World Geography: China Essay

This essay examines China's historical self-perception as the 'Middle Kingdom,' analyzing its implications. It delves into the significant challenges posed by China's rapid population growth, including the impact of the one-child policy and its consequences on economic development and environmental sustainability. The essay further explores the rapid industrialization of China, highlighting both its achievements and the negative externalities, such as pollution and resource depletion. The conclusion synthesizes these aspects, acknowledging China's economic progress while emphasizing the ongoing challenges related to population demographics and environmental concerns.

World Geography #1: Discuss China in
terms of being the “Middle Kingdom,”
population growth issues, and
industrialization
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Contents
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................3
Discussion:.................................................................................................................................3
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................3
References:.................................................................................................................................4
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Introduction:
China is one of the most developed nations in the world today with one of the oldest cultures.
The country is popularly referred to as the ‘Middle Kingdom’ by most of its citizens out of
pride. The people of the country have named it ‘Zhonggou’ in their local language which
means ‘Middle Kingdom’ or ‘Central Kingdom’ when translated into English. The name
itself depicts the belief of the citizens of the country that China is the most developed nation
and it is the centre of attraction in the global arena(Middle Kingdom Traditional Kung Fu &
Wellness School, 2014). But, one of the major concerns of the country has been its ever-
increasing population that has affected its economy adversely and is affecting the
industrialization process that could have otherwise been even far-reaching than the present
situation.
Discussion:
The population of China currently stands at a colossal 1,410,983,757 and counting as on 6th
October 2017, as per the calculations of the United Nations (Worldometers, 2017). The
country has the history of one of the fastest rates of childbirth owing to which the
Government implemented the one-child policy in 1979. This has been somewhat successful
in achieving the desired outcome or else there were problems of lack of employment in
organized sectors and many of the Chinese had to take up agricultural farming or similar
professions to tend for themselves and their families. This has also led to the uncontrolled
increase in pollution from the unregulated factories which have hired these workers that
created large dumping of wastes that has polluted the environment. Along with this, there has
been significant rise in the levels of air pollution due to lack of proper environmental safety
strategies by the over-crowded unregulated factories. The incessant growth of the population
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has impacted the progress of the economy of the country adversely (Lozeau, 2007). Though,
it is undeniable that China is currently one of the most industrially developed nations in the
world, yet this achievement has come for a price. The huge population along with the rising
number of industries and factories coupled with gargantuan depletion of resources have
tantamount to colossal levels of pollution that is a major threat to the country and also other
nations on the planet (Uno, 2015).
Conclusion:
On a concluding note to this essay, it can be comprehended that despite being one of the most
developed nations in the world in terms of economy, technology and infrastructure, China has
started to feel the brunt of its large population, though the one-child policy is being followed
since the last three decades. The huge population has delayed the economic development
process and rapidly incessant desire to industrialize and become the world leader has been
able to overcome the shortcoming of the population explosion but the development of the
economy cannot supress the negative aspects of the country like extremely high levels of
pollution, ageing population and rising instances of infertility among couples owing to the
age-old one-child policy. In a nutshell, China needs to be showered with all the praises for the
kind of development and growth it has achieved with such a sizeable population but the
negative effects of extreme desire for power and becoming the world leader cannot be veiled
and the economy has already started manifestations of an ominous change to the population
demography owing to a host of negative factors acting against the nation.
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References:
Lozeau, B. (2007). The Effects of Population Growth on Economic Performances in China
and India. Brussels Journal of International Studies; Vol. 4 , 1-6.
Middle Kingdom Traditional Kung Fu & Wellness School. (2014). Why Is China Called The
Middle Kingdom? Retrieved from http://www.learnmartialartsinchina.com/kung-fu-
school-blog/why-is-china-called-the-middle-kingdom/
Uno, R. (2015). The Rising of China: It’s industrialization, Urbanization and it’s
consequences. Retrieved from
https://history.libraries.wsu.edu/spring2015/2015/02/05/humans-and-the-
environment-the-history-of-air-pollution-and-the-effects-on-china-today/
Worldometers. (2017). China Population (1950 - 2018). Retrieved from
http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/china-population/
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