CHINA: A Land of Contradictions
Numerous "contradictions" [Contradictions] or dichotomies exist in Chinese culture today. These contradictions have a spatial dimension.
Authoritarian Government / Opening of the Economy
Most noticable today is the authoritarian government yet an opening-up of the economy. The Chinese government, centered in Beijing,is one of the few governments where the communist party is still in control.
Yet this communist controlled governemnt has established a series of Special Economic Zones [SEZs] and other special areas where varying degrees of market-based capitalism is allowed. Most of these areas are located along the southeast coast of China. as a result, this southeast coast, which was always more exposed to outside ideas, is transforming into a more Western and urban way of life, while the leaders in Beijing continue to enforce their authoritarian policies.
Inward-Looking History / Outward-Looking Future
Related to the first contradiction is the second: an inward-looking history and and outward-looking future. The Great Wall of China [Wall] represents more than just historical protection against invading Mongols (from Mongolia in the north [chcount]). The great wall of China represents the historical isolation of the Chinese culture and the historical inward focus of Chinese leaders. Today, China's attention has shifted to the eastern and southern coast [SEZs] as China uses its new factories and ports to export its products around the world.
Rural Interior / Urbanizing Coast
The third contradiction continues the theme of the first two, a rural interior and a rapidily urbanizing south and eastern coast. The vast majority of the Chinese people are agriculturalists [chaglab]. Only 30% of Chinese live in urban areas. Yet the world's attention is focused on China's rapidly growing and industrializing cities [Cities].
Wheat Growing North / Rice Growing South
Tillable Land / Non-Tillable Land
Finally, there are two agricultural contradictions: the wheat growing north and the rice growing south [Agric.], and the tillable east and the non-tillable west [Climate].
Study these maps to get an idea of the spatial representation of these contradictions [Agric.] [Climate].
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