In the grand scheme of China's recorded history, 30 years is not a very considerable period of time. However, if one considers the pace of development that China has witnessed the last 30 years, this relatively short period of time has to be considered one of the most influential times in modern Chinese history. Initiated by then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, the Reform and Opening Up process started in 1978 put China on the path to becoming one of the most economically significant nations in the world. So on this, the 30th anniversary of the beginning of Reform and Opening Up, we'll be looking back and taking stock of what the last 30 years have meant not only for China's fortunes, but for the world's as well.

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. In this special edition of our program we'll be talking about 30 years of Reform and Opening Up in China. So let's get started.

(Music)

First let's hear from an expert in China's economic history. Professor John Wong is the Research Director of East Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore.

(Dialogue with Wong)

And after a short break, we're going to hear from a young Australian politician with a close connection to China.

(Promo)

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. I'm Paul James in Beijing. In this special edition of our program we're analyzing what 30 years of Reform and Opening Up here in China has meant for this country and for the world as well. For more on this we had an opportunity to sit down recently with Michael Johnson, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Ryan in Australia.

(Dialogue with Johnson)

And with that we close out this special edition of  People In the Know, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. Before the year is out, we plan on bringing you more insight into the Reform and Opening Up process on its 30th anniversary, because there can be little question that this was one of the most important events initiated to help bring China where it is today. Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn. For Executive Director Zhao Yang and Producers Chen Mo and Xu Yang, I'm Paul James in Beijing. Enjoy the day.