China's Openness and Reform at 30: Retrospect and Prospect

In 1978 China made a historic decision to adopt a policy of openness and reform. This ushered in a period of rapid economic transformation and social change. After 30 years, China's record of economic success and modernization is breathtaking and unprecedented, despite environmental costs and social inequality. China's development is uneven, lagging behind in political reforms, the minimization of social conflicts and the narrowing of regional inequalities. As China faces its future, the road to a true market economy and modernization remains a long and arduous one. Rural-urban disparity, economic and social Support for farmers, and an ageing population represent some challenging and intractable concerns. A "harmonious society" has been identified as the vision to lead China forward.