So just about everywhere you go someone is talking about the 30th anniversary of the economic reforms and opening up here in China.
Seriously. My students talk about it. CCTV has specials on it each night. Magazine covers are emblazoned with the phrase.
So, my contribution is an historic compilation from YouKu, the Chinese equivalent of YouTube. Check it out as the videos are put together in chronological order.
Oh, and the guy in the top right is Deng Xiao Ping, who is curiously never talked about outside of China — despite the fact that he was pretty much a badass. It’s probably because he actually stopped creating Five Year plans and allowed market forces to work, which would make him persona non grata on Capitol Hill nowadays.
If you can’t view it, check out this brief overview of Deng’s reforms over at YouTube from the semi-decent miniseries Commanding Heights:
And here is another informative video from the same series: