the message==
To David,
Thank you for your reminder. I will add them up as soon as possible. There are some sources that are conservative but in foreign languages, I will add them as soon as possible.

User talk:DavidB4

2017-11-02T04:44:16Z

AntiCommunistAction:

<big>'''<big><center>[http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:DavidB4&action=edit&section=new Post a new message]</center></big>'''</big>
Archives: [[User talk:DavidB4/Archive 1|1]], [[User talk:DavidB4/Archive 2|2]]
 Last change made by {{REVISIONUSER}} on {{REVISIONMONTH}}/{{REVISIONDAY}}/{{REVISIONYEAR}} 
'''Feel free to post any questions or comments here. If you don't hear back from me, try e-mailing me also.'''
 
__TOC__

== Question ==

What do you think of this edit?[http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Sunni&curid=12296&diff=1326541&oldid=1260905] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:30, 28 March 2017 (EDT)
: I don't quite know what to think. The grammar is pretty bad, for sure. As for the content, I do not really understand the difference, so I can't say if it is true or not. I was rather hoping someone with a better understanding of the factions would review it. Do you have any idea of its acuracy? In the meantime, I'll try a more rounabout approach. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:20, 28 March 2017 (EDT)

== move request / delete request ==

I think I've put in the correct template notices, but it seems that communicating with you directly. as the "mover/deleter-in-chief" is more effective.

Please delete [[Spacetime]] and rename [[Curvature of spacetime]] on top of it.

[[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 12:01, 7 April 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, the templates look right. I'd be happy to help (and you did get a chuckle out of me with "mover/deleter-in-chief") but unfortunately, I cannot delete pages. I can move, but that's all. I'll ask someone else to delete it, then do the move unless they do it before me. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:36, 7 April 2017 (EDT)
::Okay, done --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 20:26, 7 April 2017 (EDT)

== "Dewey Defeats Truman" ==

I already asked Andy, but is there any way to find or upload old newspaper articles, particularly the 1948 "Dewey Defeats Truman" ''Chicago Tribune'' article (not the fMous image, but the actual article)? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:01, 7 April 2017 (EDT)

:The problem is that the newspaper itself is copyrighted, as far as I know. If we could get written permission from the Chicago Tribune, that would be ideal. Otherwise, we can only go down the slippy slope of "Fair use." I'll try to do a little research, but I don't know if there is much we can do other than linking to the image/article directly. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:51, 8 April 2017 (EDT)

::The [[Harry Truman]] article has several newspaper images displayed on it (unfortunately, not the "Dewey wins" one). Is there any difference with those, or were those mistakenly uploaded? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:15, 8 April 2017 (EDT)
:::Hmmm... good point. They claimed "fair use." I know WP uses copyrighted things with impunity, just claiming it is "fair use." However, i don't really know what legal ground they have to stand on. That's why I usually differ to Mr. Schlafly on Fair Use topics. it occurs to me that the Chicago Tribune might have some published terms of use. If we could find those, it might help. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:28, 8 April 2017 (EDT)
::::The proposed use of the photo to decorate the [[Fake News]] article would not be fair use. If you had a discussion of the ''Tribune'' or of the photo itself, that could potentially be a fair use. If I were the permissions editor of the ''Tribune'' (a company that currently operates a for-profit website), I would not give you permission to use the photo on an article that calls it (and the ''Tribune'') "fake news." Again, there are several copyrights involved, the photographer's, the underlying newspaper, and anyone who altered or "touched up" the photo since it was taken. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 15:08, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::::I had a feeling it would not--you're right, especially if we are asking so we can essentially berate them, it would not be in their best interests to agree. Thanks for the input! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:30, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

== Conservapedia IRC channel ==

I don't think the IRC channel is active anymore.

I could be wrong, but I think IRC channels make your computer very susceptible to malware attacks. I think a weekly or biweekly Skype conference chat would be better for those who are interested. Skype is a very secular network. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 12:02, 9 April 2017 (EDT)

:I could also be wrong, but I'm not aware of any penetration risks with IRC. The beauty of IRC is its simplicity--there are no local scripts, cross-site scripts, databases, or other fancy features--it's just text. IRC client programs should not have any significant computer access, so there shouldn't be much risk--I think. I did a little research, and couldn't find any articles on vulnerabilities either, but nothing it perfect.
:The main thing is that not all IRC networks use encryption, so conversations may not be secure. However, IRC channels are usually intended to be public anyway, so that is not a major issue. Also, encryption can be set up if needed.
:Anyway, Skype conferences could work, I suppose, although a scheduled occasional thing does not promote the casual conversation which can occur in IRC or some other chat room style place. Still, it might be a good chance for people to talk. If something like that is developed, I would be interested in joining. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 02:58, 10 April 2017 (EDT)
::Please set up a Conservapedia IRC channel. Conservapedia could use more of a sense of community. And then ask for the IRC channel to be mentioned on the main page. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 12:01, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::Oh! okay, will do. I need to research a good network, since my old favorite has degenerated. I'll get back to you once its done. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 12:55, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

::::Question: Should all users be required to register an IRC account before they can talk?
::::I'm setting up a channel which is not ready yet, so I don't want to post the info openly. I can e-mail it to you though, if you would like. If we decide to keep this, I'll also need to know who to set as IRC SysOps. I will be one automatically, since I'm creating it, but I can add others to several different permission levels. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:44, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::::Okay, I think I have something reasonably set up. It is #conservapedia @irc.AccessIRC.net
:::::Thoughts? If you joint sometimes and register a nick, I can set you (and all other CP admins) to have SysOp rights. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:48, 10 April 2017 (EDT)
:::::Here is a [https://kiwiirc.com/client?settings=7c7240c62a5d4861a8ad0ba697929f39 web client link], too, if that's easier. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:58, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

== Image typo ==

Hello DavidB4, would you please move [[:File:Donald Trump with Nei Gorsuch Jan. 31, 2017.jpg]] in order to correct my spelling error on Gorsuch's first name? After that, is it OK if you request Andy to delete the redirect, as well as the redirect "[[Fake news]]"? (for the latter, so [[Fake News]] -- notice the "N" -- can be moved there, per JDano's request). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:48, 9 April 2017 (EDT)

:Of course, moved as requested. I'm sure it's fine to ask Andy--you can you it yourself, but I did it this time, since I'm already thinking about it anyway. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 03:10, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

::All done, with Andy's help! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:02, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

:::Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:23, 10 April 2017 (EDT)

== Merge cats? ==

Do you think [[:Category:Weaponry]] and [[:Category:Weapons]] should be merged together? Or should one of those cats become a subcategory of the other? Right now, they are not related in any way, other than having one of the same parent cats. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 13:44, 14 April 2017 (EDT)
:That sounds like an excellent idea.... I don't see a difference either, so I agree that they should be merged. There's no need to make things more complicated than needed. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]])

Would you also please move the article [[Occupy democrats]] so the "D" is capitalized? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 17:39, 17 April 2017 (EDT)
:Good idea, thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:56, 17 April 2017 (EDT)

== Moving Pages ==

I think there's a problem with some article names that you may be able to fix. One of the New Testament books is named Titus. However, the page on [[Titus]] on Conservapedia goes to a Roman emperor, not the biblical book. Instead, the New Testament books Conservapedia page is on [[Epistle to Titus]], a rather awkward name to say the least.

So, I want to request you to move the page on the Roman emperor to a new article that should be titled [[Titus Flavius Vespasianus]] (the emperors full name), and [[Epistle to Titus]] should be moved to simply Titus. Thanks for reading.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 23:29, 22 April 2017 (EDT)
:Personally, I like the "Epistle of Titus" name. I think moving the article of the Roman emperor is a good idea, but I personally disagree with moving the article of the biblical book. I think that once the Roman emperor's article is moved, the "Titus" redirect should be re-redirected to "Epistle of Titus". --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:36, 22 April 2017 (EDT)
I guess having a direct page works as well, but I'd prefer devoting a biblical book to its own name, 'epistle' of course is an interpretation.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 10:15, 23 April 2017 (EDT)

:I think it might be a bit presumptive to move Epistle to Titus to Titus, since "Titus" is a name used over and over. Perhaps a disambiguation page would be appropriate under that name? A redirect would work also, as 1990'sguy suggested, but if we do that, a disambiguation statement should probably be added to the top of Epistle to Titus. In any case, I agree on moving Titus to Titus Flavius Vespasianus, so I'll start with that. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:09, 23 April 2017 (EDT)
Since you moved the Roman emperor to [[Titus Flavius Vespasianus]], the article [[Titus]] has simply become nothing more than a redirect page to the Roman emperor. So I see no problem in simply moving [[Epistle to Titus]] to what is now a redirection page. I don't see any other type of article that could take up the [[Titus]] page, the biblical book seems to be the only one to warrant that name. So I'd still advocate my initial thoughts. Also -- not everyone may know what 'epistle' means, best to keep it simple.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 16:46, 24 April 2017 (EDT)

::I'm still torn was to which is the better option. However, a full admin must delete [[Titus]] before [[Epistle to Titus]] could be moved there anyway. I made [[Titus]] a disambiguation page, which is all I can do. If you want to get Epistle to Titus moved to Titus, you will need to ask an administrator, such as [[User:Jpatt]], [[User:Karajou]], or [[User:Aschlafly]]. I still haven't decided what's better, but it's out of my hands anyway. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:43, 24 April 2017 (EDT)
: I had presumed you were capable of moving pages. Anyways, I brought this to [[User:Jpatt]].[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 20:24, 24 April 2017 (EDT)

::You assumed correctly, but I can only move pages when there is nothing preexisting under the destination name. Since there was already a page under [[Titus]], I cannot move anything on top of that. An administrator needs to delete the existing page first, before a move can be completed. I should have thought of that sooner. Anyway, sorry I can't help more, but let me know if there is anything else I can do! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:19, 24 April 2017 (EDT)
: You've already done enough by redirecting me to [[User:Jpatt]]. I made two requests to Jpatt, to move [[Epistle to Titus]] to [[Titus]], and rename the page [[Queen Gorgo of Sparta]] to simply [[Gorgo of Sparta]]. Both requests have been granted, [[Titus]] is now a page for the biblical book, whereas [[Epistle to Titus]] simply redirects to the biblical book. All seems well now -- and thanks![[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 15:54, 25 April 2017 (EDT)

DavidB4, would you please move the article [[St Gall]] to [[St. Gallen]]? The latter is the correct name of the Swiss city. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:06, 27 April 2017 (EDT)

:I would but now cannot, because the content has been copied over. A full admin will need to delete [[St. Gallen]], revert the change to [[St Gall]], then preform the move. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:06, 27 April 2017 (EDT)

::I've asked Jpatt to resolve this. See: [[User_talk:Jpatt#Moving_Pages]] --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:19, 27 April 2017 (EDT)

Hey David. Another request, if I may. Could you move [[Tiberius]] to [[Tiberius Caesar Augustus]], the full name of the emperor, and make it so that [[Tiberius]] is simply a proper redirect page?[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 20:13, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

== "Anti-Trump" article ==

Would you please move the article [[Anti-Trump]] to [[Never Trump movement]]? (is there supposed to be a space between "Never" and "Trump" or not?) This move would be to differentiate the movement from [[Opposition to Donald Trump]]. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:41, 4 May 2017 (EDT)
:Done. Just because the "hash tag" does not have a space doesn't mean there shouldn't be one. I would say it should have a space, and a quick web search seemed to show that most other people feel the same. Cheers! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:10, 4 May 2017 (EDT)

--[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:09, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

==Picture Upload Requests==

Hi. Would it be possible to upload some of the following three pictures?

:http://www.magdala.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/history_01.jpg
:http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/archaeology-today/magdala-2016-excavating-the-hometown-of-mary-magdalene/
:http://cdn.biblicalarchaeology.org/wp-content/uploads/magdala-stone-3.jpg?x10423

Thanks.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 12:10, 7 May 2017 (EDT)

I would be happy to, but first I need license information. unless explicitly stated, all content musty be assumed to be under copyright. Is this info available somewhere? If not, can you perhaps find some suitable substitutes which are usable, from places like Wikimedia commons and Flickr? Thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:03, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

:I've sent a message to the website requesting usage of these pictures. Hopefully I'll get a response soon.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 16:00, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

::Perfect, alright let me know what they say (if they do)! Also if they give the ok, it would be great if you could forward the message to davidb4-cp@archnet.us so I can document it. Thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:13, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

: Thanks. Good news -- although I haven't received an e-mail from them back yet, some of the images I need turned out to be on Wikimedia Commons which I'm hoping you will be able to upload:
:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee#/media/File:Isrele_-_Tiberias_-_Lake_002.jpg
:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Magdala_Stone#/media/File:Magdala_Stone_(5).jpg

:Of course, if I receive permission from magdala.org, that will give us access to some very high-quality image on a range of things regarding [[Magdala]], which will be even better.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 19:25, 8 May 2017 (EDT)

::Great, yes I can do those right now. Uploaded as [[:File:Israeli-Tiberias-Lake.jpg]] and [[:File:Magdala Stone.jpg]] --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:00, 8 May 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks! If I have any new requests, I'll just post them down here without further comment. For now;

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee#/media/File:TiberiasNorthward.jpg [[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 00:41, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

:Uploaded as [[:File:TiberiasNorthward.jpg]]. Feel free to ask me here, of course, but I also monitor [[Conservapedia:Image upload requests]]--you can ask there, as well. I'm not the only one to answer requests there, so you could get a faster response. Either is fine with me. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:09, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:: Gotcha! Thanks a lot.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 16:09, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

: Good news. I received a response e-mail from bibleplaces.com, a site that contains numerous very good photos on biblical locations. Accordingly, we can freely use up to 10 images from their website up to 400 pixels wide (the standard on bibleplaces.com). I will forward the response e-mail to you so that you can document it.[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 22:18, 11 May 2017 (EDT)

::Great! Okay, thanks! Let me know which ones you want uploaded, too, whenever you pick them out (no rush).

== Question ==

Do you think [[Xiang qi|this article]] has an appropriate quality for CP? I ask because the article creator is a liberal RW sysop who has brought his editing and writing style over to CP (though I think it's gotten better). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:03, 9 May 2017 (EDT)
:I don't see any significant issues. Having two parenthetical remarks in the first sentence isn't ideal, but in regards to style, spelling, grammar, and notability, it looks ok to me. I haven't done research to verify the information, but assuming it is accurate, I think is should be fine. The only other thing I noticed was the use of parentheses inside of parentheses. Technically, brackets then braces should be used, but nowiki tags might be needed to make that work in some cases. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:36, 9 May 2017 (EDT)

== Opinion ==

Hello. I was considering a move option for the page [[Exodus of Israel]]. I was thinking of moving this article to [[The Exodus]], and using [[Exodus of Israel]] as a redirect to it. As of right now, it's the other way around, and I wanted your opinion on this. I find that [[The Exodus]] is a much simpler name and title for the page, and a title that more people will consider when thinking about this event ('the exodus'). As far as I'm concerned, few people would consider typing in 'Exodus of Israel' to get to the page (although there is a disambiguation to get there from [[Exodus]]). So, I thought that [[The Exodus]] would be a superior title, and thus we should move [[Exodus of Israel]] to [[The Exodus]]. So far, I've already asked the opinion of 1990'sguy. -Unsigned comment by Korvex

:I think that while either might be acceptable, "Exodus of Israel" is better. Firstly, if someone types in "Exodus" they will see the result. Secondly, people familiar with the Bible my be familiar with "the exodus," but those who don't know the Bible may be confused. Exodus simply means to leave, usually in mass. While we know this is referring to the Israelites exiting Egypt, some may not. The current title is more precise, so my opinion is that the page should stay where it is. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:32, 10 May 2017 (EDT)

Thanks for the thoughts. Just one issue I recently noted -- [[Acre]] is a page on the measurement, but it should be turned into a disambiguation page, because there's also a city in Israel called Acre. So, could you take care of that by moving the pages?[[User:Korvex|Korvex]] ([[User talk:Korvex|talk]]) 18:59, 10 May 2017 (EDT)

:Any time! As for Acre, We can do that, but I wounder if that's necessary. Acre, Israel is somewhat of a minority topic. Besides the fact we don't have an article for the city, I suspect that most people search "arce" will be looking for the unit, not the place. Even WP has an article about the unit under the name "acre" (not that I want to use WP as a template for CP). We don't want to frustrate users with too many disambiguation pages, but we also don't want to make it hard to find minority pages, either. We could put a link at the top of "Acre" to "Acre, Israel" I suppose, too. Do you plan to write a page on the city? If not, then as bad as it sounds, we can put this problem off until later. If so, then we should figure out something. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:48, 10 May 2017 (EDT)

== Ref help and suggestion ==

I have a code problem with a reference. The URL for ref. 3 (GOP 2016 platform) on [[Donald Trump achievements: 2016 election and transition]] is correct, but it is weird and CP does not recognize it. It only considers part of the URL as the actual URL. Is there anything you can do to fix that, so people who click on the link will actually find the 2016 platform? (BTW, other than this code error, I like the link became it actually links to the actual PDF, rather than a page that links to that PDF).

In addition to the above, I have two suggestions for your bot. I don't know what you will think of them, but I might as well ask. First, can you program the bot to change hyphens to en-dashes whenever it is clear that the mark is intended to be a dash? Many editors use hyphens when they're supposed to be using dashes. Secondly, is there any way for your bot to add the links to the ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress'' on the articles of current and former members of Congress? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:57, 13 May 2017 (EDT)

:It seems that they didn't stick to naming conventions, so that link text is being misunderstood by the wiki. I put in a workaround, using a web redirect. It's not really what we should do, but I'm not sure what it is we should do. This works, anyway.
:I welcome any any all thoughts, suggestions, criticisms, etc. about the bot! Unfortunately, the bot is very limited, and not very smart. It can and does detect double hyphens (the proper way to type a dash when only hyphens are available) and replace them with a dash. However, it cannot tell if a single hyphen should be replaced with a dash. Only if a specific word is immediately before or after the dash in need of replacing could it do this. It would detect the "-word" or "word-" then replace it. That's about as good as it gets. For the second suggestion, it could only add identical links to each page. So if there is some master list you would link linked to, it can put that on a hundred pages in a few minutes. However, it cannot put a different link on each page. I'm still hunting for a better bot solution, but for now, the main "engine" is basically just a batch edit bot. If anything within these constraints could be helpful, let me know and I'll gladly run a batch job. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:17, 14 May 2017 (EDT)
::I just tried the "cite web" template, but the same ref problem occurred. Oh well. I encourage you to continue to develop your bot! I think a bot that can do more things would be very useful. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:59, 17 May 2017 (EDT)

==Regarding Ransomware==
I've been a bit out of the IT loop, but I can think of a few ideas for defeating it, at least on a Windows OS, in degrees of severity.
:1. Booting from the OS installation DVD and going a few system restores back.
:2. Reinstalling Windows.
:3. The above, plus updating the BIOS.
:4. The above, plus swapping out the CPU and motherboard physically.
:5. The above, plus having all your information backed-up to an external hard drive or flash drive pre-infection.

How deep would I have to go? The NSA leaks on Windows zero-days make me concerned. I'd rather not lose twelve years of data. --[[User:Pious|Pious]] ([[User talk:Pious|talk]]) 23:39, 19 May 2017 (EDT)

:Sorry for the delayed response. You're certainly on the right track, but there are a few important factors to consider while following that line of reasoning. Since most ransomeware encrypts the entire drive, the OS disk does not see any system to run system restore on. Therefore, that is not an option. Actually, in my experience, system restore is almost always useless when dealing with malware, since the "bad guys" know all about it, and want to defeat it. Secondly, the CPU is just a calculator--it cannot be locked or corrupted. The only available attack on a processor which I know of is to force it to run far too many calculations so that it burns out. Regarding your points specifically, therefore:
:# Not going to work, as explained.
:# That should work fine--the attack is usually designed to lock data. If you reinstall the OS, there is not much they can do to stop you, in most cases.
:#Updating the BIOS would only be needed if the BIOS has been corrupted. If it has, it may also have been somewhat protected against updating. However, the BIOS is generally not targeted, since it is different from one computer to another. While one kind can be attacked, scores of others will be safe.
:#Replacing the CPU would be pointless, but replacing the board replaces the CMOS. That will remove the potentially infected BIOS from the equation. If the ransomware comes back, this is a good thing to try.
:#Always a good idea! Back up all of your personal files, and keep the storage device disconnected from the PC at all other times. If you get infected while that drive is attached, it will probably be locked as well.
:Something I like to do is to also take complete drive backup. This will take substantial external storage, but is a safe way to protect your files, settings, and perhaps most importantly, your software licenses. Take a system snapshot, then if the system is compromised, restore the image to the drive. This demolishes all data on the drive, and replaces it with the old information. Ideally, you should be able to just reboot after the restore, and the system will initialize as it always used to. My favorite program for doing that is [https://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm DriveImage XML] (which is free for private use).

:It can go deep--the BIOS can be compromised, so you will be unable to boot to anything but the infected drive. This will prevent you from restoring a complete drive backup, even if you have one. The only way I know to deal with that is to swap out the motherboard, and run a boot disk (I like [[Hiren's BootCD]]). Using DIXML on the boot disk, then restore the XML backup to the infected drive. Make sure to wipe the drive first, just in case--at least a full format would be smart. Then try booting to it, with your external backup drive (any all other storage devices, except the restored hard drive) disconnected. Then you can try playing around, cleaning your BIOS and other storage devices, if you have any.

:For now, just keep make sure to get all Windows updates, make regular backups (and if you take complete drive backups, keep a few older versions as well as the newest), never visit links you don't trust (especially in e-mails), and maybe get some good [[Anti-virus software]] and perhaps anti-malware software, like [[Spybot Search & Destroy]].
:A more radical option you could use is to switch to a [[Linux]] system. [[Linux Mint]] might be a good one, since the interface is designed similar to that of Windows. It would take some getting used to, and you will need to find and learn some new software to replace the Windows software you may use now, but that will shelter you from those zero-day vulnerabilities. Linux can have vulnerabilities too, but very few attackers pay any attention to them, since so few people use each version of Linux.

:I hope this helps some--anything I didn't cover well? I know it's a lot to take in and especially a lot to do. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:33, 23 May 2017 (EDT)

==Congressman John Fleming==

I would like to upload an updated official photo. Can you assist? [[User:Dustygram|Dustygram]] ([[User talk:Dustygram|talk]]) 22:15, 21 May 2017 (EDT)
:Sure, if you can you go ahead and find one, in the Public Domain or under a [[Creative Commons]] license, that would be great. Here are some good sources:
:*[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page '''WikiMedia Commons''']
:*[https://www.flickr.com/search/?license=2%2C3%2C4%2C5%2C6%2C9 '''Flickr''']
:*[https://pixabay.com PixaBay]
:*[https://morguefile.com Morguefile]
:*[http://www.publicdomainpictures.net PublicDomainPictures]
:The first two are my favorites. If you can find a good one, just get me the link and I'll upload it. If this is all confusing, or you have any questions, please just say so! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:11, 23 May 2017 (EDT)

== Editor ==

Is there any chance you could review the edits of [http://www.conservapedia.com/Special:Contributions/MattF this editor]? They are not vandalism, but they cite few sources and I don't think many of them have the most encyclopedic language. I changed some of his edits, and I posted on his talk page with some of the diffs. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:52, 22 May 2017 (EDT)
:Agreed, he is adding some great information, but citations are needed. I've messaged him as well. It could be that he just isn't familiar with the process. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 12:57, 22 May 2017 (EDT)

== Protection ==

The page title should be protected after being deleted, and protected so only administrators can create. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 16:22, 24 May 2017 (EDT)
:Not a bad idea, but I cannot set that level of protection. I don't even know if autoconfirmed level restriction will slow this fool down, but it's all I can do. Perhaps ask an a full admin? The thing is, he'll just use a slightly different name, and keep going. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:25, 24 May 2017 (EDT)
::That's a good point, although I don't think that level of protection does much of anything since only registered users can edit anyway. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 16:27, 24 May 2017 (EDT)
:::That is probably the case. However, some users registered here are not autoconfirmed, but do have accounts. I'm not sure how/why that happens. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:29, 24 May 2017 (EDT)

== "Coat of Arms" of Turkey ==

Hi. [[Turkey]] doesn't have a "coat of arms", but [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TurkishEmblem.svg "'''national emblem'''" on the flag (star and crescent)] is being used on passports, ID cards, driving licences, embassy signs, seal of the presidential office, seal of the National Assembly and the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I ask you to upload this file and put it on the article (instead of the so-called "coat of arms"). Thanks. - [[User:Andrewlee|Andrewlee]] ([[User talk:Andrewlee|talk]]) 12:14, 25 May 2017 (EDT)
:The image currently used there does seem to be legitimate. I'd be happy to upload it, but it doesn't really seem to be their coat of arms as much as it is just their national symbol. Since it is so similar to the flag (which has the same emblem) are you sure it would be beneficial to show that instead of the current image, which is in the "Coat of arms" section? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 21:52, 25 May 2017 (EDT)
::Yes, it will definitely be true. - [[User:Andrewlee|Andrewlee]] ([[User talk:Andrewlee|talk]]) 02:50, 26 May 2017 (EDT)
:::Okay, so I've done a little digging. While you are right, of course, that this emblem is regularly used, it is not their of arms. The coat of arms is different (here are some [[:Category:National_Coats_of_Arms|other examples]]). I'm fine with uploading this emblem, but it doesn't belong in that slot. The template doesn't actually seem to have a slot for it, but we could include it as an independent image, if you like. It clearly represents them, but just not as a coat of arms. Any thoughts on how it might be best displayed? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:46, 26 May 2017 (EDT)

