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Rethinking China's Path of Industrialization

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  • Harry X. Wu

Abstract

This study shows that China's post-1949 state-led industrialization has closely followed an underlying path that began in the late nineteenth century. It was initiated by pressing national defence needs and has since been motivated by the same and strong incentives for a faster catch-up with the West despite radical regime shifts. Government determined or influenced resource allocation benefited selected industries and hence nurtured vested interest groups connecting and integrating with the ruling elite, which have strengthened and sustained the path.

Suggested Citation

  • Harry X. Wu, 2011. "Rethinking China's Path of Industrialization," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2011-076, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2011-076
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2011-076.pdf
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