Skip to main content
China’s remarkable transformation marks 75 years of socialist progress
Despite relentless hostility, the People’s Republic of China has lifted millions out of poverty, and become a global leader in innovation and climate action, while pursuing peaceful development in a multipolar world, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ
RED MILESTONE: Huge crowds dance at a parade for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, October 2019

OCTOBER 1 2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, when Mao Zedong declared that “the Chinese people have stood up.”

In the intervening period, China has undergone an extraordinary transformation.

Life expectancy has increased from around 35 to over 78 years, surpassing that of the US. Universal literacy has been achieved. Extreme poverty and malnutrition have been eliminated. Famines are a thing of the past.

The Rebirth of the African Phoenix, by Roger McKenzie
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with French President Emmanu
Features / 7 March 2025
7 March 2025
CARLOS MARTINEZ condemns Europe’s failure to develop genuine autonomy from US hegemony, as leaders like Starmer and Macron cling to a declining imperial order rather than building good relations with the emerging powers
Taklimakan desert workers
Features / 28 December 2024
28 December 2024
Chinese socialist planning and action over decades have created the world’s greatest reforestation programme, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ, and now its lessons in fighting desertification and climate change are taking root worldwide
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the return cap
Features / 9 July 2024
9 July 2024
Brussels is following the US’s lead in slapping punitive duties on China’s electric vehicles, sabotaging Europe’s climate goals and economic interests to appease Biden’s anti-Beijing crusade, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the return cap
Features / 28 June 2024
28 June 2024
Brussels is following the US’s lead in slapping punitive duties on China’s electric vehicles, sabotaging Europe’s climate goals and economic interests to appease Biden’s anti-Beijing crusade, writes CARLOS MARTINEZ
Similar stories
Delegates chat as they leave the Great Hall of the People af
Features / 22 March 2025
22 March 2025
From renewable tech to alternatives to the dollar, BEN CHACKO was encouraged by an optimistic meeting held by the China Media Group this week
POSITIVE MESSAGE: Chinese Premier Li Qiang
Features / 17 March 2025
17 March 2025
China’s opening up empowers the world, and Sino-European co-operation especially holds immense potential, argues LIANG TAO, from infrastructure and industrial capacity to cultural exchange between two ancient civilisations
A Fuxing high-speed train running near the Beijing Central B
Books / 29 January 2025
29 January 2025
GABRIEL ROCKHILL recommends a perfect primer on contemporary China
DISCUSSION: Speakers (left to right) Ben Chacko of the Morni
Features / 30 September 2024
30 September 2024
BEN CHACKO reports from a day-long event to commemorate the achievements of the People’s Republic of China, from combating poverty to striving for a more peaceful world