== D.T. achievements article question ==

The article I'm working on, [[Donald Trump achievements]], is already 200,000 bytes, and we're not even halfway through 2017. I was thinking of making separate subpages for each year, but should I instead do half-years? Or, how big can I make pages until the become a problem for readers (long loading time, etc.)? I would appreciate your opinion. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:36, 29 May 2017 (EDT)
:Unrelated, would you please correct the title of [[:File:John Flemming.jpg]] (it's one "M", not two). As well as add cats? Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:40, 29 May 2017 (EDT)
::You could divide it by years or by topic areas -- foreign affairs, defense and national security, and domestic policy. Load time depends on the number of images and templates. If you look at the longest articles in CP, they are:
*[[Main Page/Previous Conservapedia Breaking News/Archives/2013-2016]] ‎[1,254,945 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 36-42]] ‎[1,053,795 bytes]
*[[‎Literalist Bible chronology]] ‎[545,440 bytes]
*[[‎Main Page/Previous Conservapedia Breaking News/Archives/2012]] ‎[521,228 bytes]
*[[‎Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]] ‎[494,607 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) shorter form Chapters 36-42]] ‎[452,782 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 22-28]] ‎[390,968 bytes]
*[[‎Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 29-35]] ‎[364,572 bytes]
*[[‎Community Portal/Archive 1]] ‎[346,243 bytes]
*[[Harmony of the Gospel (Conservative Version) longer form Chapters 15-21]] ‎[340,061 bytes]
The longest page on English Wikipedia is ‎List of Australian treaties ‎[1,335,307 bytes]. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 08:55, 30 May 2017 (EDT)

::That's a good question, but I really don't know the answer. I have a feeling that splitting it up a bit might be a good idea, but I dont know what our policy on page size is. 200kb is a lot to load on anything other than a high-speed connection. With the images, as you mentioned, it might be a bit much even for high-speed service. It might be smart to split it up or ask Andy. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]])
:::OK. Would you please move the image as I requested to fix the spelling mistake? To reply to JDano, I considered dividing the article by topic area, but I don't want to do that because 1), that would be a lot of articles to maintain, and 2), some achievements could fall in multiple categories. For example, Trump's upcoming decision on the Paris Climate Agreement (which I hope he chooses to leave) could fall in the "environment," "foreign policy," and "government size/regulation" sections. Considering the other long articles, I might as well try to continue with my plan to make subpages by year rather than half-year, but if that's a bad descision, please tell me. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:20, 30 May 2017 (EDT)

:: I was waiting until I could use a PC to move the file, but I've just done it. You should be able to categorize miles once they're uploaded, if you want. I don't know much about him I couldn't use precise categories. However, I have added some basic ones which will probably be sufficient. Probably keeping the page as it is is okay. It's a lot to download, but like you said, splitting it up would be complicated. Let me know if there's anything else I can do!--[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 10:47, 31 May 2017 (EDT)

One unrelated thing: I have been removing unnecessary links added by TAR, but I want to be cautious in removing links and there are a few articles where I would like someone else to decide which links/cats to remove. The articles I'm thinking about are [[Oath Keepers]], [[Vow]], and [[American Patriots]]. It might also a good idea to check the categories of [[Conservative values]]. Would you please do these things? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2017 (EDT)

:I will take a look when possible, but am very busy right now. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:52, 4 June 2017 (EDT)

::They looked pretty good. I cleaned up a few things, mostly categories. It's just a judgement call for some things, and there isn't always any guideline. I tend to not remove enough sometimes. However, they look pretty good to me. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:29, 7 June 2017 (EDT)

:::Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:31, 7 June 2017 (EDT)

== Bye ==

It's been great knowing you. Are you from Chicago? I've never done well with people from Chicago before; they commit a lot of crime in my part of the state. If you are, it's good to meet a nicer, better-mouthed person from Chicago. Still, you're a great technician and I hope you can use that to bring this site to glory.--[[User:Abcqwe|Nathan]] ([[User talk:Abcqwe|talk]]) 16:33, 4 June 2017 (EDT)

:It's been great knowing you as well. I've been out of touch the last for weeks--are you leaving?
:I am not from Chicago, actually. In any case, thanks--I hope I can help out a lot here! You have made some great progress here also. Thanks for your efforts! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:55, 4 June 2017 (EDT)
::He appears to have been some type of parodist.[http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Main_Page&diff=1350635&oldid=1350476] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 00:12, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

:::Interesting. I was originally suspicious (due to the user name), but he seemed to be on the level. This goes to show what happens when I don't pay attention for two weeks. Thanks for the link! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:32, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

:I was more than suspicious and said so months ago (somewhere - I can't find it now.) I had various tos and fros with him and asked for help re The New York Public Library Student's Desk Reference. Prentice Hall: New York, 1991. a number of times. You and your mates were more interested in nailing Liberals than housekeeping. Only Progressingamerica answered.
So... tomorrow... or whenever....when I finally manage to get myself together after a major injury to my wife, I will get into this with a degree of gusto. I will say only one thing now...that Abcque was allowed to do what he did for so long by the sheer ignorance or lack of will of so called senior editors of CP. [[User:AlanE|AlanE]] ([[User talk:AlanE|talk]]) 02:57, 7 June 2017 (EDT)
::Clearly I missed that. Thanks for trying anyway....
::I'm sorry to hear about your wife! I hope she is doing alright. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:35, 7 June 2017 (EDT)
:::Susan's injury is not life threatening - just extremely painful and very disabling. She slipped and fell against a wooden edge in the vegetable garden and smashed her forearm. Not broke, smashed. Her radius (the bone that goes to the thumb side of the hand) broke into 11 pieces. Her ulna, the other bone in the forearm, is broken but only once. The injury is to her left arm and she is left handed.
:Thank you for your kind words.
:::BTW... "The New York Public Library Student's Desk Reference. Prentice Hall: New York, 1991" is almost right. The only edition I can find though is 1993. But I'm damned (or "d****ed" as he would put it) if I am going to spend $60 or more getting it here from the States to check any "discrepancies". (I am one of those terrible liberals who paid taxes for nearly fifty years and is now getting some of them back - only some mind you - as a pension.)
: I need someone to get rid of the title [[Joseph Belloc]] so a new aticle can be written. I can pass a critical eye over the more well known or international American writers. I have them on my shelves. The fun will be with Auden; an old friend but a complicated one to put into two or three hundred words.
::Anyway...teatime and guess who is preparing it. :) [[User:AlanE|AlanE]] ([[User talk:AlanE|talk]]) 03:08, 8 June 2017 (EDT)

== Cleaning up after the blocked users ==

I've checked the author articles he's created, and it does not appear that he made up the "''The New York Public Library Student's Desk Reference''" reference that he used most. It appears that his edits (besides the clear garbage, such as that test vandalism and the jokes) were legitimate. If you would check further, I would appreciate that.

Also, I would appreciate it if you would check my requests I posted two sections above regarding TAR cleanup. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:24, 4 June 2017 (EDT)

:Thanks for checking! TAR did definitely add some good content, along with the junk. I will be happy to take a look as time permits, but I don't have much of it right now. One other issue with his contributions is some things were plagiarized, often from [http://www.amateur-radio-wiki.net/index.php?title=Main_Page this website]. You could also check for that, if you want and have not already. Thanks! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:00, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
::Also, F.Y.I., TAR was not dishonorably banned. Rather, he decided to leave, and asked that his account be blocked. At the time, several editors were pushing for the admins to take action against him, but I don't think that push was going anywhere. His existing ban is in place at his request, to lock his account. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:01, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
:::I already knew that. That's why I used "blocked users" rather than "vandals/parodists" or something like that. However, you're right, my wording was still bad and understandably gave you the impression that you got. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:06, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

::::Good point. I was tired when I was writing that. You were here then, and part of the push. Sorry about that.--[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 12:57, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
:::::That's OK. However, actually, I joined several months after TAR left. I learned about it through reading about it, rather than actually experiencing it. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:05, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

::::::I came in late in the game too. I started ignorantly cleaning up some of it, having no clue. SamHB then told me about him, but said he guessed TAR had left. A little while later, TAR reappeared, reverted many of my changes, and referred to me in a derogatory light. Then he left again, and cleanup resumed. It's been a strange situation. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:01, 5 June 2017 (EDT)
:::::::Well, I'm glad he's gone. He appears to have caused a lot of damage. The spam he created still exists on many articles like the ones I asked you about. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:25, 5 June 2017 (EDT)

We've all got better things to think about than the history of the TAR episode, but he blocked himself on Apr 1, 2016 [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Special%3ALog&type=&user=&page=User%3ATheAmericanRedoubt&year=&month=-1&tagfilter= here], but didn't have his rights (that he could have used to unblock himself) revoked until Apr 5. If you are curious, there was extensive discussion among the many people who had been wronged by TARs destructive behavior [[User_talk:Aschlafly/Archive60#Re:_Cleanup_work_post_TheAmericanRedoubt|here]], including a request by me, on Apr 2, that his rights be revoked so that we could all put a stop to this. Once the rights were revoked, we could all breathe a sigh of relief, and look forward to telling you newcomers about this epic battle. :-) [[User:SamHB|SamHB]] ([[User talk:SamHB|talk]]) 00:57, 6 June 2017 (EDT)
:In some ways, I think TAR was a lot of fun. For example, I liked his: staunch gun rights stance; his free vs. unfree states (the gulag of Massachusetts is an unfree state) and his ardent view that the current economic/fiscal policies of the United States are unsustainable and will lead to collapse.

:Many people merely complain about matters related to these topics, but TAR was a man of action who took action relating to these matters.

:I realize he had his faults as an editor, but I still appreciate his good points. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 05:08, 8 June 2017 (EDT)

== I know you like doing technical things and probably would know how to implement the project below ==

I know you like doing technical things and probably would know how to implement the project below.

If you could implement this project, that would be excellent.

=== Can someone edit this template so the useful links are readable? ===

{{welcome}}

Can someone edit this template so the useful links are readable?

The blue links on a dark red background is hard to read.

Also, some people have started to edit Conservapedia and then quickly gave up because they didn't know how to edit a wiki. I noted about 3 people who did this. There are probably many more who quit but didn't say anything. I added a link entitled "How to edit a wiki". But I believe there are various versions of the welcome template so my link is not on all welcome template versions. For example, the welcome template that JPatt uses didn't incorporate my "How to edit a wiki" link.

Does the newest version of the Wikimedia software allow for WYSIWYG editing? In other words "What you see is what you get".

The newest version of the Wikimedia software does not have the counter at the bottom of the pages. I understand why Andy Schlafly likes the counters at the bottom. I like the counters too. I guess there might be an extension to add the counters to the newest version of Wikimedia. But after all is said and done, having WYSIWYG editing could greatly increase the participation rate at this wiki and lower the rate of people falling out because they don't know how to edit a wiki. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 18:40, 19 June 2017 (EDT)
:The "Visual editor" on Wikipedia is very buggy, particular with footnotes. I suspect that most editors come here after learning how to edit Wikipedia and being chased away by their intolerant, toxic culture. [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 07:08, 22 June 2017 (EDT)
==== Here is the welcome to Wikipedia and it is much better and legible ====

[[File:Plate of cookies.jpg|thumb|300px|Some cookies to welcome you! [[File:Face-smile.svg|25px]]]] [[Wikipedia:Welcoming committee/Welcome to Wikipedia|Welcome to Wikipedia]], Conservative! I am [[User:This lousy T-shirt|This lousy T-shirt]] and have been editing Wikipedia for quite some time. Thank you for [[Special:Contributions/Knox490|your contributions]]. I just wanted to say hi and welcome you to Wikipedia! If you have any questions check out [[Wikipedia:Questions]], or feel free to leave me a message on [[User talk:This lousy T-shirt|my talk page]] or type ''{{tl|helpme}}'' at the bottom of this page. I love to help new users, so don't be afraid to leave a message! I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are some pages that you might find helpful:
* [[Wikipedia:Introduction|Introduction]]
* [[Wikipedia:Five pillars|The five pillars of Wikipedia]]
* [[Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]
* [[Help:Contents|Help pages]]
* [[Wikipedia:Article development|How to write a great article]]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Ten_Simple_Rules_for_Editing_Wikipedia Ten Simple Rules for Editing Wikipedia].
I hope you enjoy editing here and being a [[Wikipedia:Wikipedians|Wikipedian]]! Also, when you post on [[Wikipedia:Talk page|talk pages]] you should [[Wikipedia:Sign your posts on talk pages|sign your name]] using four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>); that should automatically produce your username and the date after your post. Again, welcome!

I think Conservapedia needs a better greeting. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 19:02, 19 June 2017 (EDT)

:I agree--I've had my eye on that welcome message for almost a year now, but never really put my mind to redoing it altogether. As time allows, I'll see what I can put together. Do you think it should still incorporate the "useful links" template, or have its own seprate links which we could format and explain better? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:10, 19 June 2017 (EDT)
:::Can you have something like Wikipedia's welcome? There's is much better.[[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 01:01, 20 June 2017 (EDT)
::::I'll see what I can do. It might take some time--I have almost no free time right now. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:51, 20 June 2017 (EDT)
:::::What should I name the new one? We already have "welcome" and "welcome2" templates. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:21, 21 June 2017 (EDT)
::::::You could do "welcome3" or "welcomeCP". --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 01:39, 22 June 2017 (EDT)
::::::I just saw the "Greeting" template you created. Is there a chance you could give it a patriotic coloring scheme, kind of like the one we usually use? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 01:43, 22 June 2017 (EDT)

:::::::I wasn't sure I wanted to go up to "welcome3" but "welcomeCP" could certainly work. Anyway, changing the coloring is a good idea. I'll do a little experimentation, and see what works. Red and blue are complimentary colors, but somehow the combo often seems a little harsh somehow. Maybe I can find a good shade combo though. Thanks for the suggestion! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 19:05, 22 June 2017 (EDT)
EdPoor just changed the background color of the welcome template. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 09:16, 23 June 2017 (EDT)

== Updated my post to Aschlafly's talk page. Here is the updated version ==

Have the word "Welcome!" under/above a pic of a welcome fruit basket. Please see Google images to get an idea of welcome fruit baskets: [https://www.google.com/search?q=welcome+basket&rlz=1C1PRFG_enUS744US744&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHyI_c0trUAhUH0oMKHeMQDy4Q_AUICygC&biw=819&bih=510#tbm=isch&q=welcome+fruit+basket Google images - Welcome fruit baskets]. Here are some FREE IMAGES of welcome fruit baskets at: https://pixabay.com/en/photos/?hp=&image_type=&cat=&min_width=&min_height=&q=fruit+basket&order=

Or for $1.00 you can get a stock photo of a welcome fruit basket at: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/similar/350093981

I hope this helps. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]]) 00:27, 26 June 2017 (EDT)

== Email ==

I sent you an email about a question I have. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 03:34, 29 June 2017 (EDT)
:I sent you another one. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:21, 5 September 2017 (EDT)
::Replied --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 10:34, 5 September 2017 (EDT)

== Image question ==

I was also looking to add an image to [[Rare (company)]], hopefully of the company logo, but I was just wondering if that was allowed under "Fair use" or not? I am not an expert in copyright law, and I know that this site takes that very seriously. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 14:17, 15 July 2017 (EDT)

:Hi,
:That's not a bad idea, but we won't generally use trademarks without permission. While WP regularly does so, or simply declares them public domain, we try to better respect the owners' rights. If you want to use their logo, I would suggest asking them if that is alright. If we can get written permission, then I or any other SysOp would be happy to upload it. However, without permission from them, we probably should not use it. You could as Andy for a second opinion, of course, but especailly with his background in law, he probably will be inclined to stay on the safe side. If you can find some image related to them, but not owned by them, that may also be usable. For example, a photograph of Rare's CEO which has been released under Creative Commons or Public Domain guidelines could be used. It's up to you, but we probably shouldn't use their logo without asking. Thanks for checking, and your work on this article! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 20:40, 15 July 2017 (EDT)
::Since Rare is owned by Microsoft, it seems that [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/Legal/XboxComTOU these terms] (see "COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICES") apply. While not clearly applicable to Rare, this seems likely, since Rare links to those terms.
::Since Microsoft owns it, a request to use materials would probably ulttimately go through them. Send it to Rare at first, but probably it will end up at Microsoft. In my experience (and that of others), it has been very hard to get a response from them. You can still try, though--Rare might respond instead, too. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 20:47, 15 July 2017 (EDT)
:::I'm going to email Rare/Microsoft tomorrow morning, although I don't suspect any sort of response. I will try to find an alternative because I've noticed articles are a lot more pleasant for readers to view when there are a few relevant pictures. --[[User:Anglican|Anglican]] ([[User talk:Anglican|talk]]) 14:12, 16 July 2017 (EDT)

::::Okay, that sounds like a good plan. It is nice to have some kind of related image. I wish it was easier, but thanks for trying! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 11:03, 17 July 2017 (EDT)

== Gender ideology ==
Hi, you reverted my last contribution in [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Gender_ideology&diff=prev&oldid=1363294 here] that I spent quite some time on, without giving any good reason. May you pls. explain? Thanx --[[User:AK|AK]] ([[User talk:AK|talk]]) 02:39, 26 July 2017 (EDT)
:BTW, I restored the page. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 10:06, 26 July 2017 (EDT)
::Wow!! I'm terribly sorry, that was a mistake. I must have hit it while I was reverting a portion of the last vandalism wave. Thank you for noticing, and thank you 1990'sguy for restoring it! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:48, 26 July 2017 (EDT)

== Move requests ==

I have two categories that I am requesting for you to move: [[:Category:Globalist]] to [[:Category:Globalists]], and [[:Category:Nationalist]] to [[:Category:Nationalists]]. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:56, 7 August 2017 (EDT)
:Good suggestions--done. I can move the pages using my bot later. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 22:39, 7 August 2017 (EDT)

Hello David, would you please move these two categories: [[:Category:Media personalities]] to [[:Category:Media Personalities]], and [[:Category:High schools]] to [[:Category:High Schools]]? Also, would you please use your bot to move every article with those categories to the new category name? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:02, 28 August 2017 (EDT)

:Done. The images in [[:Category:Media personalities]] were protected so they could not be moved. All the rest are taken care of. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:59, 28 August 2017 (EDT)

==Thanks==
Thank you for your assistance. Although the parenthetical helps a bit, two separate bullets would be cleaner in making clear what "President Trump expressed". Please look at: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Donald_Trump_achievements:_Criminal_justice,_law_enforcement,_and_other_DOJ_matters&diff=1368054&oldid=1368043 this proposal.] Many thanks, [[User:JDano|JDano]] ([[User talk:JDano|talk]]) 21:23, 18 August 2017 (EDT)
:I commented on it and I oppose any bullet points on the article solely regarding the 2016 campaign, for the record. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 21:25, 18 August 2017 (EDT)

== IP blocks ==

Out of curiosity, how do you know all of those IPs are proxies? If it's a server farm, I try and block the whole range, but some of those aren't blocked on Wikipedia, so I'm curious as to how you identified them as proxies. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] ([[User talk:DMorris|talk]]) 16:34, 23 August 2017 (EDT)

:It varies--Some are from backtraces done on vandals who I've dealt with before, others are actually scraped directly from the hosts, while yet others are gathered directly through the usage of such services. I know that these are proxies, because most of these have come directly from the providers. The remaining ones I'm using have been gathered mostly from IP traces.
:If we wanted to use them, there are even openly published lists of addresses, which could probably be blocked outright. I haven't been using those yet, but it is an option. I hope this clarifies. Also, thanks for the advice--as you probably saw, I did check with Andy on this first. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:47, 23 August 2017 (EDT)
:Also, ranges can definitely be most powerful and effective, but in this case all I have are specific addresses. These are specifically found addresses, and nothing more. They may leave a lot of holes, but I'd rather have these blocked than nothing at all.

== Copied article ==

A lot of the article [[Steppenwolf]] appears to be copied from [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steppenwolf_(band)&oldid=796579357 the Wikipedia version]. Should it be deleted? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 19:33, 26 August 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, it is not just on Wikipedia, but on a number of other sites (plagiarized by them too?) as I mentioned on the [[Talk:Steppenwolf|talk page]] awhile back. I think it probably should be deleted, since it clearly is from Wikipedia, and Wikipedia version have been worked on by many different users, so it is obviously not the work of one person. I had lost track of this issue, so thanks for the reminder! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:44, 28 August 2017 (EDT)

== Delete article? ==

Should we delete this article: [[Julia Gasper]]? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 18:16, 14 September 2017 (EDT)
:It needs work, but it doesn't seem to be plagiarized. I was included to leave it and see what GraceDalrymple does with it. Do you think it should be? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:21, 14 September 2017 (EDT)
::I just attempted to do a little touch-up. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:35, 14 September 2017 (EDT)

== Your input ==

Is this a bad edit: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Chivalry&curid=1989&diff=1374996&oldid=1262366]? While our culture is becoming very "gender-neutral," I'm not sure that it changes the definition of chivalry to be between anyone. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:36, 18 September 2017 (EDT)
:I've been pondering the same question. [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chivalry merriam-webster] doesn't really specify, although some other sites like [http://www.wordnik.com/words/chivalry wordnik] do. Since it is an idea from the medieval times, and related to proper behavior for knights, it was inherently relevant to men. I don't know if it is gender exclusive, or just by convention never really applied to women. I'm tempted to revert it just because the history of the word suggests it still should only apply to men.
:I was pretty sure I've seen this exact edit before, too, but I don't see it in the page history. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:43, 18 September 2017 (EDT)

What do you think about this article? [[Peregrin Chronicles]]? I don't have time right now to review it in-depth myself. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:50, 19 September 2017 (EDT)

:I don't think I can be much help with this one either. I've never heard of the series before. It exists, but that's about all I've been able to verify so far. It looks like their [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676468266/the-aliens-have-landed-the-peregrin-chronicles-com kickstarter] didn't get much support, either. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:50, 20 September 2017 (EDT)

Here's another one: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Internet_evangelism&curid=105140&diff=1375410&oldid=1271896] I'm inclined to let this edit stay, but I'm still not a fan of people removing information. Also, sorry for throwing all these at you. I'll try to tackle some of these myself after this. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 15:03, 20 September 2017 (EDT)

:That one looks fine to me--they are adding verifiable details. No need to apologize--I'm happy to help. A second set of eyes and opinion never hurts. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:13, 20 September 2017 (EDT)
:The accusation from [http://www.billionbibles.org/global-media-outreach.html billionbibles.org] that they are too focused on the human decision to "pray the prayer" does seem to be somewhat valid. However, I don't think that is the best place for it. In any case, God has used Campus Crusade, so although they may be a little shallow, I don't think we need to include this information in such a short blurb on them. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 15:18, 20 September 2017 (EDT)
::Thanks for the detail on that, DavidB4. I hope the page on Global Media Outreach, which I edited earlier this year, adds enough objective detail to explain. We can discuss the "human decision to 'pray the prayer'" if you like, but ultimately the gospel presentation is the tip of the iceberg, and we have thousands of Online Missionaries trained to follow up with them and verify their expressed reaction to the Good News. [http://esv.to/John1.12 John 1:12] and [http://esv.to/Rom10.9-12 Romans 10:9-13] are there to explain that there is a required move on a human being's part, and asking God for salvation seems like a perfectly straightforward way to do it, as long as the person doesn't see prayer as a recitation obligating God to give them eternal life, if that makes sense. For balance, it doesn't seem as if it can simply be a realization of a truth, or even that along with an emotional experience. As Campus Crusade's 4 Laws (which we use a version of) states, "It is not enough just to know these three laws, we must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives ...Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional expereince. We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of the will." Prayer can be an expression of that trust and will, although it isn't always formal, as is shown in Acts 10:44. --[[User:Abranch|Abranch]] ([[User Abranch|TALK]]) Wed Sep 20 2017 17:10:49 GMT-0500 (CDT)

:::That is exactly right--I'm glad to hear those are your beliefs! Admittedly, my experience with Campus Crusade is limited to contact with one local chapter. I've never gotten into the full organization, so it's possible that things were represented slightly differently to me than is typical. I also have been out of contact with them for a little while now. I will take a look at the page you revised at some point. Thanks for your contributions so far! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 23:24, 20 September 2017 (EDT)

Here's an article that might need a page move: [[Homework]] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:36, 21 September 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks for pointing it out! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 18:51, 21 September 2017 (EDT)

== Email spam? ==

Is my email address in your spam folder again? I sent you an email a few days ago and am curious at the lack of response (though it's not important anymore). --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:16, 25 September 2017 (EDT)

:Yes, it seems your message got lost in the noise. I already have written some rules which should be allowing all messages from CP users, but for some reason it's not working quire right. My apologies! I've relied to your message, though as you said, it's a bit late now. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 09:26, 26 September 2017 (EDT)

::Maybe it's the name I use for my email address, "1990" for the first name and "sguy" for the last name? I have had some minor problems with my CP/WP/etc. email address before. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:26, 26 September 2017 (EDT)

:::Yeah, I think that's it. A lot of "marketing" (spam) corporations like to use algorithmically generated names, containing numbers and other gibberish. I think a batch of rules I set up early-on (before I knew better) flagged addresses starting with numbers for that reason. I think I've cleared out the offending rules. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 16:34, 26 September 2017 (EDT)

== Your welcome message ==

On the user talk page [[User talk:NeilG]], someone put your newly designed welcome/template message.

Please change the color of the blue background. The dark blue combined with the black text is not the easiest to read. There is not enough contrast between those colors.

As far as a color I suggest using some shade of yellow or possibly a creamy yellow color such as [https://i.pinimg.com/736x/3e/66/18/3e6618ad619db4d45c168d4c8dd04ea4--dutch-boy-paint-colors-paint-colours.jpg THIS COLOR] or a light parchment color such as [http://www.art-paints.com/Paints/Acrylic/DecoArt/Americana/Light-Parchment/Light-Parchment.gif THIS COLOR].

