70 Years of the People’s Republic of China: Economic Achievements

Since its proclamation on October 1, 1949, the People’s Republic of China has undergone various stages of development, including difficult ones. Undoubtedly, the reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978 opened China’s most fruitful period. Owing to its great reserves of foreign currency and gold, China has become not only a “world factory,” but also a “world banker” – or more precisely a “ world investor”.

During the 40 years of reforms, statistical income per capita has risen 20 times. Never before in history has any country developed for so many decades at such a pace, and made such a huge cultural and economic leap in such a short time. Currently, China is promoting globalization, global free market, environmental consciousness and peaceful cooperation between all states.

Two professors from the Renmin University of China in Beijing during the meeting will present China’s economic successes. Professor Huang Weiping, who took part in our debates previously, will present China’s advancement in international economic relations, while Professor Peng Gang will talk about China’s progress towards eradicating poverty, resulting from delayed economic development, wars and semi-colonial exploitation.

“The series is the first in many years public presentation of topics related to contemporary Asia and its relations with Poland and the rest of the world. Participation in the whole series may provide a sound knowledge base for individuals interested in the region, for example for students of International Relations and Asian Studies”, says Professor Krzysztof Gawlikowski, Director of the Center for East Asian Civilization at SWPS University.

Format of Meetings

The Center for East Asian Civilization at SWPS University has been invited by the Public Library at Koszykowa Street in Warsaw to prepare a series of public panel discussions and presentations on East Asia, under the common title “Asian Dilemmas”. The topics discussed during these meetings include contemporary matters of the region as well as its international relations, with a special focus on the relations with Poland.

The first series, entitled “China - the New Power” run from January 2014 to June 2016. The meetings took place every last Thursday of the month. The new series, “Asian Dilemmas”, devoted to economic, political, cultural and social issues of the region, starts on October 27, 2016.

The panellists will include renowned Polish and international specialists and government representatives, experienced in relations with Asia. The series is organized in cooperation with Warszawska Szkoła Reklamy [Warsaw School of Advertising], which provides video recordings of the meetings, available on the websites of SWPS University and the Public Library of Warsaw.

The Asian Studies program offered at SWPS University in Warsaw, which focuses on China and East Asia, is unique in Poland and Europe.

The program offers an intensive Chinese (Mandarin) language learning (720 hours of instructions) and emphasises the practical use of language in everyday and business situations. Additionally, SWPS University offers an additional semester of study in China and supports students in securing scholarships for studying in Asia.

Students of Asian Studies become familiar with the culture, traditions and contemporary issues of the region. They learn about specifics of diplomacy in the region, international organizations and Asian business.

Additionally, they acquire competencies indispensable in relations with all Asian countries and especially with China - the biggest and most prominent country in the region.

SWPS University also offers English Studies program with extended Chinese (Mandarin).

More about the Program »