Red Capitalism in South China

This book describes the dramatic economic and spatial transformationin China’s Pearl River Delta region over the past decade. Reformsintroduced by the Chinese government since 1978 were the cause of thistransformation. The Pearl River Delta has had the highest recorded rateof economic growth in East Asia and has done so through a pattern ofdevelopment which differed significantly from that found in otherregions of fast growth.

George Lin reviews the processes by which this remarkabletransformation was achieved and discusses the implications of suchchange. Red Capitalism in South China looks at theories ofregional development and the patterns of spatial and economicrestructuring in the Delta, and provides three case studies which focuson the transformation of the peasant economy, transport development,and the influence of Hong Kong.

This book represents the best account yet available of theimplications of change in South China. It examines a phenomenon ofparticular importance not only because the speed, and magnitude ofchanges taking place in the region are truly fascinating but alsobecause its patterns of growth and development are distinct from thoseof the Western capitalist world or the former Soviet Union and EasternEurope.