In short, the black type should be on a lighter background. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] ([[User talk:Conservative|talk]])

:Thanks for the suggestion! I haven't made any changes yet, but I just want to let you know I am playing with it. I was trying to stick with the red-white-blue theme, as requested by others, but I'll try deviating from that theme. I though the background was light enough for the black text, but even if it is, the blue links don't work on blue. I suppose I could do a dark background and light text, too. I'll see what I can do to make it more clear. If I cant't find something I like, I'll at least make an edit to improve it soon. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:35, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

::Is [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Greeting&oldid=1379860 this] more like what you were thinking of? --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 02:14, 9 October 2017 (EDT)

== Image copyright ==

Considering the "Personality rights warning" tag, is there any problem in uploading this image? [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Official_portrait_of_Mr_Jacob_Rees-Mogg.jpg] --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:39, 4 October 2017 (EDT)
:Also, in addition to the Corporate tyranny article (if you are still planning on it), would you please add that box-format code to the list of corporate supporters in the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]] and [[Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights]] articles? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 22:52, 4 October 2017 (EDT)

::It sounds to me like we can use that image. They seem to just be saying that although the images is CC licensed, Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg still has legal claim on his likeness. This is nothing new, since every photograph of a person is like this. It should be fine to go for it.
::I wasn't aware of those pages needing it, but yes, I can probably do it. Doing this takes a fair amount of time, but also I need preview frequently. Right now, I'me getting 500 errors about 60% of the time, so I can't count on it lot loosing my work. (Submitting this took 3 tries and 2 minutes) Once things stabilize, I'll give it a go. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 01:51, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

:::BTW, I learned recently that if you make an edit and the internal server error (why in the world is it happening so much now?) come on, you can just press the refresh button and your edit will still be saved. You don't need to worry about your information being lost. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 11:43, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

::::Good point! I've noticed that sometimes works, but I've had times when it doesn't. However, some browsers hold information from past pages. I'm using [[Vivaldi (web browser)|Vivaldi]], which does this. In case of a 500 error, I can just hit back and it instantly loads back the past (edit) page with my edits. I think a number of them do this, including Firefox. I don't know if this works for you.
::::Conservative thinks its due to D/DoS attacks--I don't know if this is the case or not, but it could be. The server responds, but there seems to be some problem in the server's internal services; download requests are not handled properly. Sometimes the requests are not served at all, and other times an incomplete answer is provided. It sounds to me more like a problem with the server processing power or software. However, it could be a simple DoS/DDoS an attack. I have also noticed that certain queries available to the public on this site can take several minutes. Run 100 of those simultaneously, and it could load down the server too. Anyway, I've discontinued all my bot activity, which is about all I can do. It will clear up eventually. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 14:26, 5 October 2017 (EDT)

:::::David, in addition to the tables, would you please upload the image of Rees-Mogg for me? --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:32, 6 October 2017 (EDT)

::::::There are still a lot of pending upload requests, but if you want me to do it so I will be liable, I suppose I can at some point. I'm busy putting out other fires at the moment. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 21:28, 9 October 2017 (EDT)

As requested, uploaded as [[:File:Official portrait of Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg.jpg]] --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 13:45, 17 October 2017 (EDT)
:Thanks! --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 16:10, 17 October 2017 (EDT)

== Move request ==

I hate to have four links starting with "Breitbart" leading to the same location, but would you please move [[Breitbart.com]] to [[Breitbart News]]? That is how they refer to themselves. --[[User:1990'sguy|1990'sguy]] ([[User talk:1990'sguy|talk]]) 23:07, 20 October 2017 (EDT)
:Sure, done! Four does seem like a bit much, but this is a good suggestion. --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 00:10, 23 October 2017 (EDT)

To David,
Thank you for your reminder. I will add them up as soon as possible. There are some sources that are conservative but in foreign languages, I will add them as soon as possible.

Nationalist Party

2017-11-02T04:42:07Z

AntiCommunistAction:

The '''Chinese Nationalist Party''', or '''KMT''', is a conservative party that currently rules [[Taiwan]]. In recent years it has supported pan-Chinese nationalism, democracy, Chinese reunification, and capitalism under the doctrine of the "three principles of the people." The Nationalists ruled China from 1927 until 1949 and then moved to Taiwan. The party has had the support of American conservatives since the 1930s. The abbreviation "KMT" stands for "Kuomintang," an obsolete romanization of the party's Chinese name.
{{language box
|t=國民黨
|s=国民党
|p=Guómín Dǎng
|w=Kuo-min Tang
}}
The Nationalist Party was founded in 1912 by [[Song Jiaoren]]. The original party was outlawed and dissolved in 1913. To replace it, [[Sun Yat-sen]] founded the "Chinese Revolutionary Party" in 1914 as a secret society and under stricter discipline. However, various notable KMT members refused to join the new party and continued to identify by the old name. In 1919, the CRP was reorganized as the "Chinese Nationalist Party" and the party's bylaws were made more democratic. The party has continued in this form to the present. After Sun's death in 1925, the party launched the "Northern Expedition," defeated the warlords of the Beiyang clique, and established a central government for China in [[Nanjing]]. From 1927 to 1975, the party was led by [[Chiang Kai-shek]]. When the Nationalists were defeated by the Communists in 1949, the party, together with most government officials, much of the army, anti-communist political activists and many business and cultural leaders evacuated to Taiwan. Until 1971, the UN and most non-communists governments recognized the Nationalist government in Taipei as the legitimate government of China. In 1991, the Nationalists withdrew their claim to territory on the mainland. KMT leader Ma Ying-jeou was elected Taiwanese president in 2008 and reelected in 2012.

The party is a member of the [[International Democrat Union]].

==In China==
Founded in 1912 by Sun Yat-sen, the KMT rejected the old incompetent and [[Qing dynasty]] and sought to modernize China along Japanese and Western lines. The KMT helped topple the Qing emperor and promoted modernization along Western lines. The party played a significant part in the first Chinese first National Assembly where it was the majority party. However the KMT failed to achieve complete control. The post of president was given to old-guard general [[Yuan Shikai]] (1859-1916) as reward for his decisive support for the revolution. Yuan Shikai was a warlord uninterested in modernization and abused his powers, over-riding the constitution and trying to shut down political opposition. In July 1913, the KMT staged a 'Second Revolution' to depose Yuan. This failed and the following crack down by Yuan led to the dissolution of the KMT and the exile of its leadership, mostly to Japan.

Yuan Shikai tried and failed to make himself emperor of China. When Yuan Shikai died unexpectedly in 1916, China fractured into many regions controlled by warlords; this warlord era lasted about ten years.

==Warlord period: 1916-26==
When Yuan died, however, civil war broke out and regional warlords ruled amid chaos. The opium trade returned, irrigation failed, famine killed millions. Central rule was elusive. China sided with the Allies against Germany during [[World War I]], and offered some limited assistance. The goal was hoping to obtain return of the cities that Germany controlled in China. Instead, the Treaty of Versailles gave that land to Japan. Feeling betrayed, the Chinese angrily demonstrated against that decision with the [[May Fourth Movement]], which the Nationalists supported.

In exile, Sun Yat-sen and other former Nationalists founded several revolutionary parties under various names but with little success. These parties were united by Sun in 1919 as the "Chinese Nationalist Party." The word "Chinese" was added to the name of the reorganized party to distinguish it from the original. The new party returned to Guangzhou in China in 1920 where it set up a government but failed to achieve control of all of China. After the death of Yuan Shikai in 1916, China fractured into many regions controlled by warlords.

After 1919 the Soviets based in Moscow energetically promoted Communism, and for a while formed an alliance with the KMT. [[Mao Zedong]], founded the [[Chinese Communist Party]] (CCP) in 1921 in Shanghai. The KMT, in precarious position, accepted Soviet money and military advisors in China. The Soviets made the CCP join the KMT, thus forming the First United Front. The KMT gradually increased its geographical controls from its Canton base. Sun Yat-sen died in 1925.

==Chiang Kai-shek unites China==
Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) became the KMT strongman and military leader. In 1926 Chiang led a military operation known as the "Northern Expedition" against the warlords that controlled much of the country and defeated them. Next, Chiang tried to destroy the Communists. In Shanghai, the leading city, in 12 April 1927 he purged and often executed the Communists in the KMT.<ref>The event is also known as the Shanghai Massacre of 1927. See Tien-wei Wu, "A Review of the Wuhan Debacle: the Kuomintang-Communist Split of 1927." ''Journal of Asian Studies'' 1969 29(1): 125-143</ref> The Northern Expedition proved successful and the Nationalist government gained control throughout China (except Manchuria) in 1927, with Chiang as leader. The capital of China was moved to [[Nanjing]], a city near Shanghai that previously served as capital for the [[Ming dynasty]] and for Sun Yat-sen in 1912.

The party was always concerned with strengthening Chinese identity at the same time it was discarding old traditions in the name of modernity. In 1929, the KMT government suppressed the textbook ''Modern Chinese History,'' widely used in secondary education. The Nationalists were concerned that, by not admitting the existence of the earliest emperors in ancient Chinese history, the book would weaken the foundation of the state. The case of the ''Modern Chinese History'' textbook reflects the symptoms of the period: banning the textbook strengthened the Nationalists' ideological control but also revealed their fear of the New Culture Movement and its more liberal ideological implications.

The KMT tried to destroy the Communist party of [[Mao Zedong]], but was unable to stop the invasion by Japan, which controlled most of the coastline and major cities from 1937 to 1945. Chiang Kai-shek secured massive military and economic aid from the United States, and in 1945 became one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, with a veto. The KMT governed most of China until it was defeated in civil war by the Communists in 1949.

The collapse of the KMT regime can in part be attributed to the government's economic policies, which triggered capital flight among the businessmen who had been the KMT's strongest supporters. The cotton textile industry was the leading sector of Chinese industry, but in 1948, shortages of raw cotton plunged the industry into dire straits. The KMT government responded with an aggressive control policy that directly procured cotton from producers to ensure a sufficient supply and established a price freeze on cotton thread and textiles. This policy failed because of resistance from cotton textile industrialists, who relocated textile facilities and capital to Hong Kong or Taiwan around the end of 1948 and early 1949 when prices soared and inflation spiraled out of control. Their withdrawal of support was a shattering blow to the morale of the KMT.

==Chinese Civil War==
Civil war broke out between the Communist and Guomindang in 1930. Mao Zedong trained peasants in guerrilla warfare. But Chiang’s army surrounded Mao’s, and in 1934 forced Mao’s army to go on the [[Long March]], which was a 6,000-mile retreat to northwestern China. Few made it back alive—the survivors controlled the Communist party since 1949.

==Second Sino-Japanese War==
{{Main|Second Sino-Japanese War}}
Meanwhile, an aggressive Japan invaded [[Manchuria]], an independent warlord-controlled area of northeast China rich in iron and coal deposits needed by Japanese industry and in March 1932 set up the [[puppet state]] of [[Manchukuo]]. On 24 February 1933, the [[League of Nations]] adopted a resolution calling for the non-recognition of Manchukuo, however the [[Soviet Union]] nonetheless did recognize Manchukuo and sold Japan the Chinese Eastern Railway in 1935. This Manchurian invasion was the beginning of [[World War II]] in Asia and is commonly referred to as the [[Mukden Incident]]. Japan followed this with an invasion of China in 1937 along the Yangtze River. The Chinese civil war stopped temporarily to defend against the Japanese invasion. The Soviet Union brought 30 thousand Red army troops to Mongolia and stationed them along the southern and south-eastern border of Mongolia on the pretext of having found the Japanese plan of military occupation of Mongolia". At the same time, the Soviet leadership gave instructions to carry out mass arrests and the execution of several ten thousands of Mongolian government, party and army cadres on the pretext of "rooting out the spy organization."

==Two wars==
The Nationalist Chinese government led by Chiang Kai-shek received aid from the United States to fight against the Japanese, but in reality they used that money to prepare for civil war against the communists led by [[Mao Zedong]]. After the war, the communists (from the northwest) attempted to conquer the Nationalists (from the southwest). Civil war raged from 1946 to 1949. Due to the embargo by the Democrat president Harry S. Truman and the infiltration of the Communist members into the Nationalist army and the US governments, Mao stole the nation by October 1949. Mao had tricked the farmers that land will be given to the peasants and de facto separated China into two parts: the Mainland and Taiwan. The mainland has been renamed as the People’s Republic of China. Jiang was forced into retreat with Nationalists to the island of Taiwan, imposing strong anti-Communistic policies, and continued to claim sovereignty over all of China, a stance which the United States supported until [[Richard Nixon]] reversed course under the influence of Kissinger in 1971.

==In Taiwan: 1949-present==
After KMT moved to Taiwan since 1949, Chiang Kai-shek declared the martial law. which banned the communists. Chiang then re-elected four times by the un-elected National Assembly until he died in 1975. His son Chiang Ching-kuo successed him and ended the martial law in 15 July 1987. Chiang died on 13 January 1988, Lee Teng-hui became the new president. On 23 March 1996, Lee Teng-hui became the first president democratically elected by the Taiwanese people. The KMT lost power from 2000 to 2008. On 22 March 2008, Ma Ying-jeou was elected as president. Since the KMT back to power, the KMT endorses the "three noes" policy as defined by Ma Ying-jeou – no unification, no independence and no use of force. However, the KMT has been gradually losing its ground of Anti-Communism by putting too much emphasis in pursuing Unification and inability to withstand the infiltration of the Communist Party Regime of the Mainland China.

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
* Barnett, A. Doak ''China on the Eve of Communist Takeover''. (1963) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-on-the-eve-of-communist-takeover-by-a-doak-barnett.jsp online edition]
* Bedeski, Robert E. ''State-Building in Modern China: The Kuomintang in the Prewar Period.'' (1981). 181 pp.
* Bergere, Marie-Claire. ''Sun Yat-Sen'' (1998), 480pp, the standard biography
* Bodenhorn, Terry, ed. ''Defining Modernity: Guomindang Rhetorics of a New China, 1920-1970.'' (2002). 288 pp. ISBN 0-89264-161-4
* Boorman, Howard L., ed. ''Biographical Dictionary of Republican China.'' (Vol. I-IV and Index. 1967-1979). 600 short scholarly biographies [http://books.google.com/books?id=r3AJFusMHJwC&dq=+Biographical+Dictionary+of+Republican+China&pg=PP1&ots=2vo5nw0qS0&sig=fxzwBb475KIbQBr8KGRDrkVSvl8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PPA1,M1 excerpt and text search]
* Botjer, George. ''A Short History of Nationalist China, 1919–1949'' (1979). 312pp
*Carroll, Anne W. "Who Lost China", ;;Faith and Reason'' (Spring 1989)[http://www.ewtn.com/library/HOMELIBR/FR89102.TXT online]
* Epoch Times. ''On the Unscrupulous Nature of the Chinese Communist Party'', ''The Epoch Times,'' 2005. [http://en.epochtimes.com/news/4-12-30/25242.html online]
* Fairbank, John K., ed. ''The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 12, Republican China 1912-1949. Part 1.'' (1983). 1001 pp.
* Fairbank, John K. and Feuerwerker, Albert, eds. ''The Cambridge History of China. Vol. 13: Republican China, 1912-1949, Part 2.'' (1986). 1092 pp.
* Fenby, Jonathan. ''Chiang Kai Shek: China's Generalissimo and the Nation He Lost'' (2004), 592pp [http://www.amazon.com/Chiang-Kai-Shek-Chinas-Generalissimo/dp/B000T9VO2U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214082451&sr=8-5 excerpt and text search]
* Hille, Kathrin. "Resurgent KMT must confront its dark past," ''Financial Times'' December 6, 2007 [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e7914d78-a39e-11dc-b229-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1 online]
* Hood, Steven J. ''The Kuomintang and the Democratization of Taiwan.'' (1997). 181 pp. [http://www.questia.com/read/9937198 online from [[Questia]]]
* Hsiung, James C. and Steven I. Levine. ''China's Bitter Victory: The War with Japan, 1937-1945'' (1992) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/chinas-bitter-victory-the-war-with-japan-1937-1945-by-james-c-hsiung-steven-i-levine.jsp online from [[Questia]]]
* Perleberg, Max. ''Who's Who in Modern China (From the Beginning of the Chinese Republic to the End of 1953): Over Two Thousand Detailed Biographies of the Most Important Men Who Took Part in the Great Struggle for China, Including Detailed Histories of the Political Parties, Government Organisations, a Glossary of New Terms Used in Contemporary Chinese '' (1954) [http://www.questia.com/read/98871284 online from [[Questia]]]
* Pye, Lucian W. ''Warlord Politics: Conflict and Coalition in the Modernization of Republican China'' (1971) [http://www.questia.com/read/99299526 online from Questia]
* Rigger, Shelley. ''Politics in Taiwan: Voting for Democracy'' (1999) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/politics-in-taiwan-voting-for-democracy-by-shelley-rigger.jsp online edition]
* Sharman, Lyon. ''Sun Yat-Sen His Life and Its Meaning: A Critical Biography''. (1968) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/sun-yat-sen-his-life-and-its-meaning-a-critical-biography-by-lyon-sharman.jsp online from Questia]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online at Questia]
* Taylor, Jay. ''The Generalissimo: Chiang Kai-Shek and the Struggle for Modern China'' (2009), 722 pp. highly favorable scholarly biography
* Taylor, Jay. ''The Generalissimo's Son: Chiang Ching-kuo and the Revolutions in China and Taiwan. '' (2000). 496 pp.
* Thornton, Richard C. ''China: A Political History, 1917-1980'' (1982) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-a-political-history-1917-1980-by-richard-c-thornton.jsp online edition]
* Wachman, Alan M. ''Taiwan: National Identity and Democratization'' (1994) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/taiwan-national-identity-and-democratization-by-alan-m-wachman.jsp online edition]
* Yu, George T. ''Party Politics in Republican China the Kuomintang, 1912- 1924'' (1966) [http://www.questia.com/read/3073072 online from Questia]
* Zanasi, Margherita. ''Saving the Nation: Economic Modernity in Republican China.'' (2006). 320 pp.

===Primary sources===
* Esherick, Joseph W., ed. ''Lost Chance in China: The World War II Despatches of John S. Service.'' (1974). 409 pp.
==Online resources==
* [http://hua.umf.maine.edu/China/republic.html "The Republican Era: 1911-1949"], comprehensive bibliography
*''[http://www.chinapost.com.tw/ China Post]'' -- KMT-oriented English language daily based in Taipei.

[[Category:Member of the International Democrat Union]]
[[Category:Taiwan]]
[[Category:Chinese Politics]]
[[Category:Chinese History]]
[[Category:Conservative Political Parties]]

Nationalist Party

2017-11-02T04:38:00Z

AntiCommunistAction:

The '''Chinese Nationalist Party''', or '''KMT''', is a conservative party that currently rules [[Taiwan]]. In recent years it has supported pan-Chinese nationalism, democracy, Chinese reunification, and capitalism under the doctrine of the "three principles of the people." The Nationalists ruled China from 1927 until 1949 and then moved to Taiwan. The party has had the support of American conservatives since the 1930s. The abbreviation "KMT" stands for "Kuomintang," an obsolete romanization of the party's Chinese name.
{{language box
|t=國民黨
|s=国民党
|p=Guómín Dǎng
|w=Kuo-min Tang
}}
The Nationalist Party was founded in 1912 by [[Song Jiaoren]]. The original party was outlawed and dissolved in 1913. To replace it, [[Sun Yat-sen]] founded the "Chinese Revolutionary Party" in 1914 as a secret society and under stricter discipline. However, various notable KMT members refused to join the new party and continued to identify by the old name. In 1919, the CRP was reorganized as the "Chinese Nationalist Party" and the party's bylaws were made more democratic. The party has continued in this form to the present. After Sun's death in 1925, the party launched the "Northern Expedition," defeated the warlords of the Beiyang clique, and established a central government for China in [[Nanjing]]. From 1927 to 1975, the party was led by [[Chiang Kai-shek]]. When the Nationalists were defeated by the Communists in 1949, the party, together with most government officials, much of the army, anti-communist political activists and many business and cultural leaders evacuated to Taiwan. Until 1971, the UN and most non-communists governments recognized the Nationalist government in Taipei as the legitimate government of China. In 1991, the Nationalists withdrew their claim to territory on the mainland. KMT leader Ma Ying-jeou was elected Taiwanese president in 2008 and reelected in 2012.

The party is a member of the [[International Democrat Union]].

==In China==
Founded in 1912 by Sun Yat-sen, the KMT rejected the old incompetent and [[Qing dynasty]] and sought to modernize China along Japanese and Western lines. The KMT helped topple the Qing emperor and promoted modernization along Western lines. The party played a significant part in the first Chinese first National Assembly where it was the majority party. However the KMT failed to achieve complete control. The post of president was given to old-guard general [[Yuan Shikai]] (1859-1916) as reward for his decisive support for the revolution. Yuan Shikai was a warlord uninterested in modernization and abused his powers, over-riding the constitution and trying to shut down political opposition. In July 1913, the KMT staged a 'Second Revolution' to depose Yuan. This failed and the following crack down by Yuan led to the dissolution of the KMT and the exile of its leadership, mostly to Japan.

Yuan Shikai tried and failed to make himself emperor of China. When Yuan Shikai died unexpectedly in 1916, China fractured into many regions controlled by warlords; this warlord era lasted about ten years.

==Warlord period: 1916-26==
When Yuan died, however, civil war broke out and regional warlords ruled amid chaos. The opium trade returned, irrigation failed, famine killed millions. Central rule was elusive. China sided with the Allies against Germany during [[World War I]], and offered some limited assistance. The goal was hoping to obtain return of the cities that Germany controlled in China. Instead, the Treaty of Versailles gave that land to Japan. Feeling betrayed, the Chinese angrily demonstrated against that decision with the [[May Fourth Movement]], which the Nationalists supported.

In exile, Sun Yat-sen and other former Nationalists founded several revolutionary parties under various names but with little success. These parties were united by Sun in 1919 as the "Chinese Nationalist Party." The word "Chinese" was added to the name of the reorganized party to distinguish it from the original. The new party returned to Guangzhou in China in 1920 where it set up a government but failed to achieve control of all of China. After the death of Yuan Shikai in 1916, China fractured into many regions controlled by warlords.

After 1919 the Soviets based in Moscow energetically promoted Communism, and for a while formed an alliance with the KMT. [[Mao Zedong]], founded the [[Chinese Communist Party]] (CCP) in 1921 in Shanghai. The KMT, in precarious position, accepted Soviet money and military advisors in China. The Soviets made the CCP join the KMT, thus forming the First United Front. The KMT gradually increased its geographical controls from its Canton base. Sun Yat-sen died in 1925.

==Chiang Kai-shek unites China==
Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) became the KMT strongman and military leader. In 1926 Chiang led a military operation known as the "Northern Expedition" against the warlords that controlled much of the country and defeated them. Next, Chiang tried to destroy the Communists. In Shanghai, the leading city, in 12 April 1927 he purged and often executed the Communists in the KMT.<ref>The event is also known as the Shanghai Massacre of 1927. See Tien-wei Wu, "A Review of the Wuhan Debacle: the Kuomintang-Communist Split of 1927." ''Journal of Asian Studies'' 1969 29(1): 125-143</ref> The Northern Expedition proved successful and the Nationalist government gained control throughout China (except Manchuria) in 1927, with Chiang as leader. The capital of China was moved to [[Nanjing]], a city near Shanghai that previously served as capital for the [[Ming dynasty]] and for Sun Yat-sen in 1912.

The party was always concerned with strengthening Chinese identity at the same time it was discarding old traditions in the name of modernity. In 1929, the KMT government suppressed the textbook ''Modern Chinese History,'' widely used in secondary education. The Nationalists were concerned that, by not admitting the existence of the earliest emperors in ancient Chinese history, the book would weaken the foundation of the state. The case of the ''Modern Chinese History'' textbook reflects the symptoms of the period: banning the textbook strengthened the Nationalists' ideological control but also revealed their fear of the New Culture Movement and its more liberal ideological implications.

The KMT tried to destroy the Communist party of [[Mao Zedong]], but was unable to stop the invasion by Japan, which controlled most of the coastline and major cities from 1937 to 1945. Chiang Kai-shek secured massive military and economic aid from the United States, and in 1945 became one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, with a veto. The KMT governed most of China until it was defeated in civil war by the Communists in 1949.

The collapse of the KMT regime can in part be attributed to the government's economic policies, which triggered capital flight among the businessmen who had been the KMT's strongest supporters. The cotton textile industry was the leading sector of Chinese industry, but in 1948, shortages of raw cotton plunged the industry into dire straits. The KMT government responded with an aggressive control policy that directly procured cotton from producers to ensure a sufficient supply and established a price freeze on cotton thread and textiles. This policy failed because of resistance from cotton textile industrialists, who relocated textile facilities and capital to Hong Kong or Taiwan around the end of 1948 and early 1949 when prices soared and inflation spiraled out of control. Their withdrawal of support was a shattering blow to the morale of the KMT.

==Chinese Civil War==
Civil war broke out between the Communist and Guomindang in 1930. Mao Zedong trained peasants in guerrilla warfare. But Chiang’s army surrounded Mao’s, and in 1934 forced Mao’s army to go on the [[Long March]], which was a 6,000-mile retreat to northwestern China. Few made it back alive—the survivors controlled the Communist party since 1949.

==Second Sino-Japanese War==
{{Main|Second Sino-Japanese War}}
Meanwhile, an aggressive Japan invaded [[Manchuria]], an independent warlord-controlled area of northeast China rich in iron and coal deposits needed by Japanese industry and in March 1932 set up the [[puppet state]] of [[Manchukuo]]. On 24 February 1933, the [[League of Nations]] adopted a resolution calling for the non-recognition of Manchukuo, however the [[Soviet Union]] nonetheless did recognize Manchukuo and sold Japan the Chinese Eastern Railway in 1935. This Manchurian invasion was the beginning of [[World War II]] in Asia and is commonly referred to as the [[Mukden Incident]]. Japan followed this with an invasion of China in 1937 along the Yangtze River. The Chinese civil war stopped temporarily to defend against the Japanese invasion. The Soviet Union brought 30 thousand Red army troops to Mongolia and stationed them along the southern and south-eastern border of Mongolia on the pretext of having found the Japanese plan of military occupation of Mongolia". At the same time, the Soviet leadership gave instructions to carry out mass arrests and the execution of several ten thousands of Mongolian government, party and army cadres on the pretext of "rooting out the spy organization."

==Two wars==
The Nationalist Chinese government led by Chiang Kai-shek received aid from the United States to fight against the Japanese, but in reality they used that money to prepare for civil war against the communists led by [[Mao Zedong]]. After the war, the communists (from the northwest) attempted to conquer the Nationalists (from the southwest). Civil war raged from 1946 to 1949. Due to the embargo by the Democrat president Harry S. Truman and the infiltration of the Communist members into the Nationalist army and the US governments, Mao stole the nation by October 1949. Mao had tricked the farmers that land will be given to the peasants and de facto separated China into two parts: the Mainland and Taiwan. The mainland has been renamed as the People’s Republic of China. Jiang was forced into retreat with Nationalists to the island of Taiwan, imposing strong anti-Communistic policies, and continued to claim sovereignty over all of China, a stance which the United States supported until [[Richard Nixon]] reversed course under the influence of Kissinger in 1971.

