And ~1400 China used to represent 30% of the world economy. They are now only at 18%. More seriously, every indicators points to a general improvement. In term

And ~1400 China used to represent 30% of the world economy. They are now only at 18%. More seriously, every indicators points to a general improvement. In term of economy, China went from representing 4% of the world economy to the 18% mentioned previously. On a more "individual quality of life" side of things, life expectancy went from 45 years in 1950 to 65 at the end of Mao Zedong era (1975) to 76 years today. > PS: Of note the 1950’s GDP was after a long civil war. That's a bit of an understatement... China basically spent over a century in turmoil, starting with the First Opium War then the Second, various revolts, the Boxers Rebellion, the 2 sino-japanese wars (with the second far from a pretty story...) and in the end, a civil war (and that's a very incomplete list). This period is remembered as the Century of Humiliation. Basically China is regaining its natural place in the world order.