China has been transformed from a self-enclosed, planned economy to a
market-based one that is a part of the international community. With
China's rapid emergence and great achievements, other countries
increasingly want to learn more about this mysterious Oriental country
and the miraculous changes taking place there. However, abroad, the
public, high-ranking officials, media, and academia may not have a clear
picture of China. Chinese scholars views on their country and beyond are
not well understood by foreign scholars and overseas officials, and
scholars do not appreciate China's realities. Legitimate claims and
well-intentioned expressions from China are often misunderstood or
distorted by the media, and it seems that the world is unprepared for a
changing China. China needs to know itself and the outside world, and
the world needs to have a closer look at China. Developing diversified
channels and platforms of communication is necessary both in China and
the outside world. Although China has become the world's second largest
economy, its GDP per capita is very low. China must deepen reform and
expand, balance efficiency with fair income distribution, use resources
in more efficient, refined, and clean ways, and challenge its
enterprises to assume more social responsibilities. Only in this way can
China complete its historic transition from a developing country to a
mature, modernized country. [Subject: Chinese Studies, Economics]