==In Taiwan: 1949-present==
After KMT moved to Taiwan since 1949, Chiang Kai-shek declared the martial law. which banned the communists. Chiang then re-elected four times by the un-elected National Assembly until he died in 1975. His son Chiang Ching-kuo successed him and ended the martial law in 15 July 1987. Chiang died on 13 January 1988, Lee Teng-hui became the new president. On 23 March 1996, Lee Teng-hui became the first president democratically elected by the Taiwanese people. The KMT lost power from 2000 to 2008. On 22 March 2008, Ma Ying-jeou was elected as president. Since the KMT back to power, the KMT endorses the "three noes" policy as defined by Ma Ying-jeou – no unification, no independence and no use of force.

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
* Barnett, A. Doak ''China on the Eve of Communist Takeover''. (1963) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-on-the-eve-of-communist-takeover-by-a-doak-barnett.jsp online edition]
* Bedeski, Robert E. ''State-Building in Modern China: The Kuomintang in the Prewar Period.'' (1981). 181 pp.
* Bergere, Marie-Claire. ''Sun Yat-Sen'' (1998), 480pp, the standard biography
* Bodenhorn, Terry, ed. ''Defining Modernity: Guomindang Rhetorics of a New China, 1920-1970.'' (2002). 288 pp. ISBN 0-89264-161-4
* Boorman, Howard L., ed. ''Biographical Dictionary of Republican China.'' (Vol. I-IV and Index. 1967-1979). 600 short scholarly biographies [http://books.google.com/books?id=r3AJFusMHJwC&dq=+Biographical+Dictionary+of+Republican+China&pg=PP1&ots=2vo5nw0qS0&sig=fxzwBb475KIbQBr8KGRDrkVSvl8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PPA1,M1 excerpt and text search]
* Botjer, George. ''A Short History of Nationalist China, 1919–1949'' (1979). 312pp
*Carroll, Anne W. "Who Lost China", ;;Faith and Reason'' (Spring 1989)[http://www.ewtn.com/library/HOMELIBR/FR89102.TXT online]
* Epoch Times. ''On the Unscrupulous Nature of the Chinese Communist Party'', ''The Epoch Times,'' 2005. [http://en.epochtimes.com/news/4-12-30/25242.html online]
* Fairbank, John K., ed. ''The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 12, Republican China 1912-1949. Part 1.'' (1983). 1001 pp.
* Fairbank, John K. and Feuerwerker, Albert, eds. ''The Cambridge History of China. Vol. 13: Republican China, 1912-1949, Part 2.'' (1986). 1092 pp.
* Fenby, Jonathan. ''Chiang Kai Shek: China's Generalissimo and the Nation He Lost'' (2004), 592pp [http://www.amazon.com/Chiang-Kai-Shek-Chinas-Generalissimo/dp/B000T9VO2U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214082451&sr=8-5 excerpt and text search]
* Hille, Kathrin. "Resurgent KMT must confront its dark past," ''Financial Times'' December 6, 2007 [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e7914d78-a39e-11dc-b229-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1 online]
* Hood, Steven J. ''The Kuomintang and the Democratization of Taiwan.'' (1997). 181 pp. [http://www.questia.com/read/9937198 online from [[Questia]]]
* Hsiung, James C. and Steven I. Levine. ''China's Bitter Victory: The War with Japan, 1937-1945'' (1992) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/chinas-bitter-victory-the-war-with-japan-1937-1945-by-james-c-hsiung-steven-i-levine.jsp online from [[Questia]]]
* Perleberg, Max. ''Who's Who in Modern China (From the Beginning of the Chinese Republic to the End of 1953): Over Two Thousand Detailed Biographies of the Most Important Men Who Took Part in the Great Struggle for China, Including Detailed Histories of the Political Parties, Government Organisations, a Glossary of New Terms Used in Contemporary Chinese '' (1954) [http://www.questia.com/read/98871284 online from [[Questia]]]
* Pye, Lucian W. ''Warlord Politics: Conflict and Coalition in the Modernization of Republican China'' (1971) [http://www.questia.com/read/99299526 online from Questia]
* Rigger, Shelley. ''Politics in Taiwan: Voting for Democracy'' (1999) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/politics-in-taiwan-voting-for-democracy-by-shelley-rigger.jsp online edition]
* Sharman, Lyon. ''Sun Yat-Sen His Life and Its Meaning: A Critical Biography''. (1968) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/sun-yat-sen-his-life-and-its-meaning-a-critical-biography-by-lyon-sharman.jsp online from Questia]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online at Questia]
* Taylor, Jay. ''The Generalissimo: Chiang Kai-Shek and the Struggle for Modern China'' (2009), 722 pp. highly favorable scholarly biography
* Taylor, Jay. ''The Generalissimo's Son: Chiang Ching-kuo and the Revolutions in China and Taiwan. '' (2000). 496 pp.
* Thornton, Richard C. ''China: A Political History, 1917-1980'' (1982) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/china-a-political-history-1917-1980-by-richard-c-thornton.jsp online edition]
* Wachman, Alan M. ''Taiwan: National Identity and Democratization'' (1994) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/taiwan-national-identity-and-democratization-by-alan-m-wachman.jsp online edition]
* Yu, George T. ''Party Politics in Republican China the Kuomintang, 1912- 1924'' (1966) [http://www.questia.com/read/3073072 online from Questia]
* Zanasi, Margherita. ''Saving the Nation: Economic Modernity in Republican China.'' (2006). 320 pp.

===Primary sources===
* Esherick, Joseph W., ed. ''Lost Chance in China: The World War II Despatches of John S. Service.'' (1974). 409 pp.
==Online resources==
* [http://hua.umf.maine.edu/China/republic.html "The Republican Era: 1911-1949"], comprehensive bibliography
*''[http://www.chinapost.com.tw/ China Post]'' -- KMT-oriented English language daily based in Taipei.

[[Category:Member of the International Democrat Union]]
[[Category:Taiwan]]
[[Category:Chinese Politics]]
[[Category:Chinese History]]
[[Category:Conservative Political Parties]]

User:AntiCommunistAction

2017-11-02T04:29:41Z

AntiCommunistAction: Created page with "SBC Member. Staunch Anti-Communist. Having enough of the disgusting Communist Regime and their liberal brothers."

SBC Member. Staunch Anti-Communist. Having enough of the disgusting Communist Regime and their liberal brothers.

China

2017-11-02T04:15:40Z

AntiCommunistAction:

{{Country
|name =People's Republic of China ''Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó'' 中华人民共和国
|map =China rel01.jpg
|map2 =China location.png
|flag =Flag_of_the_PRC.png‎
|arms =Arms of PR China.png
|capital =Beijing
|capital-raw =
|government =Communist
|government-raw =
|language =Chinese (Mandarin)
|king =
|queen =
|monarch-raw =
|president =Xi Jinping
|premier =Li Keqiang
|chancellor =
|chancellor-raw =
|pm =
|pm-raw =
|area =3,704,427 sq mi
|pop =1,336,000,000 (2011)
|pop-basis =
|gdp =
|gdp-year =$47.1564 trillion (2011)
|gdp-pc =$5,432 (2011)
|currency =Yuan
|idd =
|tld =
}}
'''China''' is the world's largest country by population, with a rapidly growing economy. With thousands of years of continuous traditions, in three decades it has dramatically changed itself from a poor backward nation to a world power, and is one of the world's top economies. It has emerged as a major regional power in East Asia, averaging over 9% economic growth per year since 1978 when it introduced a market-based economic system with many elements of capitalism, to replace its old socialism. Foreign businesses have flocked to invest in China, Americans and others rush to buy its cheap factory output, Chinese exports flooded the world. It has vast reserves of dollar holdings. China is modernizing its military, has joined numerous regional and international institutions, and plays an increasingly visible role in international politics.

The nation is under control from the [[Chinese Communist Party]], which encompasses mainland China, albeit with many border disputes. The Beijing claims [[Taiwan]] as a province, but the Taipei maintains its sovereignty.

[[Hong Kong]] was transferred back to Chinese control by the [[United Kingdom]] in 1997, and [[Macau]] was handed over by [[Portugal]] in 1999. Both territories are now [[Special Administrative Region]]s and have autonomy over local affairs. Since the 1950s China has increasingly asserted brutal control over [[Tibet]].

Since China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China represents a vast market that is growing more affluent and sophisticated while remaining a low-cost base for export-oriented production. Educationally, China is forging ahead as partnerships, and exchanges with foreign universities have helped create new research opportunities for its students. China used the Summer Olympics in 2008 to showcase to the world its amazing gains of the past two decades. The new leadership is committed to generating greater economic development in the interior and providing more services to those who do not live in China's coastal areas. However, there is still much that needs to change in China.

For more information on China, see [[World History Lecture Three]].

==Name==
{{language box
|s=中国
|t=中國
|l=central nation
|p=Zhōngguó
|w=Chung1-kuo2
}}
The word "China" is derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] word ''Cin'' (چین), which is from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Cīna'' (चीन).<ref name="AmHer">"[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/China?qsrc=2888 China]". ''The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language'' (2000). Boston and New York: Houghton-Mifflin.</ref> It is first recorded in 1516 in the journal of the Portuguese explorer [[Duarte Barbosa]].<ref>"China". ''Oxford English Dictionary'' (1989). ISBN 0-19-957315-8. ''[http://books.google.com.vn/books?id=edzW9fuOF-cC&pg=PA211&dq=#v=onepage&q=%22Very%20Great%20Kingdom%20of%20China%22&f=false The Book of Duarte Barbosa]'' (chapter title "The Very Great Kingdom of China"). ISBN 81-206-0451-2. In the [http://purl.pt/435/ Portuguese original], the chapter is titled "O Grande Reino da China".</ref> The journal was translated and published in England in 1555.<ref>Eden, Richard (1555). ''Decades of the New World'': {{cite book | title=Western Views of China and the Far East, Volume 1 | publisher=Asian Research Service | year=1984 | page=34 |first=Henry Allen |last=Myers}}</ref> The traditional theory, proposed in the 17th century by Martino Martini, is that ''Cīna'' is derived from "Qin" (秦), the westernmost of the Chinese kingdoms during the [[Zhou Dynasty]].<ref name="Martini">Martino, Martin, ''Novus Atlas Sinensis'', Vienna 1655, Preface, p. 2.</ref> However, the word was used earlier in [[Hindu]] scripture, including the ''Mahābhārata'' (5th century BC) and the ''Laws of Manu'' (2nd century BC). Indian writers were not aware of China until the second century AD. Earlier usage of the word presumably refers to another entity, perhaps a country near the Tibetan-Burma border.<ref>See Liu, Lydia He, ''The Clash of Empires'', p. 77 Wade, Geoff. "[http://www.sino-platonic.org/complete/spp188_yelang_china.pdf The Polity of Yelang and the Origin of the Name 'China']". ''[[Sino-Platonic Papers]]'', No. 188, May 2009, p. 20.</ref>

==People==
===Ethnic Groups===
[[File:Chinese people.jpg|right|250px]]
China officially recognizes 56 distinct ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Han Chinese, who constitute about 91.9% of the total population. The remaining 8.1% are Zhuang (16 million), Manchu (10 million), Hui (9 million), Miao (8 million), [[Uighur]] (7 million), Yi (7 million), Mongolian (5 million), Tibetan (5 million), Buyi (3 million), Korean (2 million), and other ethnic minorities.

In July 2009 large scale rioting erupted as the [[Uighur]] minority fought Chinese riot police in major cities in China's western Xinjiang province. Hundreds are dead.<ref>See [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/world/asia/07kadeer.html?ref=world Wrik Eckholm, "China Points to Another Leader in Exile," ''New York Times'' July 6, 2009]</ref> Uighurs are angry at political, cultural and religious persecution as well as the growing presence in the region of Han Chinese - China's main ethnic group. Han now predominate in the cities, and Uighurs in the countryside. This is the first major violent unrest in China in two decades.

===Language===
[[File:China Ethnic language.jpg|thumb|left|Chinese Ethnolinguistic Groups.]]
There are seven major Chinese dialects and many subdialects. [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] (or Putonghua), the predominant dialect, is spoken by over 70% of the population. It is taught in all schools and is the medium of government. About two-thirds of the Han ethnic group are native speakers of Mandarin; the rest, concentrated in south and southeast China, speak one of the six other major Chinese dialects. Non-Chinese languages spoken widely by ethnic minorities include Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and other Turkic languages (in Xinjiang), and Korean (in the northeast).

All Chinese dialects use the same written character sets. In mainland China, the [[Simplified Chinese|Simplified]] characters have been in use since 1949.

====The Pinyin System of Romanization====
On January 1, 1979, the Chinese Government officially adopted the [[Hanyu pinyin|pinyin]] system for spelling Chinese names and places in Roman letters. A system of Romanization invented by the Chinese, pinyin has long been widely used in China on street and commercial signs as well as in elementary Chinese textbooks as an aid in learning Chinese characters and for common character input systems. Variations of pinyin also are used as the written forms of several minority languages.

Pinyin has now replaced other conventional spellings in China's English-language publications. The U.S. Government also has adopted the pinyin system for all names and places in China. For example, the capital of China is now spelled "Beijing" rather than "Peking."

In 2008 the anti-Communist government of Taiwan finally adopted the pinyin system, replaces the old [[Wade-Giles]] system which was increasingly ignored by the Chinese diaspora.

==Religion==
A February 2007 survey concluded that 31% of Chinese citizens ages 16 and over, representing 300 million persons, follow some kind of religion.<ref>This is approximately three times the official figure reported by the Government in April 2005.See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108404.htm U.S. State Department "International Religious Freedom Report 2008"]</ref>

There are reportedly more than 100,000 officially recognized sites for religious activities, 300,000 officially recognized clergy, and more than 3,000 officially recognized religious organizations.
[[File:China B.jpg|left|280px]]
The Government officially recognizes five main religions: [[Buddhism]], [[Taoism]], [[Islam]], [[Catholicism]], and [[Protestantism]]. There are five state-sanctioned "Patriotic Religious Associations" (PRAs) that manage the activities of the recognized faiths. The Russian Orthodox Church operates in some regions, particularly those with large populations of Russian expatriates or with close links to Russia. Foreign residents in the country who belonged to religious faiths not officially recognized by the Government were generally permitted to practice their religions. There is very little freedom for Christians however.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25502760</ref>

It is difficult to estimate the number of Buddhists and Taoists, because they do not have congregational memberships and many practice exclusively at home.

The Government estimated that there are 16,000 Buddhist temples and monasteries, 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, more than 1,700 reincarnate lamas, and 32 Buddhist schools. Most believers, particularly ethnic Han Buddhists, practice Mahayana Buddhism, while the majority of Tibetans and ethnic Mongolians, as well as a growing number of ethnic Chinese, practice Tibetan Buddhism, a Mahayana adaptation. Some ethnic minorities in southwest Yunnan Province practice Theravada Buddhism, the dominant tradition in parts of neighboring Southeast Asia.

There are more than 25,000 Taoist priests and nuns, more than 1,500 Taoist temples, and 2 Taoist schools. Traditional folk religions (worship of local gods, heroes, and ancestors) are practiced by hundreds of millions of citizens and are often affiliated with Taoism, Buddhism, or ethnic minority cultural practices.

The government says there are twenty million Muslims. Independent estimates range as high as fifty million or more. There are more than 40,000 Islamic places of worship (more than half of which are in the XUAR), more than 45,000 imams nationwide, and 10 Islamic schools. The country has ten predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Hui, estimated to number more than ten million. The Hui are centered in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, but there are significant concentrations of Hui throughout the country, including in Gansu, Henan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Hebei Provinces, as well as in the TAR and the XUAR. Hui Muslims slightly outnumber Uighur Muslims, who live primarily in the XUAR. According to an official 2005 report, the XUAR had 23,900 mosques and 27,000 clerics at the end of 2004, but fewer than half of the mosques were authorized to hold Friday prayer and holiday services. The country also has more than one million Kazakh Muslims and thousands of Dongxiang, Kyrgyz, Salar, Tajik, Uzbek, Baoan, and Tatar Muslims.

Officials from the Three-Self Patriotic Movement/China Christian Council (TSPM/CCC), the state-approved Protestant religious organization, estimated that at least twenty million citizens worship in official churches. Government officials stated that there are more than 50,000 registered TSPM churches and 18 TSPM theological schools. The Pew Research Center estimates that between 50 million and 70 million Christians practice without state sanction. The World Christian Database estimates that there are more than 300 unofficial house church networks.

The Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) reports that 5.3 million persons worship in its churches and it is estimated that there are an additional 12 million or more persons who worship in unregistered Catholic churches that do not affiliate with the CPA. According to official sources, the government-sanctioned CPA has more than 70 bishops, nearly 3,000 priests and nuns, 6,000 churches and meeting places, and 12 seminaries. There are thought to be approximately 40 bishops operating "underground," some of whom are in prison or under house arrest. During the reporting period, at least three bishops were ordained with papal approval. In September 2007 the official media reported that Liu Bainian, CPA vice president, stated that the young bishops were to be selected to serve dioceses without bishops and to replace older bishops. Of the 97 dioceses in the country, 40 reportedly did not have an acting bishop in 2007, and more than 30 bishops were over 80 years of age.
===Religious discrimination===
The Government restricts legal religious practice to government-sanctioned organizations and registered religious groups and places of worship, and seeks to control the growth and scope of the activity of both registered and unregistered religious groups, including "house churches." Government authorities limit proselytism, particularly by foreigners and unregistered religious groups, but permit proselytism in state-approved religious venues and private settings. The Chinese government explicitly prohibits students and civil servants from participating in certain religious practices, even when not in school or at work.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/china-bans-ramadan-fast-muslim-northwest-103756197.html Didi Tang "China bans Ramadan fast in Muslim northwest." July 3, 2014. Associated Press.]</ref>
[[File:Great Mosque Xi an China.jpg|thumb|330px|Great Mosque of Xi'an.]]
In 2008, the Government's repression of religious freedom intensified in some areas, including in Tibetan areas and in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Unregistered Protestant religious groups in Beijing reported intensified harassment from government authorities in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Media and China-based sources reported that municipal authorities in Beijing closed some house churches or asked them to stop meeting during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. During the reporting period, officials detained and interrogated several foreigners about their religious activities and in several cases alleged that the foreigners had engaged in "illegal religious activities" and cancelled their visas. Media reported that the total number of expatriates expelled by the Government due to concerns about their religious activities exceeded one hundred. Officials in the XUAR, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and other Tibetan areas tightly controlled religious activity. The Government sought the forcible return of several Uighur Muslims living abroad, some of whom had reportedly protested restrictions on the Hajj and encouraged other Muslims to pray and fast during Ramadan. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism, including those in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and most Tibetan autonomous areas, faced more restrictions on their religious practice and ability to organize than Buddhists in other parts of the country. "Patriotic education" campaigns in the TAR and other Tibetan regions, which required monks and nuns to sign statements personally denouncing the Dalai Lama, and other new restrictions on religious freedom were major factors that led monks and nuns to mount peaceful protests at a number of monasteries on March 10, 2008. The protests and subsequent security response gave way to violence in Lhasa by March 14 and 15.

"Underground" Roman Catholic clergy faced repression, in large part due to their avowed loyalty to the Vatican, which the Government accused of interfering in the country's internal affairs. The Government continued to repress groups that it designated as "cults," which included several Christian groups and Falun Gong.

Religious and ethnic minority groups such as Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims experienced societal discrimination not only because of their religious beliefs but also because of their status as ethnic minorities with distinct languages and cultures. After the March 2008 protests in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas there were reports of increased tensions between Tibetan Buddhists and Hui Muslims.

The [[Falun Gong]] is a self-described spiritual movement that blends aspects of Taoism, Buddhism, and the meditation techniques and physical exercises of qigong (a traditional Chinese exercise discipline), with the teachings of Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi. There are estimated to have been at least 2.1 million adherents of Falun Gong before the Government cleansed and persecute the group in 1999. Hundreds of thousands may practice Falun Gong privately, but with serious risks, and once discovered by the government agents, the practitioners will be jailed, lost jobs, and may not even attend the universities.

==Population Policy==
[[Image:China Mex RGarciaOrtiz.jpg|right|Chinese at Mexico]]
{{main|One-child Policy}}

With a population officially just over 1.3 billion and an estimated growth rate of about 0.6%, China is very concerned about its population growth and has attempted with mixed results to implement a strict birth limitation policy. Until 2013 the government permitted one child per family, with allowance for a second child under certain circumstances (such as twins), especially in rural areas, and with guidelines looser for ethnic minorities with small populations. Enforcement varies, and relies largely on "social compensation fees" to discourage extra births. Official government policy opposed forced [[abortion]] or sterilization, but in some localities there were instances of forced [[abortion]]. The government's goal was to stabilize the population in the first half of the 21st century, and current projections are that the population would peak at around 1.6 billion by 2050. Boys are highly prized, and because screening of fetuses is done to determine gender, selective abortion has resulted in 119 boys born for every 100 girls. By 2020, 24 million men of marrying age will find themselves without wives.

2013 the government eased the One-child Policy strongly. Since then families in which at least one parent was an only child can have a second child now.<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/china-ease-1-child-policy-abolish-labor-camps</ref>

==Government==
The People's Republic of China is an authoritarian state in which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) constitutionally is the paramount source of power. Party members hold almost all top government, police, and military positions. Ultimate authority rests with the 25-member political bureau (Politburo) of the CCP and its nine-member standing committee. '''[[Hu Jintao]]''' holds the three most powerful positions as CCP general secretary, president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.

===Chinese Communist Party===
The 71 million member CCP, authoritarian in structure and ideology, continues to dominate government. Nevertheless, China's population, geographical vastness, and social diversity frustrate attempts to rule by fiat from Beijing. Central leaders must increasingly build consensus for new policies among party members, local and regional leaders, influential non-party members, and the population at large.

In periods of greater openness, the influence of people and organizations outside the formal party structure has tended to increase, particularly in the economic realm. This phenomenon is most apparent today in the rapidly developing coastal region. Nevertheless, in all important government, economic, and cultural institutions in China, party committees work to see that party and state policy guidance is followed and that non-party members do not create autonomous organizations that could challenge party rule. Party control is tightest in government offices and in urban economic, industrial, and cultural settings; it is considerably looser in the rural areas, where the majority of the people live.

Theoretically, the party's highest body is the Party Congress, which traditionally meets at least once every 5 years. The 17th Party Congress is expected to take place in the fall of 2007. The primary organs of power in the Communist Party include:
*The Politburo Standing Committee, which currently consists of nine members (one seat is vacant following the June 2, 2007 death of Huang Ju);
*The Politburo, consisting of 24 full members, including the members of the Politburo Standing Committee;
*The Secretariat, the principal administrative mechanism of the CCP, headed by the General Secretary;
*The Central Military Commission;
*The Discipline Inspection Commission, which is charged with rooting out corruption and malfeasance among party cadres.
===State Structure===
[[File:Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing China.jpg|thumb|left|340px|In front of the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.]]
The Chinese Government has always been subordinate to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); its role is to implement party policies. The primary organs of state power are the National People's Congress (NPC), the President (the head of state), and the State Council. Members of the State Council include Premier Wen Jiabao (the head of government), a variable number of vice premiers (now four), five state councilors (protocol equivalents of vice premiers but with narrower portfolios), and 22 ministers and four State Council commission directors.

Under the Chinese constitution, the NPC is the highest organ of state power in China. It meets annually for about 2 weeks to review and approve major new policy directions, laws, the budget, and major personnel changes. These initiatives are presented to the NPC for consideration by the State Council after previous endorsement by the Communist Party's Central Committee. Although the NPC generally approves State Council policy and personnel recommendations, various NPC committees hold active debate in closed sessions, and changes may be made to accommodate alternate views.

When the NPC is not in session, its permanent organ, the Standing Committee, exercises state power.

{{Clear}}

===Principal Government and Party Officials===
*President—Xi Jinping
*Vice President—Li Yuanchao
*Premier, State Council—Li Keqiang
*NPC Chair—Wu Bangguo
*Vice Premier—Zhang Gaoli
*Politburo Standing Committee—Hu Jintao (General Secretary), Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun, Luo Gan
*Other Politburo Members—Cao Gangchuan, Guo Boxiong, He Guoqiang, Hui Liangyu, Liu Qi, Liu Yunshan, Wang Lequan, Wang Zhaoguo, Wu Yi, Yu Zhengsheng, Zeng Peiyan, Zhang Dejiang, Zhang Lichang, Zhou Yongkang, Wang Gang (alternate)
*Alternate Politburo Members—Wang Gang
*Chairman, Central Military Commission—Hu Jintao
*Foreign Minister—Yang Jiechi
*Minister of Commerce—Bo Xilai
*Minister of Finance—Jin Renqing
*Minister of Agriculture—Sun Zhengcai
*Minister of Information Industry—Wang Xudong
*Governor, People's Bank of China—Zhou Xiaochuan
*Minister, State Development and Reform Commission—Ma Kai
*Ambassador to U.S.--Zhou Wenzhong
*Ambassador to UN—Wang Guangya

===Foreign Relations===
[[Image:Chinese painting.jpg|thumb|Chinese painting.]]
Since its establishment, the People's Republic has worked vigorously to win international support for its position that it is the sole legitimate government of all China, including Hong Kong, Macau, and [[Taiwan]]. In the early 1970s, Beijing was recognized diplomatically by most world powers. [[Beijing]] (Pekin) assumed the China seat in the [[United Nations]] in 1971 and has since become increasingly active in multilateral organizations. Japan established diplomatic relations with China in 1972, and the United States did so in 1979. As of July 2007, the number of countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing had risen to 167, while 24 maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

After the founding of the P.R.C., China's foreign policy initially focused on solidarity with the Soviet Union and other communist countries. In 1950, China sent the People's Liberation Army into North Korea to help North Korea halt the UN offensive that was approaching the Yalu River. After the conclusion of the Korean conflict, China sought to balance its identification as a member of the Soviet bloc by establishing friendly relations with Pakistan and other Third World countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.

In the 1960s, Beijing competed with Moscow for political influence among communist parties and in the developing world generally. Following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and clashes in 1969 on the Sino-Soviet border, Chinese competition with the Soviet Union increasingly reflected concern over China's own strategic position.

In late 1978, the Chinese also became concerned over Vietnam's efforts to establish open control over Laos and Cambodia. In response to the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, China fought a brief border war with Vietnam (February–March 1979) with the stated purpose of "teaching Vietnam a lesson."

Chinese anxiety about Soviet strategic advances was heightened following the Soviet Union's December 1979 invasion of Afghanistan. Sharp differences between China and the Soviet Union persisted over Soviet support for Vietnam's continued occupation of Cambodia, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and Soviet troops along the Sino-Soviet border and in Mongolia—the so-called "three obstacles" to improved Sino-Soviet relations.

