Contemporary China: Global, Environmental, and Societal Issues

US-China Trade War

Conflict centered on massive trade deficit, allegations of IP theft, and forced technology transfers.

Intellectual Property (IP) Theft

Allegations against China for stealing foreign companies’ trade secrets and technology.

Tariffs

Taxes imposed on imports that impact bilateral trade relations.

Decoupling/De-risking

West's strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

China’s global infrastructure strategy aimed at enhancing trade connectivity.

Debt-trap diplomacy

Criticism of BRI suggesting that developing countries may default on loans to China.

Made in China 2025

Strategy to transition China into a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.

Real Estate Bubble

Economic situation in China where property is overvalued, impacting GDP.

Ghost Cities

Developed cities in China with extensive infrastructure but few residents.

Evergrande Crisis

Major debt crisis involving a leading Chinese property developer.

Air Pollution

Significant environmental problem in China, primarily from coal burning and vehicles.

Smog/Fog Haze

Common form of air pollution affecting major Chinese cities.

Climate Change Impact

Vulnerability of China to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Dual Carbon Goals

China's commitment to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

New Energy Vehicles (NEVs)

Electric and hybrid vehicles promoted by the Chinese government.

Gaokao (高考)

The National College Entrance Examination, the key determinant for university admission in China.

Hukou System

Household registration system that ties social benefits to one's birthplace.

Left-Behind Children

Children in rural areas whose parents work in cities, leading to educational inequality.

996 Culture

Work practice in tech industry involving 9 am to 9 pm work hours, 6 days a week.

Tangping (Lying Flat - 躺平)

Youth movement rejecting competitive work culture in favor of minimalism.

Demographic Crisis

Challenges posed by an aging population and declining birth rates in China.

Taiwan

Province claimed by the PRC with rising tensions due to international relations.

South China Sea

Region where China claims historical rights, leading to disputes with neighboring countries.

India Border Disputes

Ongoing tensions between China and India over territorial skirmishes.

Xinjiang (Uighurs)

Region where China has faced accusations of detaining ethnic Uighurs in re-education camps.

Censorship and The Great Firewall

Government control restricting internet access and free speech in China.

Face (Mianzi)

Cultural concept in China involving reputation and social harmony.

One-Child Policy

Previous population control policy, replaced by the current Three-Child Policy.

Three-Child Policy

Current government policy aimed at encouraging larger families.

Environmental Challenges

Complications arising from rapid industrialization including pollution.

Trade Deficit

Economic condition where a country's imports exceed its exports.

Forced Technology Transfers

Requirement for foreign companies to share technology to enter the Chinese market.

WTO Role

World Trade Organization's function as a mediator in trade disputes.

Robotics and Biotechnology

Key sectors targeted for development in China's Made in China 2025 plan.

Tangping (躺平)

Counter-culture movement advocating for minimalism over conventional success.

Evergrande's debt

Significant financial liabilities of one of China’s largest property developers.

Urban Migration

Movement of people from rural areas to cities seeking better opportunities.

Ghost Cities Phenomenon

Construction of cities in China with minimal occupation and investment.

PM2.5 Levels

Air quality measurement that is a primary concern in major Chinese cities.

Renewable Energy Leadership

China's position as a leading producer of solar panels and wind turbines.

Cultural Taboo

Social norm against publicly challenging authority in Chinese culture.

Social Benefits

Healthcare and education support linked to the Hukou system.

Aging Population

Demographic issue resulting from historical population control policies.

Manufacturing Powerhouse

A goal for China to enhance technological capabilities in production.

Rural-Urban Divide

Disparity in access to benefits like education and healthcare between rural and urban populations.

Environmental Regulations

Policies implemented to tackle pollution and promote sustainability.

National Interests

Country-specific goals that might lead to international disputes.

Subsidies

Government financial support aimed at stimulating economic sectors.

Market Access

Ability of companies to enter into and operate in a market.