| dc.description.abstract | The Chinese economy was in financial straits, which forced Deng Xiaoping to turn “right” towards a capitalistic market economy. Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen, Shantou, and Hainan were five special economic zones which had geographical advantages, economy-inclined policies, and a distinctive economic management system to attract foreign investment and create outstanding economic accomplishments. On the other hand, this also gave rise to the disputes between the conservatives and reformists and initiated grievances from the inland provinces of China. Furthermore, many political, economic, and social cancers and disputes were also derived from such results. The open policy enforced in the economic zones along the coast was a success; the Chinese government then further expanded its open policy to areas along rivers and boarders, and the policy on developing West China was also launched. These policies catapulted China to one of the “BRICs” in the 21st century and the second-largest economy in the world. The economic zones that were advocated by Deng Xiaoping became China’s bellwether of reform and open policy, leading China onto the world stage.
Is the nature of economic zones socialistic or capitalistic? Other than having outstanding economic accomplishments, what are their political implications? China’s economic growth has arrested much attention in the world, but its gap between rich and poor has gotten wider, and unequal regional developments have caused grievance, resistance, and petition issues. But why does the government still have the power to suppress such upheaval? Whereas the establishment of special economic zones have its positive and beneficial effects, are there any problems that can be called into question? These problems will be further discussed and researched in the paper. | en_US |