In the 1970s and 1980s China sought to create a secure regional and global environment for itself and to foster good relations with countries that could aid its economic development. To this end, China looked to the West for assistance with its modernization drive and for help in countering Soviet expansionism, which it characterized as the greatest threat to its national security and to world peace.
[[File:Map South Asia.jpg|left|400px]]
China maintained its consistent opposition to "superpower hegemony," focusing almost exclusively on the expansionist actions of the Soviet Union and Soviet proxies such as Vietnam and Cuba, but it also placed growing emphasis on a foreign policy independent of both the U.S. and the Soviet Union. While improving ties with the West, China continued to follow closely economic and other positions of the Third World nonaligned movement, although China was not a formal member.

In the immediate aftermath of Tiananmen crackdown in June 1989, many countries reduced their diplomatic contacts with China as well as their economic assistance programs. In response, China worked vigorously to expand its relations with foreign countries, and by late 1990, had reestablished normal relations with almost all nations. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991, China also opened diplomatic relations with the republics of the former Soviet Union.

In recent years, Chinese leaders have been regular travelers to all parts of the globe, and China has sought a higher profile in the UN through its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral organizations. Closer to home, China has made efforts to reduce tensions in Asia, hosting the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program, cultivating a more cooperative relationship with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum. China has also taken steps to improve relations with countries in South Asia, including India. Following Premier Wen's 2005 visit to India, the two sides moved to increase commercial and cultural ties, as well as to resolve longstanding border disputes. The November 2006 visit of President Hu was the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to India in 10 years.

China has likewise improved ties with Russia, with Presidents Putin and Hu exchanging visits to Beijing and Moscow in April 2006 and March 2007. A second round of Russia-China joint military exercises is scheduled for fall 2007. China has played a prominent role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional grouping that includes Russia and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Beijing has resolved many of its border and maritime disputes, notably including a November 1997 agreement with Russia that resolved almost all outstanding border issues and a 2000 agreement with Vietnam to resolve differences over their maritime border, though disagreements remain over islands in the South China Sea. Relations with Japan improved following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's October 2006 visit to Beijing, although longstanding and emotionally charged disputes over history and competing claims to portions of the East China Sea remain sources of tension.

While in many ways Sudan's primary diplomatic patron, China has played a constructive role in support of peacekeeping operations in Southern Sudan and pledged to contribute an engineering unit in support of UN operations in Darfur. China has stated publicly that it shares the international community's concern over Iran's nuclear program and has voted in support of UN sanctions resolutions on Iran. Set against this has been an effort on the part of China to maintain close ties to countries such as Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela, which are sources of oil and other resources and which welcome China's non-conditional assistance and investment.

==Political Conditions==
===Legal System===
The government's efforts to promote rule of law are significant and ongoing. After the Cultural Revolution, China's leaders aimed to develop a legal system to restrain abuses of official authority and revolutionary excesses. In 1982, the National People's Congress adopted a new state constitution that emphasized the rule of law under which even party leaders are theoretically held accountable.

Since 1979, when the drive to establish a functioning legal system began, more than 300 laws and regulations, most of them in the economic area, have been promulgated. The use of mediation committees—informed groups of citizens who resolve about 90% of China's civil disputes and some minor criminal cases at no cost to the parties—is one innovative device. There are more than 800,000 such committees in both rural and urban areas.

Legal reform became a government priority in the 1990s. Legislation designed to modernize and professionalize the nation's lawyers, judges, and prisons was enacted. The 1994 Administrative Procedure Law allows citizens to sue officials for abuse of authority or malfeasance. In addition, the criminal law and the criminal procedures laws were amended to introduce significant reforms. The criminal law amendments abolished the crime of "counter-revolutionary" activity, although many persons are still incarcerated for that crime. Criminal procedures reforms also encouraged establishment of a more transparent, adversarial trial process. The Chinese constitution and laws provide for fundamental human rights, including due process, but these are often ignored in practice. In addition to other judicial reforms, the Constitution was amended in 2004 to include the protection of individual human rights and legally-obtained private property, but it is unclear how those provisions will be implemented. Although new criminal and civil laws have provided additional safeguards to citizens, previously debated political reforms, including expanding elections to the township level, and other legal reforms, including the reform of the reeducation through labor system, have been put on hold.

==Military==
Establishment of a professional military force equipped with modern weapons and doctrine was the last of the "Four Modernizations" announced by Zhou Enlai and supported by Deng Xiaoping. In keeping with Deng's mandate to reform, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which includes the strategic nuclear forces, army, navy, and air force, has demobilized millions of men and women since 1978 and introduced modern methods in such areas as recruitment and manpower, strategy, and education and training.
[[File:China military.jpg|left]]
Following the June 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, ideological correctness was temporarily revived as the dominant theme in Chinese military affairs. Reform and modernization appear to have since resumed their position as the PLA's priority objectives.

The Chinese military is in the process of transforming itself from a land-based power, centered on a vast ground force, to a smaller, mobile, high-tech military eventually capable of mounting limited operations beyond its coastal borders.

China's power-projection capability is limited but has grown over recent years. China has acquired some advanced weapons systems from abroad, including Sovremmeny destroyers, SU-27 and SU-30 aircraft, and Kilo-class diesel submarines from Russia, and continued to develop domestic production capabilities, such as for the domestically-developed J-10 fighter aircraft. However, much of its air and naval forces continues to be based on 1960s-era technology. As the Defense Department's Quadrennial Defense Review, released February 2006, noted, the U.S. shares with other countries a concern about the pace, scope, and direction of China's military modernization. We view military exchanges, visits, and other forms of engagement are useful tools in promoting transparency, provided they have substance and are fully reciprocal. Regularized exchanges and contact also have the significant benefit of building confidence, reducing the possibility of accidents, and providing the lines of communication that are essential in ensuring that episodes such as the April 2001 EP-3 aircraft incident do not escalate into major crises. During their April 2006 meeting, President Bush and President Hu agreed to increase officer exchanges and to begin a strategic nuclear dialogue between STRATCOM and the Chinese military's strategic missile command. U.S. and Chinese militaries are also considering ways in which we might cooperate on disaster assistance relief.

===Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Policy ===
In 1955, Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party decided to proceed with a nuclear weapons program; it was developed with Soviet assistance until 1960. After its first nuclear test in October 1964, Beijing deployed a modest but potent ballistic missile force, including land- and sea-based intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

China became a major international arms exporter during the 1980s. Beijing joined the Middle East arms control talks, which began in July 1991 to establish global guidelines for conventional arms transfers, but announced in September 1992 that it would no longer participate because of the U.S. decision to sell F-16A/B aircraft to Taiwan.

China was the first state to pledge "no first use" of nuclear weapons. It joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1984 and pledged to abstain from further atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in 1986. China acceded to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1992 and supported its indefinite and unconditional extension in 1995. In 1996, it signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and agreed to seek an international ban on the production of fissile nuclear weapons material. To date, China has not ratified the CTBT.

In 1996, China committed not to provide assistance to un-safeguarded nuclear facilities. China became a full member of the NPT Exporters (Zangger) Committee, a group that determines items subject to IAEA inspections if exported by NPT signatories. In September 1997, China issued detailed nuclear export control regulations. China began implementing regulations establishing controls over nuclear-related dual-use items in 1998. China also has committed not to engage in new nuclear cooperation with Iran (even under safeguards), and will complete existing cooperation, which is not of [[proliferation]] concern, within a relatively short period. In May 2004, with the support of the United States, China became a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Based on significant, tangible progress with China on nuclear nonproliferation, President Clinton in 1998 took steps to bring into force the 1985 U.S.-China Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation.

===Missiles===
Although it is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the multinational effort to restrict the proliferation of missiles, in March 1992 China undertook to abide by MTCR guidelines and parameters. China reaffirmed this commitment in 1994, and pledged not to transfer MTCR-class ground-to-ground missiles. In November 2000, China committed not to assist in any way the development by other countries of MTCR-class missiles. However, in August 29, 2003, the U.S. Government imposed missile proliferation sanctions lasting two years on the Chinese company China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) after determining that it was knowingly involved in the transfer of equipment and technology controlled under Category II of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex that contributed to MTCR-class missiles in a non-MTCR country.

In December 2003, the P.R.C. promulgated comprehensive new export control regulations governing exports of all categories of sensitive technologies.

==Economy ==
China's economy, based on rice and wheat farming, was generally prosperous until the 18th century. Population pressures, and failure to adopt new technology led to an impoverished nation by 1900.

After Mao's death the policy of modernization along Western lines has led to a remarkable rate of economic growth in the industrial cities, which have pulled in millions of peasants from the still poor rural areas. Slack environmental standards have led to serious pollution problems.

The modern Chinese economy has benefited from investments from Taiwan and Hong Kong. They jumped far ahead of China by 1970 in terms of technology, and in recent years have invested in mainland industries.

These two factors have changed Chinese economy, from a command economy to a more socialist state, with the Chinese economy increasingly in the hands of privately owned businesses, not state- or military-run enterprises. The 2001 declaration by Jiang Zemin (former leader of the Communist Party) of the "theory of three represents"—that the CCP represents not only workers, but also intellectuals and entrepreneurs—was an explicit affirmation of what had been a trend for the previous years

[[File:National Stadium, Beijing.jpg|thumb|250px|National Stadium, Beijing.]]
Since 1980 China has enjoyed the highest economic growth rates in the world. Suddenly in mid-2008, the growth rate slowed sharply from 11% a year to only 5.5%. Much of the economy was geared to exports, and building factories for exports to the United States and Japan. When the [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] hit, exports fell off and prices for industrial products like steel fell in half. Many factories were shut down. The decline has especially hit steel, cement and the construction industry. The government in November 2008 announced a $586 billion stimulus program to build roads, dams, electric grids and other infrastructure projects that are designed to supplement the international market.<ref>David Barboza, "Great Engine of China Slows ," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/business/worldbusiness/26chinasteel.html?_r=1 ''New York Times'' Nov. 25, 2008]</ref>

Since 1979, China has largely rejected socialism and embraced capitalism, while maintaining Communist party rule. Private ownership of the means of production has dramatically reduced poverty and increased wealth, especially in the cities but also in rural areas. Nationally the GDP (in 2007 prices) has exploded from 2 trillion yuan in 1980 to 25 trillion in 2007.

As late as 1980 60% of the people in rural China lives in poverty; by 2007 fewer than 5% did. Grain production has grown 300 to 500 tons per person, and rural income per person has soared from a few hundred yuan in 1980 to over 4000.<ref>See ''Economist'' Dec. 13, 2008</ref>

The reforms reformed and opened its economy. The Chinese leadership has adopted a more pragmatic perspective on many political and socioeconomic problems, and has reduced the role of ideology in economic policy. China's ongoing economic transformation has had a profound impact not only on China but on the world. The market-oriented reforms China has implemented over the past two decades have unleashed individual initiative and entrepreneurship. The result has been the largest reduction of poverty and one of the fastest increases in income levels ever seen. China today is the fourth-largest economy in the world. It has sustained average economic growth of over 9.5% for the past 26 years. In 2006 its $2.76 trillion economy was about one-fifth the size of the U.S. economy.

In the 1980s, China tried to combine central planning with market-oriented reforms to increase productivity, living standards, and technological quality without exacerbating inflation, unemployment, and budget deficits. China pursued agricultural reforms, dismantling the commune system and introducing a household-based system that provided peasants greater decision-making in agricultural activities. The government also encouraged nonagricultural activities such as village enterprises in rural areas, and promoted more self-management for state-owned enterprises, increased competition in the marketplace, and facilitated direct contact between Chinese and foreign trading enterprises. China also relied more upon foreign financing and imports.

During the 1980s, these reforms led to average annual rates of growth of 10% in agricultural and industrial output. Rural per capita real income doubled. China became self-sufficient in grain production; rural industries accounted for 23% of agricultural output, helping absorb surplus labor in the countryside. The variety of light industrial and consumer goods increased. Reforms began in the fiscal, financial, banking, price-setting, and labor systems.

By the late 1980s, however, the economy had become overheated with increasing rates of inflation. At the end of 1988, in reaction to a surge of inflation caused by accelerated price reforms, the leadership introduced an austerity program.
[[File:Shanghai China CIA.jpg|thumb|left|280px|The Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai overlooks the Huangpu River.]]
China's economy regained momentum in the early 1990s. During a visit to southern China in early 1992, China's paramount leader at the time, Deng Xiaoping, made a series of political pronouncements designed to reinvigorate the process of economic reform. The 14th Party Congress later in the year backed Deng's renewed push for market reforms, stating that China's key task in the 1990s was to create a "socialist market economy." The 10-year development plan for the 1990s stressed continuity in the political system with bolder reform of the economic system.

China's economy grew at an average rate of 10% per year during the period 1990-2004, the highest growth rate in the world. China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 10.0% in 2003, and even faster, 10.1%, in 2004, and 9.9% in 2005 despite attempts by the government to cool the economy. China's total trade in 2006 surpassed $1.76 trillion, making China the world's third-largest trading nation after the U.S. and Germany. Such high growth is necessary if China is to generate the 15 million jobs needed annually—roughly the size of Ecuador or Cambodia—to employ new entrants into the job market.

Nevertheless, serious imbalances exist behind the spectacular trade performance, high investment flows, and high GDP growth. High numbers of non-performing loans weigh down the state-run banking system. Inefficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are still a drag on growth, despite announced efforts to sell, merge, or close the vast majority of SOEs.

Social and economic indicators have improved since reforms were launched, but rising inequality is evident between the more highly developed coastal provinces and the less developed, poorer inland regions. According to World Bank estimates, more than 152 million people in China in 2003—mostly in rural areas of the lagging inland provinces—still live in poverty, on consumption of less than U.S. $1 a day.

Following the Chinese Communist Party's Third Plenum, held in October 2003, Chinese legislators unveiled several proposed amendments to the state constitution. One of the most significant was a proposal to provide protection for private property rights. Legislators also indicated there would be a new emphasis on certain aspects of overall government economic policy, including efforts to reduce unemployment (now in the 8-10% range in urban areas), to rebalance income distribution between urban and rural regions, and to maintain economic growth while protecting the environment and improving social equity. The National People's Congress approved the amendments when it met in March 2004. The Fifth Plenum in October 2005 approved the 11th Five-Year Economic Program aimed at building a "harmonious society" through more balanced wealth distribution and improved education, medical care, and social security.

===Agriculture===
China is the world's most populous country and one of the largest producers and consumers of agricultural products. Roughly half of China's labor force is engaged in agriculture, even though only 10% of the land is suitable for cultivation and agriculture contributes only 13% of China's GDP. China's cropland area is only 75% of the U.S. total, but China still produces about 30% more crops and livestock than the U.S. because of intensive cultivation, China is among the world's largest producers of rice, corn, wheat, soybeans, vegetables, tea, and pork. Major non-food crops include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds. China hopes to further increase agricultural production through improved plant stocks, fertilizers, and technology. Incomes for Chinese farmers are stagnating, leading to an increasing wealth gap between the cities and countryside. Government policies that continue to emphasize grain self-sufficiency and the fact that farmers do not own—and cannot buy or sell—the land they work have contributed to this situation. While this was the case in China before Communism, many other countries have since embrace individual ownership while China has not. In addition, inadequate port facilities and lack of warehousing and cold storage facilities impede both domestic and international agricultural trade.

===Industry===
{{History of China (full)}}
Industry and construction account for about 46% of China's GDP. Major industries are mining and ore processing; iron; steel; aluminum; coal, machinery; textiles and apparel; armaments; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products including footwear, toys, and electronics; automobiles and other transportation equipment including rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; and telecommunications.

China has become a preferred destination for the relocation of global manufacturing facilities. Its strength as an export platform has contributed to incomes and employment in China. The state-owned sector still accounts for about 40% of GDP. In recent years, authorities have been giving greater attention to the management of state assets—both in the financial market as well as among state-owned-enterprises—and progress has been noteworthy.

===Regulatory Environment===
Though China's economy has expanded rapidly, its regulatory environment has not kept pace. Since Deng Xiaoping's open market reforms, the growth of new businesses has outpaced the government's ability to regulate them. This has created a situation where businesses, faced with mounting competition and poor oversight, will be willing to take drastic measures to increase profit margins, often at the expense of consumer safety. This issue has recently acquired more prominence, with a number of restrictions being placed on problematic Chinese exports by the U.S. The Chinese Government recognizes the severity of the problem, recently concluding that up to 20% of the country's products are substandard or tainted. However, the level of the Chinese corporate taxes is actually 60% of the annual income. Moreover, in September 2017 the Communist Regime announced that private enterprises that are over 50 employees are required to set up party branches.

===Energy===
Together with strong economic growth, China's demand for energy is surging rapidly. In 2003, China surpassed Japan to become the second-largest consumer of primary energy, after the United States. China is the world's second-largest consumer of oil, after the United States, and for 2006, China's increase in oil demand represented 38% of the world total increase in oil demand. China is also the third-largest energy producer in the world, after the United States and Russia. China's electricity consumption is expected to grow by over 4% a year through 2030, which will require more than $2 trillion in electricity infrastructure investment to meet the demand. China expects to add approximately 15,000 megawatts of generating capacity a year, with 20% of that coming from foreign suppliers.

Coal makes up the bulk of China's energy consumption (70% in 2005), and China is the largest producer and consumer of coal in the world. As China's economy continues to grow, China's coal demand is projected to rise significantly. Although coal's share of China's overall energy consumption will decrease, coal consumption will continue to rise in absolute terms. China's continued and increasing reliance on coal as a power source has contributed significantly to putting China on the path to becoming the world's largest emitter of acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide and green house gases, including carbon dioxide.

The 11th Five-Year Program, announced in 2005, calls for greater energy conservation measures, including development of renewable energy sources and increased attention to environmental protection. Moving away from coal towards cleaner energy sources including oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power is an important component of China's development program. China has abundant hydroelectric resources; the Three Gorges Dam, for example, will have a total capacity of 18 gigawatts when fully on-line (projected for 2009). In addition, the share of electricity generated by nuclear power is projected to grow from 1% in 2000 to 5% in 2030. China's renewable energy law, which went into effect in 2006, calls for 10% of its energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Since 1993, China has been a net importer of oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Net imports are expected to rise to 3.5 million barrels per day by 2010. China is interested in diversifying the sources of its oil imports and has invested in oil fields around the world. Beijing also plans to increase China's natural gas production, which currently accounts for only 3% of China's total energy consumption. Analysts expect China's consumption of natural gas to more than double by 2010.

In May 2004, then-Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) that launched the U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue. The Dialogue has strengthened energy-related interactions between China and the United States, the world's two largest energy consumers. The U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue builds upon the two countries' existing cooperative ventures in high energy nuclear physics, fossil energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy and energy information exchanges. The NDRC and the Department of Energy also exchange views and expertise on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies, and we convene an annual Oil and Gas Industry Forum with China.

===Environment===
[[Image:Tianmenshan mountain.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Tian Shan, Gong Yuan, or Sky Mountain park, literally, is a world heritage site.]]
One of the serious negative consequences of China's rapid industrial development has been increased pollution and degradation of natural resources. China is widely expected to surpass the United States as the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases sometime in 2007 or 2008. A World Health Organization report on air quality in 272 cities worldwide concluded that seven of the world's 10 most polluted cities were in China. According to China's own evaluation, two-thirds of the 338 cities for which air-quality data are available are considered polluted—two-thirds of them moderately or severely so. Respiratory and heart diseases related to air pollution are the leading cause of death in China. Almost all of the nation's rivers are considered polluted to some degree, and half of the population lacks access to clean water. By some estimates, every day approximately 300 million residents drink contaminated water. Ninety percent of urban water bodies are severely polluted. Water scarcity also is an issue; for example, severe water scarcity in Northern China is a serious threat to sustained economic growth and the government has begun working on a project for a large-scale diversion of water from the Yangtze River to northern cities, including Beijing and Tianjin. Acid rain falls on 30% of the country. Various studies estimate pollution costs the Chinese economy 7%-10% of GDP each year.

China's leaders are increasingly paying attention to the country's severe environmental problems. In 1998, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) was officially upgraded to a ministry-level agency, reflecting the growing importance the Chinese Government places on environmental protection. In recent years, China has strengthened its environmental legislation and made some progress in stemming environmental deterioration. In 2005, China joined the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development, which brings industries and governments together to implement strategies that reduce pollution and address climate change. During the 10th Five-Year Plan, China plans to reduce total emissions by 10%. Beijing in particular is investing heavily in pollution control as part of its campaign to host a successful Olympiad in 2008. Some cities have seen improvement in air quality in recent years.

China is an active participant in climate change talks and other multilateral environmental negotiations, taking environmental challenges seriously but pushing for the developed world to help developing countries to a greater extent. It is a signatory to the Basel Convention governing the transport and disposal of hazardous waste and the Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and other major environmental agreements.

The question of environmental impacts associated with the Three Gorges Dam project has generated controversy among environmentalists inside and outside China. Critics claim that erosion and silting of the Yangtze River threaten several endangered species, while Chinese officials say the dam will help prevent devastating floods and generate clean hydroelectric power that will enable the region to lower its dependence on coal, thus lessening air pollution.

The United States and China are members of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP). The APP is a public-private partnership of six nations—Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States—committed to explore new mechanisms to meet national pollution reduction, energy security and climate change goals in ways that reduce poverty and promote economic development. APP members have undertaken cooperative activities involving deployment of clean technology in partner countries in eight areas: cleaner fossil energy, renewable energy and distributed generation, power generation and transmission, steel, aluminum, cement, coal mining, and buildings and appliances.

The United States and China have been engaged in an active program of bilateral environmental cooperation since the mid-1990s, with an emphasis on clean energy technology and the design of effective environmental policy. While both governments view this cooperation positively, China has often compared the U.S. program, which lacks a foreign assistance component, with those of Japan and several European Union (EU) countries that include generous levels of aid.

===Science and Technology===
Science and technology have always preoccupied China's leaders; indeed, China's political leadership comes almost exclusively from technical backgrounds and has a high regard for science. Deng called it "the first productive force." Distortions in the economy and society created by party rule have severely hurt Chinese science, according to some Chinese science policy experts. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, modeled on the Soviet system, puts much of China's greatest scientific talent in a large, under-funded apparatus that remains largely isolated from industry, although the reforms of the past decade have begun to address this problem.

Chinese science strategists see China's greatest opportunities in newly emerging fields such as biotechnology and computers, where there is still a chance for China to become a significant player. Most Chinese students who went abroad have not returned, but they have built a dense network of trans-Pacific contacts that will greatly facilitate U.S.-China scientific cooperation in coming years. The U.S. space program is often held up as the standard of scientific modernity in China. China's small but growing space program, which successfully completed their second manned orbit in October 2005, is a focus of national pride.

The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement remains the framework for bilateral cooperation in this field. A 5-year agreement to extend the Science and Technology Agreement was signed in April 2006. The Agreement is among the longest-standing U.S.-China accords, and includes over eleven U.S. Federal agencies and numerous branches that participate in cooperative exchanges under the S&T Agreement and its nearly 60 protocols, memoranda of understanding, agreements and annexes. The Agreement covers cooperation in areas such as marine conservation, renewable energy, and health. Biennial Joint Commission Meetings on Science and Technology bring together policymakers from both sides to coordinate joint science and technology cooperation. Executive Secretaries meetings are held biennially to implement specific cooperation programs. Japan and the European Union also have high-profile science and technology cooperative relationships with China.
====Internet====
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has criticized Chinese censorship and restrictions on the Intrernet, and China is pushing back since the Communist Party considers Internet control essential if it is to keep power and avoid elections. The government has denied suggestions by Google that a major, sophisticated assault on Google in late 2009 was sponsored by the government. The attack targeted email accounts used by dissidents, the weak point in China's political dictatorship. Google is threatening to ignore the censorship policies demanded by the government, and perhaps leave the country. The Communist Party promotes Internet use for commerce, but heavily censors content it deems pornographic, anti-social or politically subversive and blocks many foreign news and social media sites, including Twitter Facebook, and YouTube.

===Poor Medical care===
China, like most Communist countries, gives low priority to medicine and medical care. China only spends 1% of GDP on health care, ranking #156 out of 196 nations surveys by the World Health Organization. Many people rely on traditional practitioners, having more faith in acupuncture than modern science. In any case few have the opportunity to receive modern drugs or treatment with advanced devices. The local clinic has only a thermometer and stethoscope for instrumentation, and very few modern drugs. Only one in six medical personnel have a college degree, and those degrees are not high quality. The ordinary people want more medical care but that hardly matters, for in a dictatorship violence matters, but not public opinion.<ref>Gordon Fairclaugh, "In China, Rx for Ailing Health System," ''Wall Street Journal,'' Oct. 15, 2009</ref>

===Trade===
China's merchandise exports totaled $969.3 billion and imports totaled $791.8 billion in 2006. Its global trade surplus surged from $32 billion in 2004 to $177.5 billion in 2006. China's primary trading partners include Japan, the EU, the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. According to U.S. statistics, China had a trade surplus with the U.S. of $232.6 billion in 2006.

China has taken important steps to open its foreign trading system and integrate itself into the world trading system. In November 1991, China joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, which promotes free trade and cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, and technology spheres. China served as APEC chair in 2001, and Shanghai hosted the annual APEC leaders meeting in October of that year.

China formally joined the WTO in December 2001. As part of this far-reaching trade liberalization agreement, China agreed to lower tariffs and abolish market impediments. Chinese and foreign businessmen, for example, gained the right to import and export on their own, and to sell their products without going through a government middleman. By 2005, average tariff rates on key U.S. agricultural exports dropped from 31% to 14% and on industrial products from 25% to 9%. The agreement also opens up new opportunities for U.S. providers of services like banking, insurance, and telecommunications. China has made significant progress implementing its WTO commitments, but serious concerns remain, particularly in the realm of intellectual property rights protection.

While accession does not guarantee smaller trade deficits, full implementation of all WTO commitments would further open China's markets to—and help level the playing field for—U.S. exports. China is now one of the most important markets for U.S. exports: in 2006, U.S. exports to China totaled $55.2 billion, almost triple the $19 billion when China joined the WTO in 2001 and up 32% over 2005. U.S. agricultural exports have increased dramatically, making China our fourth-largest agricultural export market (after Canada, Japan, and Mexico). Over the same period (2001-2006), U.S. imports from China have risen from $102 billion to $287.8 billion.

