China

China is the planet’s most populous country and second largest by land mass. Its civilization is one of the world’s oldest, and it has maintained an advanced economy for two millennia. A single-party socialist state, China has been governed by the Communist Party since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 under Mao Zedong, who would usher in both the Cultural Revolution and the Great Leap Forward.

China has become one of the globe’s fastest-growing post-industrial economies since reforms were put into place in 1978 by Deng Xiaoping and his supporters, and its rapid industry growth since then has led to competition with the United States and Europe. China’s expanding economic and global influence and perceived authoritarianism have contributed to its image as a formidable world power and played into both regional clashes and accusations of censorship and civil rights violations.

Keep up to date on breaking news in China and explore our extensive archive below.