A heated discussion on the live stream of Talking China showcased contrasting perspectives on China's economic status. One expert stressed that the Chinese mainland's development is not uniform. Liu Zhiqin, a senior fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, observed that journeys through the western, central, and southwestern regions reveal stark differences compared to bustling first-tier cities. He argued that these regional imbalances mean that assessing a nation’s progress requires more than just overall GDP figures.
Offering another viewpoint, Li Cheng, founding director of the Center on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong, pointed to China's rise as the world’s second largest economy with an ever-increasing GDP per capita. Li contended that labeling China as impoverished misses the nuance of its rapid development. He urged that both the North and the South approach China’s story with empathy, fostering a balanced and inclusive global dialogue.
This debate highlights the complex narrative of China's development—a blend of historical challenges and remarkable economic milestones. For young global citizens, business professionals, thought leaders, and digital nomads, understanding these layered dynamics is essential to appreciating the evolving global economy and the rich tapestry of growth across the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
Expert: China is still a developing country and part of Global South
cgtn.com