Export growth continues to be a major driver of China's rapid economic growth. To increase exports, China has pursued policies such as fostering the rapid development of foreign-invested factories, which assemble imported components into consumer goods for export, and liberalizing trading rights. In its eleventh Five-Year Program, adopted in 2005, China placed greater emphasis on developing a consumer demand-driven economy to sustain economic growth and address global imbalances.

The United States is one of China's primary suppliers of power generating equipment, aircraft and parts, computers and industrial machinery, raw materials, and chemical and agricultural products. However, U.S. exporters continue to have concerns about fair market access due to strict testing and standards requirements for some imported products. In addition, a lack of transparency in the regulatory process makes it difficult for businesses to plan for changes in the domestic market structure. The April 11, 2006 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) produced agreements on key U.S. trade concerns ranging from market access to U.S. beef, medical devices, and telecommunications; to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including, significantly, software. The JCCT also produced an agreement to establish a U.S.-China High Technology and Strategic Trade Working Group to review export control cooperation and facilitate high technology trade.

===Foreign Investment===
China's investment climate has changed dramatically in 24 years of reform. In the early 1980s, China restricted foreign investments to export-oriented operations and required foreign investors to form joint-venture partnerships with Chinese firms. Foreign direct investment (FDI) grew quickly during the 1980s, but stalled in late 1989 in the aftermath of Tiananmen. In response, the government introduced legislation and regulations designed to encourage foreigners to invest in high-priority sectors and regions. Since the early 1990s, China has allowed foreign investors to manufacture and sell a wide range of goods on the domestic market, and authorized the establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises, now the preferred form of FDI. However, the Chinese Government's emphasis on guiding FDI into manufacturing has led to market saturation in some industries, while leaving China's services sectors underdeveloped. China is now one of the leading recipients of FDI in the world, receiving almost $80 billion in 2005 according to World Bank statistics.

As part of its WTO accession, China undertook to eliminate certain trade-related investment measures and to open up specified sectors that had previously been closed to foreign investment. New laws, regulations, and administrative measures to implement these commitments are being issued. Major remaining barriers to foreign investment include opaque and inconsistently enforced laws and regulations and the lack of a rules-based legal infrastructure.

Opening to the outside remains central to China's development. Foreign-invested enterprises produce about half of China's exports, and China continues to attract large investment inflows. Foreign exchange reserves were $1.1 trillion at the end of 2006, and have now surpassed those of Japan, making China's foreign exchange reserves the largest in the world.
===Higher education===
Despite fears that China may be outpacing the United States in turning out engineers, the number of college students in China who study engineering is on the decline, according to ''Global Times'', a Chinese newspaper. Fewer than one in 10 college graduates in 2009 majored in engineering. Instead, students are turning to economics, finance, and management, which pay more and carry more social status. "Engineering usually makes people think of factories, while factories often give people an impression of hard work, low wages, and layoffs," the newspaper quoted one professor as saying.

Meanwhile, China is building universities overnight, and sending graduate students to the U.S. for PhD's so they can become professors.

The exodus of Chinese undergraduate and graduate students continues; as 180,000 left in 2008, about 25% percent more than in 2007, as more families were able to pay overseas tuition. For every four students who left in the past decade, only one returned; those with American PhDs in science or engineering the least likely to return. The intellectual vitality, quality of science, pay scales and political climate is much more attractive in the West. Those who return to China risk being shunned as "foreigners".<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/world/asia/07scholar.html?hp Sharon LaFraniera, "Fighting Trend, China Is Luring Scientists Home," ''New York Times'' Jan. 6. 2010]</ref>
===The Chinese in Africa===
China has been spending huge amounts of money and time buying influence in various African countries.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2011/0217/China-s-latest-trade-visit-to-Africa-reveals-a-different-approach-to-business]</ref> China has given 45 Afriacn countries $115 billion, a figure which is growing at 44% every year. Africa has many desirable resources such as [[diamonds]], [[oil]], and rare earth metals such as [[Indium]] which is used to make the touch screens for new high-tech devices such as [[Apple]]'s [[iPad]]<ref>[http://blogs.indium.com/blog/an-interview-with-the-professor/assembled-cost-of-an-ipad]</ref> and [[iPhone]], often under [[sweat shop]] conditions.

China's aim in Africa seems to be to buy up the emerging markets of the developing nations there. China has a big population, but does not have many of the resources (see above) that they will need to improve themselves. When countries go through [[industrialization]] they need to use a lot more resources, and China does not have them. By buying up Africa they get these natural resources cheaply. They will also be able to use these resources as poker chips against the west.
US ambassador [[Johnnie Carson]] believes "China has no morals" in Africa,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/12/09/cable-kenya-risks-new-violence-reforms/]</ref> which may be true given their [[communist]] ideology.

== History ==
{{main|History of China}}

Although archaeologists have found settlements in China dating to [[5000 BC]], the earliest nation that can be dated in the area of modern China is the [[Shang Dynasty]], approximately [[2000 BC]].
[[File:Great Wall of China.jpg|left|240px]]
Dynasty followed dynasty, as old regimes would lose the "mandate of heaven;" it was believed that each emperor ruled only with the approval of heaven, and a ruler who was unfit to rule would curse the nation until replaced. In addition, the Chinese capital would occasionally be overrun by "barbarians," who invariably would start a new dynasty in the Chinese capital, integrating their nations into the former dynasty.

Chinese had an advanced artistic culture and well-developed science and technology. However, its science and technology stood still after 1700 and in the 21st century very little survives outside museums, except in for the popular forms of traditional medicine.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by large-scale civil wars, major famines, military defeats by Britain and Japan, regional control by powerful warlords and foreign intervention such as the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900. In 1911 a revolution deposed the [[Qing dynasty]] and the [[Republic of China]] was proclaimed.

Under the leadership of the [[KMT]] (Kuomintang), headed by [[Chiang Kai-shek]] (1887-1975), the central government finally suppressed the local warlords who effectively controlled many provinces. The KMT tried to destroy the Communists under [[Mao Zedong]], but they escaped in the "Long March" of 1934-35. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931, and in 1937 invaded all of China, seizing the coast, the major cities, and setting up a puppet government that controlled most of the population. China was allied with the U.S. and Britain against Japan, and at war's end joined the United Nations as a permanent member of the 5-nation Security Council, with a veto.

In 1945-46, the U.S. attempted to force a negotiated settlement between the KMT and the Communists, but failed. In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under [[Mao Zedong]] established a dictatorship, driving the KMT to Taiwan. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949.

Mao liquidated millions of opponents, fought the United States in the bloody [[Korean War]] (1950–53), and around 1960 broke bitterly with the Soviet Union over the issue of who best represented the Marxist orthodoxy. Mao's regime imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.

After 1978, Mao's successor [[Deng Xiaoping]] focused on market-oriented economic development, and by 2000 output had quadrupled, population growth ended (by imposing a one-child policy), and good relations were secured with the West. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls and Internet censorship remain tight.

China's economy during the last quarter century has changed from a centrally planned system that was largely closed to international trade, to a more market-oriented economy that has a rapidly growing private sector and is a major player in the global economy.

== Human Rights ==
Under Mao millions of Chinese were killed by famines or government action against the middle classes. The "[[Cultural Revolution]]" in the 1960s was a counterattack against intellectuals endorsed by Mao; it set back China by decades until his death in 1976.

After the mid-1980s the new leader [[Deng Xiaoping]] promoted rapid modernization. While Mao's memory was still revered, most of his brutal policies were ended and much economic freedom—and a dash of political liberalization—was allowed. Intellectuals were encouraged to speak out again and to share in a new spirit of "democratization." However Communist party leaders in 1986 warned that modernization must not be used as an excuse to introduce "bourgeois philosophies and social doctrines." By late 1986 student groups began to demonstrate demanding more student participation in local government, a greater degree of democracy, and better living conditions. As demonstrations escalated Hu Yaobang, the general secretary of the party, resigned, confessing that he had made major mistakes and would take responsibility for them. It was a setback to political and economic liberalization, though Hu remained, out of office, a symbol of the potential for democracy. Hu's death in April 1989, sparked widespread public rallies in favor of broad social changes in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities. Tens of thousands of students defied a government clampdown to demonstrate in May in [[Tiananmen Square]] central Beijing. The Party moved to kill dissent, sending uneducated rural troops into square on June 3–4; hundreds of demonstrators were killed, wounded, or arrested. The world was appalled. Following the savage repression of democrats in all major cities Deng Xiaoping appeared to be even more firmly in control.

The China country reports in the U.S. State Department's 2009 Human Rights Practices and International Religious Freedom Reports<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref> noted China's well-documented and continuing abuses of human rights in violation of internationally recognized norms, stemming both from the authorities' intolerance of dissent and the inadequacy of legal safeguards for basic freedoms. Reported abuses have included arbitrary and lengthy incommunicado detention, forced confessions, torture, and mistreatment of prisoners as well as severe restrictions on freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, religion, privacy, worker rights, and coercive birth limitation. In 2006, China continued the monitoring, harassment, intimidation, and arrest of journalists, Internet writers, defense lawyers, religious activists, and political dissidents. The activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), especially those relating to the rule of law and expansion of judicial review, continue to be restricted.

In 2008 China loosened its restrictions somewhat for the Summer Olympics. The government arbitrarily closes down Internet access to prevent the people from learning about the world.

Human rights failures remain a major concern. Abatement of pollution and improvements in systems to ensure food, drug, and product safety are major concerns, especially after notorious episodes of exporting poisoned pet food, toothpaste and infant formula.
===Repression in 2008===
In 2008 China's human rights record remained poor and worsened in some areas. During the year the government increased its severe cultural and religious repression of ethnic minorities in Tibetan areas and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), increased detention and harassment of dissidents and petitioners, and maintained tight controls on freedom of speech and the Internet. Abuses peaked around high-profile events, such as the Olympics and the unrest in Tibet. As in previous years, citizens did not have the right to change their government. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), both local and international, continued to face intense scrutiny and restrictions. Other serious human rights abuses included extrajudicial killings, torture and coerced confessions of prisoners, and the use of forced labor, including prison labor. Workers cannot choose an independent union to represent them in the workplace, and the law does not protect workers' right to strike. The government continued to monitor, harass, detain, arrest, and imprison journalists, writers, activists, and defense lawyers and their families, many of whom were seeking to exercise their rights under the law.<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref>
===Execution Controversy===
In December 2009, China executed a man named Akmal Shaikh for drug smuggling. There is evidence that Shaikh was mentally ill, but he was not given a psychological exam of any sort before the trial. He was not given an examination because the Chinese government declared that neither Shaikh or his family could prove he was mentally ill through documentation or family history. The British government made many requests for clemency, including at an eleventh-hour meeting with the Chinese ambassador, but they were consistently ignored.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-britain-china30-2009dec30,0,4153003.story</ref>

== China and obesity ==

[[File:Flag of the PRC.png|thumbnail|250px|right|China has the largest atheist population in the world.<ref>
*[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal'' Lancet'' reported that the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref>

A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>]]
''See also:'' [[China and obesity]] and [[Atheism and obesity]]

In 2014, it was reported that China's obesity rate has skyrocketed in the last 30 years and the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> The ''Wall Street Journal'' reported in 2014 that China had approximately 300 million overweight people.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal ''Lancet'' analyzed weight trends in 188 countries and reported that more than 28% of Chinese adult men and 27% of the country’s adult women are now overweight or obese.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref>

According to a 2012 report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese children in China has reached 120 million.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_yk-aM0cyk Child Obesity Reaches 120 Million in China]</ref> A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref> Due to their past [[One-child Policy|one-child policy]], which had exceptions, China now has a lot of over-pampered and over-fed children.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yuf8yg0Dbig Rising Chinese Child Obesity and Fat Camps]</ref>

Matthew Crabbe, co-author of "Fat China: How Expanding Waistlines are Changing a Nation" declared that China's surging rate of obesity is "a ticking bomb" underneath the country's future economic growth and healthcare system.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>

==Further reading==
* Chow, Gregory C. ''China's Economic Transformation'' (2nd ed. 2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Chinas-Economic-Transformation-Gregory-Chow/dp/1405156244/ref=pd_sim_b_img_3 excerpt and text search]
* Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Entwisle, Barbara, and Gail E. Henderson, eds. ''Re-Drawing Boundaries: Work, Households, and Gender in China,'' U of California Press, 2000; on 1990; [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt938nd0k8/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' (1998). 546 pp.
* Gries, Peter Hays. ''China's New Nationalism: Pride, Politics, and Diplomacy,'' U of California Press, (2004); recent history [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt9290249r/?&query=&brand=ucpress online edition free]
* Kang, David C. ''China Rising: Peace, Power, and Order in East Asia'' (2007), argues a strong China stabilizes East Asia
* Naughton, Barry. ''The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth'' (2007), important new survey
*Ogden S. (ed) ''China.'' (2006)
* Oi, Jean C. ''Rural China Takes Off: Institutional Foundations of Economic Reform,'' U of California Press, (1999) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8j49p1hv/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' (1999). 662 pp.
* Rawski, Thomas G. and Lillian M. Li, eds. ''Chinese History in Economic Perspective,'' University of California Press, 1992 [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft6489p0n6/?&query=&brand=ucpress online free]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' (1999). 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' (2000). 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition]
* Shambaugh, David. ''China's Communist Party: Atrophy and Adaptation'' (2009)
* Shambaugh, David. ''Modernizing China's Military: Progress, Problems, and Prospects'' U of California Press, (2003) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt4779q33t/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' (1998). 442 pp.

==See also==
*[[Atheistic China and alcoholism]]
*[[Atheistic China and loneliness]]
*[[Chinese History]]
*[[Chinese Painting]]
*[[China and involuntary organ harvesting]]
*[[Great Wall of China]]
*[[Oriental art]]
*[[Previous Breaking News/China|Articles about '''China''' from previous "Breaking News"]]
* [[Nuclear target structures]]
*[[Chinese National Day]]
*[[China and obesity]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.chinadetail.com/Nation/ All About China]
*[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/china/home.html People's Daily: China at a Glance]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1287798.stm BBC News - ''Country Profile: China'']
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html CIA World Factbook - ''China'']
*[http://www.monthlyreview.org/1105wu.htm "Rethinking ‘Capitalist Restoration’ in China"] by Yiching Wu
*[http://www.gov.cn/ The Central People's Government of People's Republic of China]
*[http://www.china.org.cn/ China's Official Gateway for News & Information]
*[http://www.globalpolitician.com/articles.asp?ID=341 The Dragon's Dawn: China as a Rising Imperial Power] February 11, 2005.
*[http://www.china-profile.com/history/hist_list_1.htm History of The People's Republic of China] Timeline of Key Events since 1949.
*[http://www.danwei.org/ Media, advertising, and urban life in China.]
*[http://factoidz.com/the-largest-ethnic-group-in-the-world-han-chinese-of-china/ The Largest Ethnic Group in the World: Han Chinese of China.]

{{Asian Countries}}
[[Category:China]]
[[Category:Communist States]]
[[Category:Oppression]]
[[Category:Anti-American]]
[[Category:Police State]]
[[Category:Welfare State]]
[[Category:Nuclear Target Structures]]

China

2017-11-02T04:09:10Z

AntiCommunistAction: Add in information

{{Country
|name =People's Republic of China ''Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó'' 中华人民共和国
|map =China rel01.jpg
|map2 =China location.png
|flag =Flag_of_the_PRC.png‎
|arms =Arms of PR China.png
|capital =Beijing
|capital-raw =
|government =Communist
|government-raw =
|language =Chinese (Mandarin)
|king =
|queen =
|monarch-raw =
|president =Xi Jinping
|premier =Li Keqiang
|chancellor =
|chancellor-raw =
|pm =
|pm-raw =
|area =3,704,427 sq mi
|pop =1,336,000,000 (2011)
|pop-basis =
|gdp =
|gdp-year =$47.1564 trillion (2011)
|gdp-pc =$5,432 (2011)
|currency =Yuan
|idd =
|tld =
}}
'''China''' is the world's largest country by population, with a rapidly growing economy. With thousands of years of continuous traditions, in three decades it has dramatically changed itself from a poor backward nation to a world power, and is one of the world's top economies. It has emerged as a major regional power in East Asia, averaging over 9% economic growth per year since 1978 when it introduced a market-based economic system with many elements of capitalism, to replace its old socialism. Foreign businesses have flocked to invest in China, Americans and others rush to buy its cheap factory output, Chinese exports flooded the world. It has vast reserves of dollar holdings. China is modernizing its military, has joined numerous regional and international institutions, and plays an increasingly visible role in international politics.

The nation is under control from the [[Chinese Communist Party]], which encompasses mainland China, albeit with many border disputes. The Beijing claims [[Taiwan]] as a province, but the Taipei maintains its sovereignty.

[[Hong Kong]] was transferred back to Chinese control by the [[United Kingdom]] in 1997, and [[Macau]] was handed over by [[Portugal]] in 1999. Both territories are now [[Special Administrative Region]]s and have autonomy over local affairs. Since the 1950s China has increasingly asserted brutal control over [[Tibet]].

Since China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China represents a vast market that is growing more affluent and sophisticated while remaining a low-cost base for export-oriented production. Educationally, China is forging ahead as partnerships, and exchanges with foreign universities have helped create new research opportunities for its students. China used the Summer Olympics in 2008 to showcase to the world its amazing gains of the past two decades. The new leadership is committed to generating greater economic development in the interior and providing more services to those who do not live in China's coastal areas. However, there is still much that needs to change in China.

For more information on China, see [[World History Lecture Three]].

==Name==
{{language box
|s=中国
|t=中國
|l=central nation
|p=Zhōngguó
|w=Chung1-kuo2
}}
The word "China" is derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] word ''Cin'' (چین), which is from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Cīna'' (चीन).<ref name="AmHer">"[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/China?qsrc=2888 China]". ''The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language'' (2000). Boston and New York: Houghton-Mifflin.</ref> It is first recorded in 1516 in the journal of the Portuguese explorer [[Duarte Barbosa]].<ref>"China". ''Oxford English Dictionary'' (1989). ISBN 0-19-957315-8. ''[http://books.google.com.vn/books?id=edzW9fuOF-cC&pg=PA211&dq=#v=onepage&q=%22Very%20Great%20Kingdom%20of%20China%22&f=false The Book of Duarte Barbosa]'' (chapter title "The Very Great Kingdom of China"). ISBN 81-206-0451-2. In the [http://purl.pt/435/ Portuguese original], the chapter is titled "O Grande Reino da China".</ref> The journal was translated and published in England in 1555.<ref>Eden, Richard (1555). ''Decades of the New World'': {{cite book | title=Western Views of China and the Far East, Volume 1 | publisher=Asian Research Service | year=1984 | page=34 |first=Henry Allen |last=Myers}}</ref> The traditional theory, proposed in the 17th century by Martino Martini, is that ''Cīna'' is derived from "Qin" (秦), the westernmost of the Chinese kingdoms during the [[Zhou Dynasty]].<ref name="Martini">Martino, Martin, ''Novus Atlas Sinensis'', Vienna 1655, Preface, p. 2.</ref> However, the word was used earlier in [[Hindu]] scripture, including the ''Mahābhārata'' (5th century BC) and the ''Laws of Manu'' (2nd century BC). Indian writers were not aware of China until the second century AD. Earlier usage of the word presumably refers to another entity, perhaps a country near the Tibetan-Burma border.<ref>See Liu, Lydia He, ''The Clash of Empires'', p. 77 Wade, Geoff. "[http://www.sino-platonic.org/complete/spp188_yelang_china.pdf The Polity of Yelang and the Origin of the Name 'China']". ''[[Sino-Platonic Papers]]'', No. 188, May 2009, p. 20.</ref>

==People==
===Ethnic Groups===
[[File:Chinese people.jpg|right|250px]]
China officially recognizes 56 distinct ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Han Chinese, who constitute about 91.9% of the total population. The remaining 8.1% are Zhuang (16 million), Manchu (10 million), Hui (9 million), Miao (8 million), [[Uighur]] (7 million), Yi (7 million), Mongolian (5 million), Tibetan (5 million), Buyi (3 million), Korean (2 million), and other ethnic minorities.

In July 2009 large scale rioting erupted as the [[Uighur]] minority fought Chinese riot police in major cities in China's western Xinjiang province. Hundreds are dead.<ref>See [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/world/asia/07kadeer.html?ref=world Wrik Eckholm, "China Points to Another Leader in Exile," ''New York Times'' July 6, 2009]</ref> Uighurs are angry at political, cultural and religious persecution as well as the growing presence in the region of Han Chinese - China's main ethnic group. Han now predominate in the cities, and Uighurs in the countryside. This is the first major violent unrest in China in two decades.

===Language===
[[File:China Ethnic language.jpg|thumb|left|Chinese Ethnolinguistic Groups.]]
There are seven major Chinese dialects and many subdialects. [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] (or Putonghua), the predominant dialect, is spoken by over 70% of the population. It is taught in all schools and is the medium of government. About two-thirds of the Han ethnic group are native speakers of Mandarin; the rest, concentrated in south and southeast China, speak one of the six other major Chinese dialects. Non-Chinese languages spoken widely by ethnic minorities include Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and other Turkic languages (in Xinjiang), and Korean (in the northeast).

All Chinese dialects use the same written character sets. In mainland China, the [[Simplified Chinese|Simplified]] characters have been in use since 1949.

====The Pinyin System of Romanization====
On January 1, 1979, the Chinese Government officially adopted the [[Hanyu pinyin|pinyin]] system for spelling Chinese names and places in Roman letters. A system of Romanization invented by the Chinese, pinyin has long been widely used in China on street and commercial signs as well as in elementary Chinese textbooks as an aid in learning Chinese characters and for common character input systems. Variations of pinyin also are used as the written forms of several minority languages.

Pinyin has now replaced other conventional spellings in China's English-language publications. The U.S. Government also has adopted the pinyin system for all names and places in China. For example, the capital of China is now spelled "Beijing" rather than "Peking."

In 2008 the anti-Communist government of Taiwan finally adopted the pinyin system, replaces the old [[Wade-Giles]] system which was increasingly ignored by the Chinese diaspora.

==Religion==
A February 2007 survey concluded that 31% of Chinese citizens ages 16 and over, representing 300 million persons, follow some kind of religion.<ref>This is approximately three times the official figure reported by the Government in April 2005.See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108404.htm U.S. State Department "International Religious Freedom Report 2008"]</ref>

There are reportedly more than 100,000 officially recognized sites for religious activities, 300,000 officially recognized clergy, and more than 3,000 officially recognized religious organizations.
[[File:China B.jpg|left|280px]]
The Government officially recognizes five main religions: [[Buddhism]], [[Taoism]], [[Islam]], [[Catholicism]], and [[Protestantism]]. There are five state-sanctioned "Patriotic Religious Associations" (PRAs) that manage the activities of the recognized faiths. The Russian Orthodox Church operates in some regions, particularly those with large populations of Russian expatriates or with close links to Russia. Foreign residents in the country who belonged to religious faiths not officially recognized by the Government were generally permitted to practice their religions. There is very little freedom for Christians however.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25502760</ref>

It is difficult to estimate the number of Buddhists and Taoists, because they do not have congregational memberships and many practice exclusively at home.

The Government estimated that there are 16,000 Buddhist temples and monasteries, 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, more than 1,700 reincarnate lamas, and 32 Buddhist schools. Most believers, particularly ethnic Han Buddhists, practice Mahayana Buddhism, while the majority of Tibetans and ethnic Mongolians, as well as a growing number of ethnic Chinese, practice Tibetan Buddhism, a Mahayana adaptation. Some ethnic minorities in southwest Yunnan Province practice Theravada Buddhism, the dominant tradition in parts of neighboring Southeast Asia.

There are more than 25,000 Taoist priests and nuns, more than 1,500 Taoist temples, and 2 Taoist schools. Traditional folk religions (worship of local gods, heroes, and ancestors) are practiced by hundreds of millions of citizens and are often affiliated with Taoism, Buddhism, or ethnic minority cultural practices.

The government says there are twenty million Muslims. Independent estimates range as high as fifty million or more. There are more than 40,000 Islamic places of worship (more than half of which are in the XUAR), more than 45,000 imams nationwide, and 10 Islamic schools. The country has ten predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Hui, estimated to number more than ten million. The Hui are centered in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, but there are significant concentrations of Hui throughout the country, including in Gansu, Henan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Hebei Provinces, as well as in the TAR and the XUAR. Hui Muslims slightly outnumber Uighur Muslims, who live primarily in the XUAR. According to an official 2005 report, the XUAR had 23,900 mosques and 27,000 clerics at the end of 2004, but fewer than half of the mosques were authorized to hold Friday prayer and holiday services. The country also has more than one million Kazakh Muslims and thousands of Dongxiang, Kyrgyz, Salar, Tajik, Uzbek, Baoan, and Tatar Muslims.

Officials from the Three-Self Patriotic Movement/China Christian Council (TSPM/CCC), the state-approved Protestant religious organization, estimated that at least twenty million citizens worship in official churches. Government officials stated that there are more than 50,000 registered TSPM churches and 18 TSPM theological schools. The Pew Research Center estimates that between 50 million and 70 million Christians practice without state sanction. The World Christian Database estimates that there are more than 300 unofficial house church networks.

The Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) reports that 5.3 million persons worship in its churches and it is estimated that there are an additional 12 million or more persons who worship in unregistered Catholic churches that do not affiliate with the CPA. According to official sources, the government-sanctioned CPA has more than 70 bishops, nearly 3,000 priests and nuns, 6,000 churches and meeting places, and 12 seminaries. There are thought to be approximately 40 bishops operating "underground," some of whom are in prison or under house arrest. During the reporting period, at least three bishops were ordained with papal approval. In September 2007 the official media reported that Liu Bainian, CPA vice president, stated that the young bishops were to be selected to serve dioceses without bishops and to replace older bishops. Of the 97 dioceses in the country, 40 reportedly did not have an acting bishop in 2007, and more than 30 bishops were over 80 years of age.
===Religious discrimination===
The Government restricts legal religious practice to government-sanctioned organizations and registered religious groups and places of worship, and seeks to control the growth and scope of the activity of both registered and unregistered religious groups, including "house churches." Government authorities limit proselytism, particularly by foreigners and unregistered religious groups, but permit proselytism in state-approved religious venues and private settings. The Chinese government explicitly prohibits students and civil servants from participating in certain religious practices, even when not in school or at work.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/china-bans-ramadan-fast-muslim-northwest-103756197.html Didi Tang "China bans Ramadan fast in Muslim northwest." July 3, 2014. Associated Press.]</ref>
[[File:Great Mosque Xi an China.jpg|thumb|330px|Great Mosque of Xi'an.]]
In 2008, the Government's repression of religious freedom intensified in some areas, including in Tibetan areas and in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Unregistered Protestant religious groups in Beijing reported intensified harassment from government authorities in the lead up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Media and China-based sources reported that municipal authorities in Beijing closed some house churches or asked them to stop meeting during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. During the reporting period, officials detained and interrogated several foreigners about their religious activities and in several cases alleged that the foreigners had engaged in "illegal religious activities" and cancelled their visas. Media reported that the total number of expatriates expelled by the Government due to concerns about their religious activities exceeded one hundred. Officials in the XUAR, the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and other Tibetan areas tightly controlled religious activity. The Government sought the forcible return of several Uighur Muslims living abroad, some of whom had reportedly protested restrictions on the Hajj and encouraged other Muslims to pray and fast during Ramadan. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism, including those in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and most Tibetan autonomous areas, faced more restrictions on their religious practice and ability to organize than Buddhists in other parts of the country. "Patriotic education" campaigns in the TAR and other Tibetan regions, which required monks and nuns to sign statements personally denouncing the Dalai Lama, and other new restrictions on religious freedom were major factors that led monks and nuns to mount peaceful protests at a number of monasteries on March 10, 2008. The protests and subsequent security response gave way to violence in Lhasa by March 14 and 15.

"Underground" Roman Catholic clergy faced repression, in large part due to their avowed loyalty to the Vatican, which the Government accused of interfering in the country's internal affairs. The Government continued to repress groups that it designated as "cults," which included several Christian groups and Falun Gong.

Religious and ethnic minority groups such as Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims experienced societal discrimination not only because of their religious beliefs but also because of their status as ethnic minorities with distinct languages and cultures. After the March 2008 protests in Lhasa and other Tibetan areas there were reports of increased tensions between Tibetan Buddhists and Hui Muslims.

The [[Falun Gong]] is a self-described spiritual movement that blends aspects of Taoism, Buddhism, and the meditation techniques and physical exercises of qigong (a traditional Chinese exercise discipline), with the teachings of Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi. There are estimated to have been at least 2.1 million adherents of Falun Gong before the Government cleansed and persecute the group in 1999. Hundreds of thousands may practice Falun Gong privately, but with serious risks, and once discovered by the government agents, the practitioners will be jailed, lost jobs, and may not even attend the universities.

==Population Policy==
[[Image:China Mex RGarciaOrtiz.jpg|right|Chinese at Mexico]]
{{main|One-child Policy}}

With a population officially just over 1.3 billion and an estimated growth rate of about 0.6%, China is very concerned about its population growth and has attempted with mixed results to implement a strict birth limitation policy. Until 2013 the government permitted one child per family, with allowance for a second child under certain circumstances (such as twins), especially in rural areas, and with guidelines looser for ethnic minorities with small populations. Enforcement varies, and relies largely on "social compensation fees" to discourage extra births. Official government policy opposed forced [[abortion]] or sterilization, but in some localities there were instances of forced [[abortion]]. The government's goal was to stabilize the population in the first half of the 21st century, and current projections are that the population would peak at around 1.6 billion by 2050. Boys are highly prized, and because screening of fetuses is done to determine gender, selective abortion has resulted in 119 boys born for every 100 girls. By 2020, 24 million men of marrying age will find themselves without wives.

2013 the government eased the One-child Policy strongly. Since then families in which at least one parent was an only child can have a second child now.<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/china-ease-1-child-policy-abolish-labor-camps</ref>

==Government==
The People's Republic of China is an authoritarian state in which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) constitutionally is the paramount source of power. Party members hold almost all top government, police, and military positions. Ultimate authority rests with the 25-member political bureau (Politburo) of the CCP and its nine-member standing committee. '''[[Hu Jintao]]''' holds the three most powerful positions as CCP general secretary, president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.

===Chinese Communist Party===
The 71 million member CCP, authoritarian in structure and ideology, continues to dominate government. Nevertheless, China's population, geographical vastness, and social diversity frustrate attempts to rule by fiat from Beijing. Central leaders must increasingly build consensus for new policies among party members, local and regional leaders, influential non-party members, and the population at large.

In periods of greater openness, the influence of people and organizations outside the formal party structure has tended to increase, particularly in the economic realm. This phenomenon is most apparent today in the rapidly developing coastal region. Nevertheless, in all important government, economic, and cultural institutions in China, party committees work to see that party and state policy guidance is followed and that non-party members do not create autonomous organizations that could challenge party rule. Party control is tightest in government offices and in urban economic, industrial, and cultural settings; it is considerably looser in the rural areas, where the majority of the people live.

Theoretically, the party's highest body is the Party Congress, which traditionally meets at least once every 5 years. The 17th Party Congress is expected to take place in the fall of 2007. The primary organs of power in the Communist Party include:
*The Politburo Standing Committee, which currently consists of nine members (one seat is vacant following the June 2, 2007 death of Huang Ju);
*The Politburo, consisting of 24 full members, including the members of the Politburo Standing Committee;
*The Secretariat, the principal administrative mechanism of the CCP, headed by the General Secretary;
*The Central Military Commission;
*The Discipline Inspection Commission, which is charged with rooting out corruption and malfeasance among party cadres.
===State Structure===
[[File:Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing China.jpg|thumb|left|340px|In front of the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.]]
The Chinese Government has always been subordinate to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); its role is to implement party policies. The primary organs of state power are the National People's Congress (NPC), the President (the head of state), and the State Council. Members of the State Council include Premier Wen Jiabao (the head of government), a variable number of vice premiers (now four), five state councilors (protocol equivalents of vice premiers but with narrower portfolios), and 22 ministers and four State Council commission directors.

Under the Chinese constitution, the NPC is the highest organ of state power in China. It meets annually for about 2 weeks to review and approve major new policy directions, laws, the budget, and major personnel changes. These initiatives are presented to the NPC for consideration by the State Council after previous endorsement by the Communist Party's Central Committee. Although the NPC generally approves State Council policy and personnel recommendations, various NPC committees hold active debate in closed sessions, and changes may be made to accommodate alternate views.

When the NPC is not in session, its permanent organ, the Standing Committee, exercises state power.

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===Principal Government and Party Officials===
*President—Xi Jinping
*Vice President—Li Yuanchao
*Premier, State Council—Li Keqiang
*NPC Chair—Wu Bangguo
*Vice Premier—Zhang Gaoli
*Politburo Standing Committee—Hu Jintao (General Secretary), Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun, Luo Gan
*Other Politburo Members—Cao Gangchuan, Guo Boxiong, He Guoqiang, Hui Liangyu, Liu Qi, Liu Yunshan, Wang Lequan, Wang Zhaoguo, Wu Yi, Yu Zhengsheng, Zeng Peiyan, Zhang Dejiang, Zhang Lichang, Zhou Yongkang, Wang Gang (alternate)
*Alternate Politburo Members—Wang Gang
*Chairman, Central Military Commission—Hu Jintao
*Foreign Minister—Yang Jiechi
*Minister of Commerce—Bo Xilai
*Minister of Finance—Jin Renqing
*Minister of Agriculture—Sun Zhengcai
*Minister of Information Industry—Wang Xudong
*Governor, People's Bank of China—Zhou Xiaochuan
*Minister, State Development and Reform Commission—Ma Kai
*Ambassador to U.S.--Zhou Wenzhong
*Ambassador to UN—Wang Guangya

===Foreign Relations===
[[Image:Chinese painting.jpg|thumb|Chinese painting.]]
Since its establishment, the People's Republic has worked vigorously to win international support for its position that it is the sole legitimate government of all China, including Hong Kong, Macau, and [[Taiwan]]. In the early 1970s, Beijing was recognized diplomatically by most world powers. [[Beijing]] (Pekin) assumed the China seat in the [[United Nations]] in 1971 and has since become increasingly active in multilateral organizations. Japan established diplomatic relations with China in 1972, and the United States did so in 1979. As of July 2007, the number of countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing had risen to 167, while 24 maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

After the founding of the P.R.C., China's foreign policy initially focused on solidarity with the Soviet Union and other communist countries. In 1950, China sent the People's Liberation Army into North Korea to help North Korea halt the UN offensive that was approaching the Yalu River. After the conclusion of the Korean conflict, China sought to balance its identification as a member of the Soviet bloc by establishing friendly relations with Pakistan and other Third World countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.

In the 1960s, Beijing competed with Moscow for political influence among communist parties and in the developing world generally. Following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and clashes in 1969 on the Sino-Soviet border, Chinese competition with the Soviet Union increasingly reflected concern over China's own strategic position.

In late 1978, the Chinese also became concerned over Vietnam's efforts to establish open control over Laos and Cambodia. In response to the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, China fought a brief border war with Vietnam (February–March 1979) with the stated purpose of "teaching Vietnam a lesson."

Chinese anxiety about Soviet strategic advances was heightened following the Soviet Union's December 1979 invasion of Afghanistan. Sharp differences between China and the Soviet Union persisted over Soviet support for Vietnam's continued occupation of Cambodia, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and Soviet troops along the Sino-Soviet border and in Mongolia—the so-called "three obstacles" to improved Sino-Soviet relations.

In the 1970s and 1980s China sought to create a secure regional and global environment for itself and to foster good relations with countries that could aid its economic development. To this end, China looked to the West for assistance with its modernization drive and for help in countering Soviet expansionism, which it characterized as the greatest threat to its national security and to world peace.
[[File:Map South Asia.jpg|left|400px]]
China maintained its consistent opposition to "superpower hegemony," focusing almost exclusively on the expansionist actions of the Soviet Union and Soviet proxies such as Vietnam and Cuba, but it also placed growing emphasis on a foreign policy independent of both the U.S. and the Soviet Union. While improving ties with the West, China continued to follow closely economic and other positions of the Third World nonaligned movement, although China was not a formal member.

In the immediate aftermath of Tiananmen crackdown in June 1989, many countries reduced their diplomatic contacts with China as well as their economic assistance programs. In response, China worked vigorously to expand its relations with foreign countries, and by late 1990, had reestablished normal relations with almost all nations. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991, China also opened diplomatic relations with the republics of the former Soviet Union.

In recent years, Chinese leaders have been regular travelers to all parts of the globe, and China has sought a higher profile in the UN through its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral organizations. Closer to home, China has made efforts to reduce tensions in Asia, hosting the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program, cultivating a more cooperative relationship with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and participating in the ASEAN Regional Forum. China has also taken steps to improve relations with countries in South Asia, including India. Following Premier Wen's 2005 visit to India, the two sides moved to increase commercial and cultural ties, as well as to resolve longstanding border disputes. The November 2006 visit of President Hu was the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to India in 10 years.

China has likewise improved ties with Russia, with Presidents Putin and Hu exchanging visits to Beijing and Moscow in April 2006 and March 2007. A second round of Russia-China joint military exercises is scheduled for fall 2007. China has played a prominent role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional grouping that includes Russia and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Beijing has resolved many of its border and maritime disputes, notably including a November 1997 agreement with Russia that resolved almost all outstanding border issues and a 2000 agreement with Vietnam to resolve differences over their maritime border, though disagreements remain over islands in the South China Sea. Relations with Japan improved following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's October 2006 visit to Beijing, although longstanding and emotionally charged disputes over history and competing claims to portions of the East China Sea remain sources of tension.

While in many ways Sudan's primary diplomatic patron, China has played a constructive role in support of peacekeeping operations in Southern Sudan and pledged to contribute an engineering unit in support of UN operations in Darfur. China has stated publicly that it shares the international community's concern over Iran's nuclear program and has voted in support of UN sanctions resolutions on Iran. Set against this has been an effort on the part of China to maintain close ties to countries such as Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela, which are sources of oil and other resources and which welcome China's non-conditional assistance and investment.

==Political Conditions==
===Legal System===
The government's efforts to promote rule of law are significant and ongoing. After the Cultural Revolution, China's leaders aimed to develop a legal system to restrain abuses of official authority and revolutionary excesses. In 1982, the National People's Congress adopted a new state constitution that emphasized the rule of law under which even party leaders are theoretically held accountable.

Since 1979, when the drive to establish a functioning legal system began, more than 300 laws and regulations, most of them in the economic area, have been promulgated. The use of mediation committees—informed groups of citizens who resolve about 90% of China's civil disputes and some minor criminal cases at no cost to the parties—is one innovative device. There are more than 800,000 such committees in both rural and urban areas.

Legal reform became a government priority in the 1990s. Legislation designed to modernize and professionalize the nation's lawyers, judges, and prisons was enacted. The 1994 Administrative Procedure Law allows citizens to sue officials for abuse of authority or malfeasance. In addition, the criminal law and the criminal procedures laws were amended to introduce significant reforms. The criminal law amendments abolished the crime of "counter-revolutionary" activity, although many persons are still incarcerated for that crime. Criminal procedures reforms also encouraged establishment of a more transparent, adversarial trial process. The Chinese constitution and laws provide for fundamental human rights, including due process, but these are often ignored in practice. In addition to other judicial reforms, the Constitution was amended in 2004 to include the protection of individual human rights and legally-obtained private property, but it is unclear how those provisions will be implemented. Although new criminal and civil laws have provided additional safeguards to citizens, previously debated political reforms, including expanding elections to the township level, and other legal reforms, including the reform of the reeducation through labor system, have been put on hold.

==Military==
Establishment of a professional military force equipped with modern weapons and doctrine was the last of the "Four Modernizations" announced by Zhou Enlai and supported by Deng Xiaoping. In keeping with Deng's mandate to reform, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which includes the strategic nuclear forces, army, navy, and air force, has demobilized millions of men and women since 1978 and introduced modern methods in such areas as recruitment and manpower, strategy, and education and training.
[[File:China military.jpg|left]]
Following the June 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, ideological correctness was temporarily revived as the dominant theme in Chinese military affairs. Reform and modernization appear to have since resumed their position as the PLA's priority objectives.

The Chinese military is in the process of transforming itself from a land-based power, centered on a vast ground force, to a smaller, mobile, high-tech military eventually capable of mounting limited operations beyond its coastal borders.

China's power-projection capability is limited but has grown over recent years. China has acquired some advanced weapons systems from abroad, including Sovremmeny destroyers, SU-27 and SU-30 aircraft, and Kilo-class diesel submarines from Russia, and continued to develop domestic production capabilities, such as for the domestically-developed J-10 fighter aircraft. However, much of its air and naval forces continues to be based on 1960s-era technology. As the Defense Department's Quadrennial Defense Review, released February 2006, noted, the U.S. shares with other countries a concern about the pace, scope, and direction of China's military modernization. We view military exchanges, visits, and other forms of engagement are useful tools in promoting transparency, provided they have substance and are fully reciprocal. Regularized exchanges and contact also have the significant benefit of building confidence, reducing the possibility of accidents, and providing the lines of communication that are essential in ensuring that episodes such as the April 2001 EP-3 aircraft incident do not escalate into major crises. During their April 2006 meeting, President Bush and President Hu agreed to increase officer exchanges and to begin a strategic nuclear dialogue between STRATCOM and the Chinese military's strategic missile command. U.S. and Chinese militaries are also considering ways in which we might cooperate on disaster assistance relief.

===Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Policy ===
In 1955, Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party decided to proceed with a nuclear weapons program; it was developed with Soviet assistance until 1960. After its first nuclear test in October 1964, Beijing deployed a modest but potent ballistic missile force, including land- and sea-based intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

China became a major international arms exporter during the 1980s. Beijing joined the Middle East arms control talks, which began in July 1991 to establish global guidelines for conventional arms transfers, but announced in September 1992 that it would no longer participate because of the U.S. decision to sell F-16A/B aircraft to Taiwan.

China was the first state to pledge "no first use" of nuclear weapons. It joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1984 and pledged to abstain from further atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in 1986. China acceded to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1992 and supported its indefinite and unconditional extension in 1995. In 1996, it signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and agreed to seek an international ban on the production of fissile nuclear weapons material. To date, China has not ratified the CTBT.

In 1996, China committed not to provide assistance to un-safeguarded nuclear facilities. China became a full member of the NPT Exporters (Zangger) Committee, a group that determines items subject to IAEA inspections if exported by NPT signatories. In September 1997, China issued detailed nuclear export control regulations. China began implementing regulations establishing controls over nuclear-related dual-use items in 1998. China also has committed not to engage in new nuclear cooperation with Iran (even under safeguards), and will complete existing cooperation, which is not of [[proliferation]] concern, within a relatively short period. In May 2004, with the support of the United States, China became a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Based on significant, tangible progress with China on nuclear nonproliferation, President Clinton in 1998 took steps to bring into force the 1985 U.S.-China Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation.

===Missiles===
Although it is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the multinational effort to restrict the proliferation of missiles, in March 1992 China undertook to abide by MTCR guidelines and parameters. China reaffirmed this commitment in 1994, and pledged not to transfer MTCR-class ground-to-ground missiles. In November 2000, China committed not to assist in any way the development by other countries of MTCR-class missiles. However, in August 29, 2003, the U.S. Government imposed missile proliferation sanctions lasting two years on the Chinese company China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) after determining that it was knowingly involved in the transfer of equipment and technology controlled under Category II of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex that contributed to MTCR-class missiles in a non-MTCR country.

In December 2003, the P.R.C. promulgated comprehensive new export control regulations governing exports of all categories of sensitive technologies.

==Economy ==
China's economy, based on rice and wheat farming, was generally prosperous until the 18th century. Population pressures, and failure to adopt new technology led to an impoverished nation by 1900.

After Mao's death the policy of modernization along Western lines has led to a remarkable rate of economic growth in the industrial cities, which have pulled in millions of peasants from the still poor rural areas. Slack environmental standards have led to serious pollution problems.

The modern Chinese economy has benefited from investments from Taiwan and Hong Kong. They jumped far ahead of China by 1970 in terms of technology, and in recent years have invested in mainland industries.

These two factors have changed Chinese economy, from a command economy to a more socialist state, with the Chinese economy increasingly in the hands of privately owned businesses, not state- or military-run enterprises. The 2001 declaration by Jiang Zemin (former leader of the Communist Party) of the "theory of three represents"—that the CCP represents not only workers, but also intellectuals and entrepreneurs—was an explicit affirmation of what had been a trend for the previous years

[[File:National Stadium, Beijing.jpg|thumb|250px|National Stadium, Beijing.]]
Since 1980 China has enjoyed the highest economic growth rates in the world. Suddenly in mid-2008, the growth rate slowed sharply from 11% a year to only 5.5%. Much of the economy was geared to exports, and building factories for exports to the United States and Japan. When the [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] hit, exports fell off and prices for industrial products like steel fell in half. Many factories were shut down. The decline has especially hit steel, cement and the construction industry. The government in November 2008 announced a $586 billion stimulus program to build roads, dams, electric grids and other infrastructure projects that are designed to supplement the international market.<ref>David Barboza, "Great Engine of China Slows ," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/business/worldbusiness/26chinasteel.html?_r=1 ''New York Times'' Nov. 25, 2008]</ref>

Since 1979, China has largely rejected socialism and embraced capitalism, while maintaining Communist party rule. Private ownership of the means of production has dramatically reduced poverty and increased wealth, especially in the cities but also in rural areas. Nationally the GDP (in 2007 prices) has exploded from 2 trillion yuan in 1980 to 25 trillion in 2007.

As late as 1980 60% of the people in rural China lives in poverty; by 2007 fewer than 5% did. Grain production has grown 300 to 500 tons per person, and rural income per person has soared from a few hundred yuan in 1980 to over 4000.<ref>See ''Economist'' Dec. 13, 2008</ref>

The reforms reformed and opened its economy. The Chinese leadership has adopted a more pragmatic perspective on many political and socioeconomic problems, and has reduced the role of ideology in economic policy. China's ongoing economic transformation has had a profound impact not only on China but on the world. The market-oriented reforms China has implemented over the past two decades have unleashed individual initiative and entrepreneurship. The result has been the largest reduction of poverty and one of the fastest increases in income levels ever seen. China today is the fourth-largest economy in the world. It has sustained average economic growth of over 9.5% for the past 26 years. In 2006 its $2.76 trillion economy was about one-fifth the size of the U.S. economy.

In the 1980s, China tried to combine central planning with market-oriented reforms to increase productivity, living standards, and technological quality without exacerbating inflation, unemployment, and budget deficits. China pursued agricultural reforms, dismantling the commune system and introducing a household-based system that provided peasants greater decision-making in agricultural activities. The government also encouraged nonagricultural activities such as village enterprises in rural areas, and promoted more self-management for state-owned enterprises, increased competition in the marketplace, and facilitated direct contact between Chinese and foreign trading enterprises. China also relied more upon foreign financing and imports.

During the 1980s, these reforms led to average annual rates of growth of 10% in agricultural and industrial output. Rural per capita real income doubled. China became self-sufficient in grain production; rural industries accounted for 23% of agricultural output, helping absorb surplus labor in the countryside. The variety of light industrial and consumer goods increased. Reforms began in the fiscal, financial, banking, price-setting, and labor systems.

By the late 1980s, however, the economy had become overheated with increasing rates of inflation. At the end of 1988, in reaction to a surge of inflation caused by accelerated price reforms, the leadership introduced an austerity program.
[[File:Shanghai China CIA.jpg|thumb|left|280px|The Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai overlooks the Huangpu River.]]
China's economy regained momentum in the early 1990s. During a visit to southern China in early 1992, China's paramount leader at the time, Deng Xiaoping, made a series of political pronouncements designed to reinvigorate the process of economic reform. The 14th Party Congress later in the year backed Deng's renewed push for market reforms, stating that China's key task in the 1990s was to create a "socialist market economy." The 10-year development plan for the 1990s stressed continuity in the political system with bolder reform of the economic system.

China's economy grew at an average rate of 10% per year during the period 1990-2004, the highest growth rate in the world. China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 10.0% in 2003, and even faster, 10.1%, in 2004, and 9.9% in 2005 despite attempts by the government to cool the economy. China's total trade in 2006 surpassed $1.76 trillion, making China the world's third-largest trading nation after the U.S. and Germany. Such high growth is necessary if China is to generate the 15 million jobs needed annually—roughly the size of Ecuador or Cambodia—to employ new entrants into the job market.

Nevertheless, serious imbalances exist behind the spectacular trade performance, high investment flows, and high GDP growth. High numbers of non-performing loans weigh down the state-run banking system. Inefficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are still a drag on growth, despite announced efforts to sell, merge, or close the vast majority of SOEs.

Social and economic indicators have improved since reforms were launched, but rising inequality is evident between the more highly developed coastal provinces and the less developed, poorer inland regions. According to World Bank estimates, more than 152 million people in China in 2003—mostly in rural areas of the lagging inland provinces—still live in poverty, on consumption of less than U.S. $1 a day.

Following the Chinese Communist Party's Third Plenum, held in October 2003, Chinese legislators unveiled several proposed amendments to the state constitution. One of the most significant was a proposal to provide protection for private property rights. Legislators also indicated there would be a new emphasis on certain aspects of overall government economic policy, including efforts to reduce unemployment (now in the 8-10% range in urban areas), to rebalance income distribution between urban and rural regions, and to maintain economic growth while protecting the environment and improving social equity. The National People's Congress approved the amendments when it met in March 2004. The Fifth Plenum in October 2005 approved the 11th Five-Year Economic Program aimed at building a "harmonious society" through more balanced wealth distribution and improved education, medical care, and social security.

===Agriculture===
China is the world's most populous country and one of the largest producers and consumers of agricultural products. Roughly half of China's labor force is engaged in agriculture, even though only 10% of the land is suitable for cultivation and agriculture contributes only 13% of China's GDP. China's cropland area is only 75% of the U.S. total, but China still produces about 30% more crops and livestock than the U.S. because of intensive cultivation, China is among the world's largest producers of rice, corn, wheat, soybeans, vegetables, tea, and pork. Major non-food crops include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds. China hopes to further increase agricultural production through improved plant stocks, fertilizers, and technology. Incomes for Chinese farmers are stagnating, leading to an increasing wealth gap between the cities and countryside. Government policies that continue to emphasize grain self-sufficiency and the fact that farmers do not own—and cannot buy or sell—the land they work have contributed to this situation. While this was the case in China before Communism, many other countries have since embrace individual ownership while China has not. In addition, inadequate port facilities and lack of warehousing and cold storage facilities impede both domestic and international agricultural trade.

===Industry===
{{History of China (full)}}
Industry and construction account for about 46% of China's GDP. Major industries are mining and ore processing; iron; steel; aluminum; coal, machinery; textiles and apparel; armaments; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products including footwear, toys, and electronics; automobiles and other transportation equipment including rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; and telecommunications.

China has become a preferred destination for the relocation of global manufacturing facilities. Its strength as an export platform has contributed to incomes and employment in China. The state-owned sector still accounts for about 40% of GDP. In recent years, authorities have been giving greater attention to the management of state assets—both in the financial market as well as among state-owned-enterprises—and progress has been noteworthy.

===Regulatory Environment===
Though China's economy has expanded rapidly, its regulatory environment has not kept pace. Since Deng Xiaoping's open market reforms, the growth of new businesses has outpaced the government's ability to regulate them. This has created a situation where businesses, faced with mounting competition and poor oversight, will be willing to take drastic measures to increase profit margins, often at the expense of consumer safety. This issue has recently acquired more prominence, with a number of restrictions being placed on problematic Chinese exports by the U.S. The Chinese Government recognizes the severity of the problem, recently concluding that up to 20% of the country's products are substandard or tainted.

===Energy===
Together with strong economic growth, China's demand for energy is surging rapidly. In 2003, China surpassed Japan to become the second-largest consumer of primary energy, after the United States. China is the world's second-largest consumer of oil, after the United States, and for 2006, China's increase in oil demand represented 38% of the world total increase in oil demand. China is also the third-largest energy producer in the world, after the United States and Russia. China's electricity consumption is expected to grow by over 4% a year through 2030, which will require more than $2 trillion in electricity infrastructure investment to meet the demand. China expects to add approximately 15,000 megawatts of generating capacity a year, with 20% of that coming from foreign suppliers.

