When former leader, Deng Xiaoping announced a reform and opening-up programme in 1978, on the back of a tumultuous Cultural Revolution, China was one of the poorest countries in the world, poorer even than most sub-Saharan African countries.
Over the 40 years of the project, over 800 million people were provided with sustainable livelihoods and homes. By December 2020, 832 national-level counties have an increased purchasing power of above 4.2 LCU in 2019.
As of November 2020, disposable income for rural dwellers in China was ¥27, 540 which is $2, 463.55, while that of urban dwellers is ¥64, 084 which is about $9, 868.34.
Having attracted investment in virtually all areas of the economy, from physical infrastructure to the digital, to the marine and outer space, China operates in the big league.