Coal makes up the bulk of China's energy consumption (70% in 2005), and China is the largest producer and consumer of coal in the world. As China's economy continues to grow, China's coal demand is projected to rise significantly. Although coal's share of China's overall energy consumption will decrease, coal consumption will continue to rise in absolute terms. China's continued and increasing reliance on coal as a power source has contributed significantly to putting China on the path to becoming the world's largest emitter of acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide and green house gases, including carbon dioxide.

The 11th Five-Year Program, announced in 2005, calls for greater energy conservation measures, including development of renewable energy sources and increased attention to environmental protection. Moving away from coal towards cleaner energy sources including oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power is an important component of China's development program. China has abundant hydroelectric resources; the Three Gorges Dam, for example, will have a total capacity of 18 gigawatts when fully on-line (projected for 2009). In addition, the share of electricity generated by nuclear power is projected to grow from 1% in 2000 to 5% in 2030. China's renewable energy law, which went into effect in 2006, calls for 10% of its energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Since 1993, China has been a net importer of oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Net imports are expected to rise to 3.5 million barrels per day by 2010. China is interested in diversifying the sources of its oil imports and has invested in oil fields around the world. Beijing also plans to increase China's natural gas production, which currently accounts for only 3% of China's total energy consumption. Analysts expect China's consumption of natural gas to more than double by 2010.

In May 2004, then-Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) that launched the U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue. The Dialogue has strengthened energy-related interactions between China and the United States, the world's two largest energy consumers. The U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue builds upon the two countries' existing cooperative ventures in high energy nuclear physics, fossil energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy and energy information exchanges. The NDRC and the Department of Energy also exchange views and expertise on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies, and we convene an annual Oil and Gas Industry Forum with China.

===Environment===
[[Image:Tianmenshan mountain.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Tian Shan, Gong Yuan, or Sky Mountain park, literally, is a world heritage site.]]
One of the serious negative consequences of China's rapid industrial development has been increased pollution and degradation of natural resources. China is widely expected to surpass the United States as the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases sometime in 2007 or 2008. A World Health Organization report on air quality in 272 cities worldwide concluded that seven of the world's 10 most polluted cities were in China. According to China's own evaluation, two-thirds of the 338 cities for which air-quality data are available are considered polluted—two-thirds of them moderately or severely so. Respiratory and heart diseases related to air pollution are the leading cause of death in China. Almost all of the nation's rivers are considered polluted to some degree, and half of the population lacks access to clean water. By some estimates, every day approximately 300 million residents drink contaminated water. Ninety percent of urban water bodies are severely polluted. Water scarcity also is an issue; for example, severe water scarcity in Northern China is a serious threat to sustained economic growth and the government has begun working on a project for a large-scale diversion of water from the Yangtze River to northern cities, including Beijing and Tianjin. Acid rain falls on 30% of the country. Various studies estimate pollution costs the Chinese economy 7%-10% of GDP each year.

China's leaders are increasingly paying attention to the country's severe environmental problems. In 1998, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) was officially upgraded to a ministry-level agency, reflecting the growing importance the Chinese Government places on environmental protection. In recent years, China has strengthened its environmental legislation and made some progress in stemming environmental deterioration. In 2005, China joined the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development, which brings industries and governments together to implement strategies that reduce pollution and address climate change. During the 10th Five-Year Plan, China plans to reduce total emissions by 10%. Beijing in particular is investing heavily in pollution control as part of its campaign to host a successful Olympiad in 2008. Some cities have seen improvement in air quality in recent years.

China is an active participant in climate change talks and other multilateral environmental negotiations, taking environmental challenges seriously but pushing for the developed world to help developing countries to a greater extent. It is a signatory to the Basel Convention governing the transport and disposal of hazardous waste and the Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and other major environmental agreements.

The question of environmental impacts associated with the Three Gorges Dam project has generated controversy among environmentalists inside and outside China. Critics claim that erosion and silting of the Yangtze River threaten several endangered species, while Chinese officials say the dam will help prevent devastating floods and generate clean hydroelectric power that will enable the region to lower its dependence on coal, thus lessening air pollution.

The United States and China are members of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP). The APP is a public-private partnership of six nations—Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States—committed to explore new mechanisms to meet national pollution reduction, energy security and climate change goals in ways that reduce poverty and promote economic development. APP members have undertaken cooperative activities involving deployment of clean technology in partner countries in eight areas: cleaner fossil energy, renewable energy and distributed generation, power generation and transmission, steel, aluminum, cement, coal mining, and buildings and appliances.

The United States and China have been engaged in an active program of bilateral environmental cooperation since the mid-1990s, with an emphasis on clean energy technology and the design of effective environmental policy. While both governments view this cooperation positively, China has often compared the U.S. program, which lacks a foreign assistance component, with those of Japan and several European Union (EU) countries that include generous levels of aid.

===Science and Technology===
Science and technology have always preoccupied China's leaders; indeed, China's political leadership comes almost exclusively from technical backgrounds and has a high regard for science. Deng called it "the first productive force." Distortions in the economy and society created by party rule have severely hurt Chinese science, according to some Chinese science policy experts. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, modeled on the Soviet system, puts much of China's greatest scientific talent in a large, under-funded apparatus that remains largely isolated from industry, although the reforms of the past decade have begun to address this problem.

Chinese science strategists see China's greatest opportunities in newly emerging fields such as biotechnology and computers, where there is still a chance for China to become a significant player. Most Chinese students who went abroad have not returned, but they have built a dense network of trans-Pacific contacts that will greatly facilitate U.S.-China scientific cooperation in coming years. The U.S. space program is often held up as the standard of scientific modernity in China. China's small but growing space program, which successfully completed their second manned orbit in October 2005, is a focus of national pride.

The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement remains the framework for bilateral cooperation in this field. A 5-year agreement to extend the Science and Technology Agreement was signed in April 2006. The Agreement is among the longest-standing U.S.-China accords, and includes over eleven U.S. Federal agencies and numerous branches that participate in cooperative exchanges under the S&T Agreement and its nearly 60 protocols, memoranda of understanding, agreements and annexes. The Agreement covers cooperation in areas such as marine conservation, renewable energy, and health. Biennial Joint Commission Meetings on Science and Technology bring together policymakers from both sides to coordinate joint science and technology cooperation. Executive Secretaries meetings are held biennially to implement specific cooperation programs. Japan and the European Union also have high-profile science and technology cooperative relationships with China.
====Internet====
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has criticized Chinese censorship and restrictions on the Intrernet, and China is pushing back since the Communist Party considers Internet control essential if it is to keep power and avoid elections. The government has denied suggestions by Google that a major, sophisticated assault on Google in late 2009 was sponsored by the government. The attack targeted email accounts used by dissidents, the weak point in China's political dictatorship. Google is threatening to ignore the censorship policies demanded by the government, and perhaps leave the country. The Communist Party promotes Internet use for commerce, but heavily censors content it deems pornographic, anti-social or politically subversive and blocks many foreign news and social media sites, including Twitter Facebook, and YouTube.

===Poor Medical care===
China, like most Communist countries, gives low priority to medicine and medical care. China only spends 1% of GDP on health care, ranking #156 out of 196 nations surveys by the World Health Organization. Many people rely on traditional practitioners, having more faith in acupuncture than modern science. In any case few have the opportunity to receive modern drugs or treatment with advanced devices. The local clinic has only a thermometer and stethoscope for instrumentation, and very few modern drugs. Only one in six medical personnel have a college degree, and those degrees are not high quality. The ordinary people want more medical care but that hardly matters, for in a dictatorship violence matters, but not public opinion.<ref>Gordon Fairclaugh, "In China, Rx for Ailing Health System," ''Wall Street Journal,'' Oct. 15, 2009</ref>

===Trade===
China's merchandise exports totaled $969.3 billion and imports totaled $791.8 billion in 2006. Its global trade surplus surged from $32 billion in 2004 to $177.5 billion in 2006. China's primary trading partners include Japan, the EU, the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. According to U.S. statistics, China had a trade surplus with the U.S. of $232.6 billion in 2006.

China has taken important steps to open its foreign trading system and integrate itself into the world trading system. In November 1991, China joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, which promotes free trade and cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, and technology spheres. China served as APEC chair in 2001, and Shanghai hosted the annual APEC leaders meeting in October of that year.

China formally joined the WTO in December 2001. As part of this far-reaching trade liberalization agreement, China agreed to lower tariffs and abolish market impediments. Chinese and foreign businessmen, for example, gained the right to import and export on their own, and to sell their products without going through a government middleman. By 2005, average tariff rates on key U.S. agricultural exports dropped from 31% to 14% and on industrial products from 25% to 9%. The agreement also opens up new opportunities for U.S. providers of services like banking, insurance, and telecommunications. China has made significant progress implementing its WTO commitments, but serious concerns remain, particularly in the realm of intellectual property rights protection.

While accession does not guarantee smaller trade deficits, full implementation of all WTO commitments would further open China's markets to—and help level the playing field for—U.S. exports. China is now one of the most important markets for U.S. exports: in 2006, U.S. exports to China totaled $55.2 billion, almost triple the $19 billion when China joined the WTO in 2001 and up 32% over 2005. U.S. agricultural exports have increased dramatically, making China our fourth-largest agricultural export market (after Canada, Japan, and Mexico). Over the same period (2001-2006), U.S. imports from China have risen from $102 billion to $287.8 billion.

Export growth continues to be a major driver of China's rapid economic growth. To increase exports, China has pursued policies such as fostering the rapid development of foreign-invested factories, which assemble imported components into consumer goods for export, and liberalizing trading rights. In its eleventh Five-Year Program, adopted in 2005, China placed greater emphasis on developing a consumer demand-driven economy to sustain economic growth and address global imbalances.

The United States is one of China's primary suppliers of power generating equipment, aircraft and parts, computers and industrial machinery, raw materials, and chemical and agricultural products. However, U.S. exporters continue to have concerns about fair market access due to strict testing and standards requirements for some imported products. In addition, a lack of transparency in the regulatory process makes it difficult for businesses to plan for changes in the domestic market structure. The April 11, 2006 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) produced agreements on key U.S. trade concerns ranging from market access to U.S. beef, medical devices, and telecommunications; to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including, significantly, software. The JCCT also produced an agreement to establish a U.S.-China High Technology and Strategic Trade Working Group to review export control cooperation and facilitate high technology trade.

===Foreign Investment===
China's investment climate has changed dramatically in 24 years of reform. In the early 1980s, China restricted foreign investments to export-oriented operations and required foreign investors to form joint-venture partnerships with Chinese firms. Foreign direct investment (FDI) grew quickly during the 1980s, but stalled in late 1989 in the aftermath of Tiananmen. In response, the government introduced legislation and regulations designed to encourage foreigners to invest in high-priority sectors and regions. Since the early 1990s, China has allowed foreign investors to manufacture and sell a wide range of goods on the domestic market, and authorized the establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises, now the preferred form of FDI. However, the Chinese Government's emphasis on guiding FDI into manufacturing has led to market saturation in some industries, while leaving China's services sectors underdeveloped. China is now one of the leading recipients of FDI in the world, receiving almost $80 billion in 2005 according to World Bank statistics.

As part of its WTO accession, China undertook to eliminate certain trade-related investment measures and to open up specified sectors that had previously been closed to foreign investment. New laws, regulations, and administrative measures to implement these commitments are being issued. Major remaining barriers to foreign investment include opaque and inconsistently enforced laws and regulations and the lack of a rules-based legal infrastructure.

Opening to the outside remains central to China's development. Foreign-invested enterprises produce about half of China's exports, and China continues to attract large investment inflows. Foreign exchange reserves were $1.1 trillion at the end of 2006, and have now surpassed those of Japan, making China's foreign exchange reserves the largest in the world.
===Higher education===
Despite fears that China may be outpacing the United States in turning out engineers, the number of college students in China who study engineering is on the decline, according to ''Global Times'', a Chinese newspaper. Fewer than one in 10 college graduates in 2009 majored in engineering. Instead, students are turning to economics, finance, and management, which pay more and carry more social status. "Engineering usually makes people think of factories, while factories often give people an impression of hard work, low wages, and layoffs," the newspaper quoted one professor as saying.

Meanwhile, China is building universities overnight, and sending graduate students to the U.S. for PhD's so they can become professors.

The exodus of Chinese undergraduate and graduate students continues; as 180,000 left in 2008, about 25% percent more than in 2007, as more families were able to pay overseas tuition. For every four students who left in the past decade, only one returned; those with American PhDs in science or engineering the least likely to return. The intellectual vitality, quality of science, pay scales and political climate is much more attractive in the West. Those who return to China risk being shunned as "foreigners".<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/world/asia/07scholar.html?hp Sharon LaFraniera, "Fighting Trend, China Is Luring Scientists Home," ''New York Times'' Jan. 6. 2010]</ref>
===The Chinese in Africa===
China has been spending huge amounts of money and time buying influence in various African countries.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2011/0217/China-s-latest-trade-visit-to-Africa-reveals-a-different-approach-to-business]</ref> China has given 45 Afriacn countries $115 billion, a figure which is growing at 44% every year. Africa has many desirable resources such as [[diamonds]], [[oil]], and rare earth metals such as [[Indium]] which is used to make the touch screens for new high-tech devices such as [[Apple]]'s [[iPad]]<ref>[http://blogs.indium.com/blog/an-interview-with-the-professor/assembled-cost-of-an-ipad]</ref> and [[iPhone]], often under [[sweat shop]] conditions.

China's aim in Africa seems to be to buy up the emerging markets of the developing nations there. China has a big population, but does not have many of the resources (see above) that they will need to improve themselves. When countries go through [[industrialization]] they need to use a lot more resources, and China does not have them. By buying up Africa they get these natural resources cheaply. They will also be able to use these resources as poker chips against the west.
US ambassador [[Johnnie Carson]] believes "China has no morals" in Africa,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/12/09/cable-kenya-risks-new-violence-reforms/]</ref> which may be true given their [[communist]] ideology.

== History ==
{{main|History of China}}

Although archaeologists have found settlements in China dating to [[5000 BC]], the earliest nation that can be dated in the area of modern China is the [[Shang Dynasty]], approximately [[2000 BC]].
[[File:Great Wall of China.jpg|left|240px]]
Dynasty followed dynasty, as old regimes would lose the "mandate of heaven;" it was believed that each emperor ruled only with the approval of heaven, and a ruler who was unfit to rule would curse the nation until replaced. In addition, the Chinese capital would occasionally be overrun by "barbarians," who invariably would start a new dynasty in the Chinese capital, integrating their nations into the former dynasty.

Chinese had an advanced artistic culture and well-developed science and technology. However, its science and technology stood still after 1700 and in the 21st century very little survives outside museums, except in for the popular forms of traditional medicine.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by large-scale civil wars, major famines, military defeats by Britain and Japan, regional control by powerful warlords and foreign intervention such as the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900. In 1911 a revolution deposed the [[Qing dynasty]] and the [[Republic of China]] was proclaimed.

Under the leadership of the [[KMT]] (Kuomintang), headed by [[Chiang Kai-shek]] (1887-1975), the central government finally suppressed the local warlords who effectively controlled many provinces. The KMT tried to destroy the Communists under [[Mao Zedong]], but they escaped in the "Long March" of 1934-35. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931, and in 1937 invaded all of China, seizing the coast, the major cities, and setting up a puppet government that controlled most of the population. China was allied with the U.S. and Britain against Japan, and at war's end joined the United Nations as a permanent member of the 5-nation Security Council, with a veto.

In 1945-46, the U.S. attempted to force a negotiated settlement between the KMT and the Communists, but failed. In the face of economic collapse the Communists won the civil war in 1949 under [[Mao Zedong]] established a dictatorship, driving the KMT to Taiwan. Taiwan is recognized as an integral part of China in theory, but in practice has been independent since 1949.

Mao liquidated millions of opponents, fought the United States in the bloody [[Korean War]] (1950–53), and around 1960 broke bitterly with the Soviet Union over the issue of who best represented the Marxist orthodoxy. Mao's regime imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.

After 1978, Mao's successor [[Deng Xiaoping]] focused on market-oriented economic development, and by 2000 output had quadrupled, population growth ended (by imposing a one-child policy), and good relations were secured with the West. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls and Internet censorship remain tight.

China's economy during the last quarter century has changed from a centrally planned system that was largely closed to international trade, to a more market-oriented economy that has a rapidly growing private sector and is a major player in the global economy.

== Human Rights ==
Under Mao millions of Chinese were killed by famines or government action against the middle classes. The "[[Cultural Revolution]]" in the 1960s was a counterattack against intellectuals endorsed by Mao; it set back China by decades until his death in 1976.

After the mid-1980s the new leader [[Deng Xiaoping]] promoted rapid modernization. While Mao's memory was still revered, most of his brutal policies were ended and much economic freedom—and a dash of political liberalization—was allowed. Intellectuals were encouraged to speak out again and to share in a new spirit of "democratization." However Communist party leaders in 1986 warned that modernization must not be used as an excuse to introduce "bourgeois philosophies and social doctrines." By late 1986 student groups began to demonstrate demanding more student participation in local government, a greater degree of democracy, and better living conditions. As demonstrations escalated Hu Yaobang, the general secretary of the party, resigned, confessing that he had made major mistakes and would take responsibility for them. It was a setback to political and economic liberalization, though Hu remained, out of office, a symbol of the potential for democracy. Hu's death in April 1989, sparked widespread public rallies in favor of broad social changes in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities. Tens of thousands of students defied a government clampdown to demonstrate in May in [[Tiananmen Square]] central Beijing. The Party moved to kill dissent, sending uneducated rural troops into square on June 3–4; hundreds of demonstrators were killed, wounded, or arrested. The world was appalled. Following the savage repression of democrats in all major cities Deng Xiaoping appeared to be even more firmly in control.

The China country reports in the U.S. State Department's 2009 Human Rights Practices and International Religious Freedom Reports<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref> noted China's well-documented and continuing abuses of human rights in violation of internationally recognized norms, stemming both from the authorities' intolerance of dissent and the inadequacy of legal safeguards for basic freedoms. Reported abuses have included arbitrary and lengthy incommunicado detention, forced confessions, torture, and mistreatment of prisoners as well as severe restrictions on freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, religion, privacy, worker rights, and coercive birth limitation. In 2006, China continued the monitoring, harassment, intimidation, and arrest of journalists, Internet writers, defense lawyers, religious activists, and political dissidents. The activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), especially those relating to the rule of law and expansion of judicial review, continue to be restricted.

In 2008 China loosened its restrictions somewhat for the Summer Olympics. The government arbitrarily closes down Internet access to prevent the people from learning about the world.

Human rights failures remain a major concern. Abatement of pollution and improvements in systems to ensure food, drug, and product safety are major concerns, especially after notorious episodes of exporting poisoned pet food, toothpaste and infant formula.
===Repression in 2008===
In 2008 China's human rights record remained poor and worsened in some areas. During the year the government increased its severe cultural and religious repression of ethnic minorities in Tibetan areas and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), increased detention and harassment of dissidents and petitioners, and maintained tight controls on freedom of speech and the Internet. Abuses peaked around high-profile events, such as the Olympics and the unrest in Tibet. As in previous years, citizens did not have the right to change their government. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), both local and international, continued to face intense scrutiny and restrictions. Other serious human rights abuses included extrajudicial killings, torture and coerced confessions of prisoners, and the use of forced labor, including prison labor. Workers cannot choose an independent union to represent them in the workplace, and the law does not protect workers' right to strike. The government continued to monitor, harass, detain, arrest, and imprison journalists, writers, activists, and defense lawyers and their families, many of whom were seeking to exercise their rights under the law.<ref>See [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eap/119037.htm U.S. State Department, ''2008 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)'' Feb. 25, 2009]</ref>
===Execution Controversy===
In December 2009, China executed a man named Akmal Shaikh for drug smuggling. There is evidence that Shaikh was mentally ill, but he was not given a psychological exam of any sort before the trial. He was not given an examination because the Chinese government declared that neither Shaikh or his family could prove he was mentally ill through documentation or family history. The British government made many requests for clemency, including at an eleventh-hour meeting with the Chinese ambassador, but they were consistently ignored.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-britain-china30-2009dec30,0,4153003.story</ref>

== China and obesity ==

[[File:Flag of the PRC.png|thumbnail|250px|right|China has the largest atheist population in the world.<ref>
*[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal'' Lancet'' reported that the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref>

A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>]]
''See also:'' [[China and obesity]] and [[Atheism and obesity]]

In 2014, it was reported that China's obesity rate has skyrocketed in the last 30 years and the Chinese now have the second highest obesity rate in the world.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> The ''Wall Street Journal'' reported in 2014 that China had approximately 300 million overweight people.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJvV62yD2E Chubby China: Nation of 300 Million Overweight People]</ref> In 2014, the British medical journal ''Lancet'' analyzed weight trends in 188 countries and reported that more than 28% of Chinese adult men and 27% of the country’s adult women are now overweight or obese.<ref>[http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/05/29/as-obesity-rises-chinese-kids-are-almost-as-fat-as-americans/ As Obesity Rises, Chinese Kids Are Almost as Fat as Americans], ''Wall Street Journal'' Chinarealtime, May 29, 2014</ref>

According to a 2012 report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese children in China has reached 120 million.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_yk-aM0cyk Child Obesity Reaches 120 Million in China]</ref> A recent study published in the ''Obesity Reviews'' journal, found that Chinese teenagers' rate of [[diabetes]] was four times that of their [[United States|American]] peers.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref> Due to their past [[One-child Policy|one-child policy]], which had exceptions, China now has a lot of over-pampered and over-fed children.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yuf8yg0Dbig Rising Chinese Child Obesity and Fat Camps]</ref>

Matthew Crabbe, co-author of "Fat China: How Expanding Waistlines are Changing a Nation" declared that China's surging rate of obesity is "a ticking bomb" underneath the country's future economic growth and healthcare system.<ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/china/2012-09/14/content_26521029.htm Obesity is a growing concern in China] By Pang Li, China.org.cn, September 14, 2012</ref>

==Further reading==
* Chow, Gregory C. ''China's Economic Transformation'' (2nd ed. 2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Chinas-Economic-Transformation-Gregory-Chow/dp/1405156244/ref=pd_sim_b_img_3 excerpt and text search]
* Eberharad, Wolfram. ''A History of China'' (2005), 380 pages' [http://books.google.com/books?id=5LgjunIn1CEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:history+intitle:china&num=30&as_brr=1&sig=k1CgHXYb6jQ6BgdwVpUWngov7So full text online free]
* Entwisle, Barbara, and Gail E. Henderson, eds. ''Re-Drawing Boundaries: Work, Households, and Gender in China,'' U of California Press, 2000; on 1990; [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt938nd0k8/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Fairbank, John King and Goldman, Merle. ''China: A New History.'' (1998). 546 pp.
* Gries, Peter Hays. ''China's New Nationalism: Pride, Politics, and Diplomacy,'' U of California Press, (2004); recent history [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt9290249r/?&query=&brand=ucpress online edition free]
* Kang, David C. ''China Rising: Peace, Power, and Order in East Asia'' (2007), argues a strong China stabilizes East Asia
* Naughton, Barry. ''The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth'' (2007), important new survey
*Ogden S. (ed) ''China.'' (2006)
* Oi, Jean C. ''Rural China Takes Off: Institutional Foundations of Economic Reform,'' U of California Press, (1999) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8j49p1hv/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Perkins, Dorothy. ''Encyclopedia of China: The Essential Reference to China, Its History and Culture.'' (1999). 662 pp.
* Rawski, Thomas G. and Lillian M. Li, eds. ''Chinese History in Economic Perspective,'' University of California Press, 1992 [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft6489p0n6/?&query=&brand=ucpress online free]
* Roberts, J. A. G. ''A Concise History of China.'' (1999). 341 pp.
* Schoppa, R. Keith. ''The Columbia Guide to Modern Chinese History.'' (2000). 356 pp. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-columbia-guide-to-modern-chinese-history-by-r-keith-schoppa.jsp online edition]
* Shambaugh, David. ''China's Communist Party: Atrophy and Adaptation'' (2009)
* Shambaugh, David. ''Modernizing China's Military: Progress, Problems, and Prospects'' U of California Press, (2003) [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt4779q33t/?&query=&brand=ucpress complete text online free]
* Spence, Jonathan D. ''The Search for Modern China'' (1991), 876pp; well written survey from 1644 to 1980s [http://www.amazon.com/Search-Modern-China-Jonathan-Spence/dp/0393307808/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2 excerpt and text search]; [http://www.questia.com/read/98946348 complete edition online]
* Wang, Ke-wen, ed. ''Modern China: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture, and Nationalism.'' (1998). 442 pp.

==See also==
*[[Atheistic China and alcoholism]]
*[[Atheistic China and loneliness]]
*[[Chinese History]]
*[[Chinese Painting]]
*[[China and involuntary organ harvesting]]
*[[Great Wall of China]]
*[[Oriental art]]
*[[Previous Breaking News/China|Articles about '''China''' from previous "Breaking News"]]
* [[Nuclear target structures]]
*[[Chinese National Day]]
*[[China and obesity]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.chinadetail.com/Nation/ All About China]
*[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/china/home.html People's Daily: China at a Glance]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1287798.stm BBC News - ''Country Profile: China'']
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html CIA World Factbook - ''China'']
*[http://www.monthlyreview.org/1105wu.htm "Rethinking ‘Capitalist Restoration’ in China"] by Yiching Wu
*[http://www.gov.cn/ The Central People's Government of People's Republic of China]
*[http://www.china.org.cn/ China's Official Gateway for News & Information]
*[http://www.globalpolitician.com/articles.asp?ID=341 The Dragon's Dawn: China as a Rising Imperial Power] February 11, 2005.
*[http://www.china-profile.com/history/hist_list_1.htm History of The People's Republic of China] Timeline of Key Events since 1949.
*[http://www.danwei.org/ Media, advertising, and urban life in China.]
*[http://factoidz.com/the-largest-ethnic-group-in-the-world-han-chinese-of-china/ The Largest Ethnic Group in the World: Han Chinese of China.]

{{Asian Countries}}
[[Category:China]]
[[Category:Communist States]]
[[Category:Oppression]]
[[Category:Anti-American]]
[[Category:Police State]]
[[Category:Welfare State]]
[[Category:Nuclear Target Structures]]